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#SaturdaySchool: The Art of the CV

July 3, 2012 By 1 Comment

The CV (curriculum vitae) or “course of life” is quite possibly the most important document that many professionals will create and use. Interestingly, when I searched for CV advice online, I found that private recruiters and others (who aren’t on hiring committees and rarely place academics into work) dominate much of the information that appears on the first many pages of Google searching. Get information from medical and academic folks in the hiring and job search process and see what they say.

Here are some great resources to get you started with your own CV, but be sure to read the important insights from academics and scholars who have been there and done that.

The OWL at Purdue: Writing the Curriculum Vitae

American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP): How to Prepare Your Curriculum Vitae

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#SaturdaySchool: The Art of the CV

Each week @ProfRagsdale gathers loyal followers around the twitter hearth to spread knowledge, build community, and create change. (June 30, 2012)

Storified by FunkNBeans · Mon, Jul 02 2012 17:45:48

Im looking 4ward 2 #SaturdaySchool 2day-topic is CV advice & I can tell from looking at 100s of CVs -folks need this info!Rhonda Ragsdale
.". @profragsdale Ok, I’ll bite, what’s CV. already looked at hashatags, still not sure. Constant Velocity?Patrick James
@Filthycreatures a CV is a curriculum vital (similar to a resume) – I will be explaining what it is & who needs 1 n just a few tweets :-) Rhonda Ragsdale
@Filthycreatures but in a way — yes a CV is the constant velocity of academics & many other professionals ;-) #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
1st of all – let’s chat about what a #CV is & why u would need 1 #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
CV or curriculum vitae is Latin 4 course of life – it should show relevant life experiences #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
In UK & most of Europe CV is another term 4 resume, but n US we tend 2 use it differently #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
A CV is an advertisement of ur experience – it has 2 b on point if u want 2 b competitive #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
When hiring managers look at stack of 100s of CVs, they eliminate a lot just by the look of them #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
@WorldHouseMD Good morning — thanks 4 joining us 4 #SaturdaySchool – this CV info is great 4 medical folks :-) Rhonda Ragsdale
A CV is different from resume bcuz of things listed & also usually bcuz of length – CVs can b quite lengthy #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
I strongly suggest anyone using a CV have full-length, give-em-all-u-got version AND a 1-page CV 2 #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
CVs r used n medical fields, academics & other professional careers #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
@profragsdale The other day, I was talking to my #JRMC202 students abt the diff btwn a resume and a CV. It was new info to some. #AUCKim Fox
@KimFoxWOSU I’m surprised by # of people looking 4 jobs n fields that use CVs but have no info about CVs #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
Some journalists, executives, entrepreneurs use short-style CVs cuz they r more flexible than standard resumes #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
CVs can include a wide range of categories, while resumes tend 2 b limited 2 few standards related 2 business #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
If u suspect u might need a CV ur probably right – have 1 prepared n case it’s requested or can b used #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
Any time ur given an option between submitting resume or CV, choose CV or give em both – CVs show off more #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
Look at several CVs & think about formats that seem most professional & kind of items that r listed on them #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
There r lots of guidelines but no hard rules when it comes 2 CV formats-get idea of what various sources say #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
@profragsdale The goal is to get an interview. Learn to write a good CV/resume lead-in that attracts attention and then list achievements.Bob Spencer
@binhkhe I agree but when looking thru 100s, easy 2 see past gimmicks so accomplishments must b strength of CV #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
Many scholars have their CVs posted online but can b difficult 2 find -hunt on their institution’s website #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
Pay particular attn 2 kinds of things listed on CVs of those who r n fields u aspire 2 excel in #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
When looking at CVs of established scholars, note paths they took along their journey #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
When thinking about CV format, may not want 2follow some established scholars-they can get away w more than u #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
@profragsdale Are #CVs reviewed online? Can multimedia tools be used to develop #CVs? #SaturdaySchoolWorldHouseMD
@WorldHouseMD I rarely print a CV of any applicant – I review them online via a website or an attachment #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
@profragsdale linking to past presentations via slideshare; video clips relevant talks, creating digital stories… #CV #SaturdaySchoolWorldHouseMD
