"Be yourself, that’s all there is of you."
(Ralph Waldo Emerson)

Most employers want resumes, but sending out resumes isn't the best way to get a job. Resumes will seldom secure a job, but poorly constucted resumes can be the reason an employer eliminates a candidate from consideration.

Spend time developing, updating & editing your resume. Be sure it reflects your talents & who you are as a professional. Tailor your resume to each position, changing wording, emphases & perhaps style accordingly.

Individualize cover letters, too. Spell addressee's names correctly. Use correct titles. Avoid "To Whom It May Concern".

Want to rev up your resume and avoid common blunders? Know how to market yourself and to network? Want to download succinct written advice or podcasts re: critical aspects of job searches? Want to develop your professional reputation in the community? Sample resumes and expert advice about cover letters, resumes, interviews and networking await you on SELECTED RESOURCES
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Professional Vita or Curriculum Vitae
Rather Than a Resume?

Certain positions (e.g., teaching in a college or university, and research positions in research centers or institutes) will generally require a professional vita, also known as a curriculum vitae, from applicants. A vita is generally quite lengthy. It includes a complete history of the candidate's professional positions, publications, conference presentations, service with state/regional/national professional associations & organizations, special awards, unique achievements, media appearances & interviews (e.g., television, radio & newspapers), grants received, and even significant work pending completion or awaiting notification of acceptance/rejection (e.g., grants submitted, major projects in process, books awaiting publication).

Usually those in need of a vita have been mentored by their faculty advisors and/or their thesis or dissertation chairs, in terms of creating, maintaining and building a vita. They've probably also been mentored in terms of decisions related to shifting the balance of professional life toward teaching or research, perhaps in preference to clinical practice. Often the decision to seek a focused or specialized career is made in graduate school, but no firm rules make this a necessity. Students often experience ambiguity about desired career pathways, sometimes changing directions significantly while in school. Advisors are usually willing to discuss options with their advisees and can offer their own vita as an example.