Things have changed a lot since most established folks were at the career stage u may b at #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
Review CVs of newly hired or recently tenured faculty & other academics 2 get idea of their paths 2 #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
Use your CV 2 show off strong points, add categories that apply 2 u & show ur skills & assets #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
In most cases, CVs should start w education bcuz it’s always 1st requirement 4 academic, medical jobs #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
If u have awards, honors, publications, presentations – those should always be listed on full-length CVs #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
1 pg CVs should have most recent/important items only, few descriptions – keep it simple #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
@profragsdale & there should be a focused growth that is seen from path. This paper pres led 2 paperA led 2 this paper/projB #SaturdaySchoolyourqueerprof
.@profragsdale For those students who learn best by example will you post examples of each? Or perhaps you already have? #SaturdaySchoolhystericalblackness
@hystericalblkns I’m gonna post mine – It’s a work n progress 2 but might b helpful #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
@drcompton @shitgermanssay Ive been thinking about that 2 – interviews & such, maybe experiment w a few styles #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
@EKSwitaj @profragsdale I always give two looks…one quick (usually skip over presentations but look at service) #SaturdaySchoolyourqueerprof
@EKSwitaj @profragsdale second I look at pres to see how they developed 2 pubs, & #SaturdaySchoolyourqueerprof
@drcompton I’m very fortunate 2 work at in institution that values AND rewards my social media presence & methodsRhonda Ragsdale
All CVs should include education & academic/medical work experience #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
Options 2 include n full-length CVs: prof orgs, public speaking, community service, trainings/certifications, skills #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
Show off tech & media skills on ur CV; u probably have more than u realize #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
1 of the most important things about ur CV format is that it is consistent thru out #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
Keep headings and sub-headings consistent; keep arrangment in each section uniform all the way thru CV #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
Most everyone agrees using reverse chronology is best; list most recent events & accomplishments 1st #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
Get more than 1 person 2 help proof format; fine-details matter & may b glaring error 2 important eyes #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
I’m simply amazed at the # of CVs I see with blatant spelling errors & haphazard format #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
It’s good 2 b creative but keep font size & style n range that is professional & not distracting/hard 2 read #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
Always submit eCVs in PDF format & check b4 sending that fonts/format translated properly in the conversion @profragsdale #SaturdaySchoolKelly Baker Josephs
@kbjosephs Excellent CV advice – send CVs n pdf format #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
I’m not big on bold images or lot of color on CVs, but sometimes simple borders r done wellRhonda Ragsdale
@profragsdale A friend once sent in his CV, printed on green sheets of paper. It stood out but not for great reasons. #SaturdaySchoolA.F.A
Most CVs r transmitted electronically these days, so paper choice won’t apply much of the time #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
If u sent a CV electronically then get interview, still bring a print copy & use nice paper then if u like #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
If u send CV electronically, feel free 2 include links when relevant & make it easy 2 get more info about u #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
Regularly update, edit & seek 2 improve ur CV if u r trying 2 advance ur career #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
A CV w no recent updates or entries sends message that ur career is stagnant #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
Just putting 2gether my thoughts 4 this CV advice I realized I need 2 add tech skills 2 my CV #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
Ive found it useful 2 post my CV online in easily accessible place w writing samples & other info about me #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
My online CV version is not exact format that I use when I send a pdf of my CV but close #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
I want 2 improve my CV by adding a lot more links 2 conferences & publications #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
I suggest having diff versions of CVs 4 various purposes, keep them all up2date – u will be glad u did #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
Opinions vary but I don’t include references on CVs- I don’t give out other people’s name & info unless asked #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
Some people simply list names & titles of references on CV but no contact info unless requested #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
@profragsdale Some suggest having a master CV, with all information, that can be divided out as necessary onto diff CVs for diff purposes.Jeffrey S. Kupperman
I put social media tabs on my online CV – here it is if u wanna see → My CV: http://www.rhondaragsdale.com/cv.html #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
Please don’t just take my word 4 it, get several POVs on CVs #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
What r ur CV questions or tips? Please share w #SaturdaySchool !Rhonda Ragsdale
#SaturdaySchool” CVs for specific faculty jobs should be worded and put in order to fit that advertised position and institution tier.Jessica Wranosky
@profragsdale @hystericalblkns #CVs should always be a work in progress. #SaturdaySchoolKelly Baker Josephs
@kbjosephs for sure!#saturdayschool I update mine constantly (once a sem. or so) and keep digital copies of my old ones and different kinds.Jessica Wranosky
Purdue’s OWL (an excellent source) has writing guidelines 4 CVs → http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/641/01/ #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
Colorado College CV Tips (pdf) http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=6&ved=0CH0QFjAF&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww2.coloradocollege.edu%2Fcareercenter%2Fimages%2Fpdfs%2Fcurriculum_vitae.pdf&ei=sHfuT_WQNILe9ATQhLCAAg&usg=AFQjCNHJzE35Iy9PPoIZFd6r3GxBAwLgWQ&sig2=KMsPMNVPBQB2xUg3aOLcwA #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
American Academy of Family Physicians has some great CV tips, many apply 2 academics: http://www.aafp.org/online/en/home/publications/otherpubs/strolling/prep/preparecv.html #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
AAFP suggests all CVs be brief but most profs use lengthy versions 4 many applications – have both on hand #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
@profragsdale. Get feedback from experienced people–advisers, mentors, career centers–and revise accordingly. #saturdayschoolKidada E. Williams
.@profragsdale curious about different approaches for CV based on discipline (e.g., bio Ph.D. v. art history grad student) #SaturdaySchoolTufts University
@TuftsGSAS I think it’s best 2 look at the people n the field u r aspiring to grow in & model some of them #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
Harvard Medical & Dental School CV Website: http://cv.hms.harvard.edu/ #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
Associations of American Medical Colleges CV Advice https://www.aamc.org/members/gfa/faculty_vitae/150034/preparing_your_curriculum_vitae.html #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
@profragsdale If I’m completely changing fields, w/ 8 yrs experience in RE finance, now art history, do I include this experience on my CV?David Hernandez
@daveed79 Include if it makes u a better at what u wanna do- check out my ‘previous prof experience’ http://www.rhondaragsdale.com/cv.html #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
Manage Your Career: The Rhetoric of the CV – Chronicle of Higher Ed http://chronicle.com/article/The-Rhetoric-of-the-CV/131404/ #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
MIT: What makes a CV terrific? http://gecd.mit.edu/jobs/find/prepare/cv #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
@profragsdale Other than rearranging order for specific jobs, any wisdom for scholar/artists on organizing CVs? #SaturdaySchoolMeron Langsner
@MeronLangsner I think it’s best 2 list what u think is most important 1st, depending on what u do #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
@readywriting has some great tips for "Blowing up the CV" for those who started their CVs years ago. http://www.insidehighered.com/blogs/college-ready-writing/blowing-my-cv #saturdayschoolKidada E. Williams
@drcompton @daveed79 I think it depends on the experience – if it’s relevant it’s important if it makes u more competitive #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
Big issue is small fonts. Hiring cmts are in late 30s to 60s. Don’t worry if your CV feels too long. #SaturdaySchooljanniaragon
Revising a CV (or other doc) after receiving expert feedback might seem like a no-brainer but it is not for some folk. #saturdayschoolKidada E. Williams
A good blog post by Cathy Davidson about including social media on CV http://dmlcentral.net/blog/cathy-davidson/how-and-why-make-your-digital-publications-matter #SaturdaySchoolDavid Villarreal
Remember to update CV! #SaturdaySchooljanniaragon
@profragsdale do you use http://academia.edu?yourqueerprof
@drcompton I haven’t b4 – I’ve meant 2 check it out b4 – will do that this weekendRhonda Ragsdale
@profragsdale all this advice is great! Thank you! Question: where/how do you think should I list my blog? Give it its own section?N8V Appropriations
@NativeApprops I’m considering adding a media presence section – could also list online publications of note #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
@JessieNYC @aboynamedart I think it depends on what doing online & what kinds of articles, activities, etc ur involved with #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
The kinds of things u list on CV also depend on what kind of job or conference or scholarship u r applying 4 #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
Old guard tenure track jobs may b looking 4 diff qualities than hiring managers 4 adjunct instructors #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
When I am hiring adjunct instructors, qualified candidates w strong online presence move 2 top of list #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
If I see some1 used online avenues 2 develop professionally, I prob don’t have 2 beg them 2 use tech n classroom #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
@JessieNYC @aboynamedart some online projects such as ur sex & gender one or other academic stars should go on CV IMORhonda Ragsdale
@JessieNYC @aboynamedart but not every blog, chat party, etcRhonda Ragsdale
What is on ur CV is very important but I’m sure presentation, format, grammar, punctuation r just as crucial #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
I look at a lot of CVs from people who really want job but aren’t letting their CV show their best qualities 4 #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
@JessieNYC @aboynamedart it sure did on the last full-time committee I was on, but our community college promotes tech & online workRhonda Ragsdale
@profragsdale Writing well is difficult. Writing a resume that employers will read is very difficult. Journalism style skills can help.Bob Spencer
Each search com & have their own personal concerns. Ex. 4 me Service is import so I can see u r willing to pull ur weight. #SaturdaySchoolyourqueerprof
@profragsdale #SaturdaySchool when I was on Univ. hiring teams, extra lengthy CVs were always a turn-off. Succinct writing wasn’t prominent.TheNYGalavant
@profragsdale #SaturdaySchool CV writing is an artform; you need a balance b/w adding value & braggadocio. Keen recruiters can sniff the BS.TheNYGalavant
@TheNYGalavant I agree-also have 2 actually do things that go on CV-No amount of formatting can change that ;-) #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
@profragsdale Exactly. This is one time where some scholars don’t realize they exhibit academic arrogance. It’s sad, really. #SaturdaySchoolTheNYGalavant
@TheNYGalavant I really appreciate your input in #SaturdaySchool & my other discussions — thank uRhonda Ragsdale
@drcompton @JessieNYC @aboynamedart Thank u all 4 input on social media &CVs 2day-I decided 2 add some kind online presence section 2 my CVRhonda Ragsdale
@drcompton @JessieNYC @aboynamedart I had listed online pubs & planning 2 add a few more articles, but I think I want websites managed etcRhonda Ragsdale
@drcompton @JessieNYC @aboynamedart I want 2 go ahead & define that as part of my "course of life" on CV & want employers who want that 2Rhonda Ragsdale
@drcompton @JessieNYC @aboynamedart I’m not on job market for full-time work & contract employers should appreciate/tolerate this about meRhonda Ragsdale
@drcompton @JessieNYC @aboynamedart Anyway — I wanted 2 tell u all thanks 4 helping me 2 work that out ;–)Rhonda Ragsdale
How & Why to Make Your Digital Publications Matter http://dmlcentral.net/blog/cathy-davidson/how-and-why-make-your-digital-publications-matter #SaturdaySchool #CVAdviceRhonda Ragsdale
@profragsdale also see how @SebastosPublius uses WebCite to archive online pubs for easy citation. Makes them CV ready http://tressiemc.com/2012/06/21/webcite-and-transforming-academic-internet-wormholing-into-actual-work-8/tressie mc
CV feedback is important, pass it along to trusted colleagues and others beyond your field before sending it off #SaturdaySchoolWorldHouseMD
It’s a process of editing MT @profragsdale: 1 pg CVs should have most recent/important items only, few descriptions #SaturdaySchoolWorldHouseMD
In science and medicine the #CV is the gold standard. Join #SaturdaySchool for guidance and suggestions. #meded #medstudentsWorldHouseMD
Med students often live out unique experiences with education, research, training and volunteerism. It all counts. #CV #SaturdaySchoolWorldHouseMD
Remember u r never late 2 my #SaturdaySchool so keep the discussion going & join n anytime, just use hashtagRhonda Ragsdale
@profragsdale CV too staid? Using puns in section headings adds interest and personality. #badCVtips #SaturdaySchoolShit Germans Say
@profragsdale Want to look smart? Don’t call it "Teaching Philosophy." "Weltanschauung" much sharper, bolder. #bdCVtipsShit Germans Say
When it comes to font-choice, nothing says "classy pedagogue" more clearly than Zapf Chancery. #badCVtips @profragsdaleShit Germans Say
#badCVtips No one wants a nerdy colleague. Under "Service" section, list your coolest violations of campus honor code. @profragsdaleShit Germans Say
#badCVtips Yes, be sure you list "faculty unionization" among your career goals. @profragsdaleShit Germans Say
#badCVtips Always put something shocking at the end–say, a Body Count section–so you’ll always know whether they read the whole thing.Elizabeth Switaj
When it comes to font-choice, nothing says "classy pedagogue" more clearly than Zapf Chancery. #badCVtips @profragsdaleShit Germans Say
@ShitGermansSay those #badCVtips 2day were a lot of fun — thanks 4 throwing in on the mix w #SaturdaySchool CV Advice :-) Rhonda Ragsdale
Thank u so much 4 every1 who RTd, joined in & put #SaturdaySchool in their favorites!Rhonda Ragsdale
Thanks to all this CV talk for #saturdayschool, I’m gonna update my cv on the flight to CA. Much needed too. (Thanks @profragsdale!)N8V Appropriations
The #SaturdaySchool CV chat will be posted here in a couple days → http://funknbeans.com/category/funkademics/saturdayschool/Rhonda Ragsdale
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About ProfRagsdale

Sassy History Professor & Sociologist (PhD ABD) -Social Movements, Migration, Gender & Sexualities, U.S./Southern History

www.RhondaRagsdale.com
@ProfRagsdale

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  1. what is curriculum vitae - LATEST USEFUL DOCUMENT – LATEST USEFUL DOCUMENT says:
    July 14, 2012 at 10:07 pm

    [...] #SaturdaySchool: The Art of the CV — Funk & Beans The CV (curriculum vitae) or “course of life” is quite possibly the most important document that many professionals will create and use. Interestingly, when I searched for CV advice online, I found that private recruiters and others …http://funknbeans.com/2012/07/ .. [...]

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