uc davis resume help

Internship and Career Center

Curriculum vitae.

Curriculum vitae (CV, also often informally called a “vita”) is a Latin expression loosely translated as "course of life”. In contrast to a resume (also resumé or résumé) from the French meaning “summary”. 

Both a CV and resume represent you as the best qualified candidate, demonstrate your "fit" for a position, and are used in an application process to get you an interview. A CV presents a full history of your academic credentials so length is variable, while a resume presents a concise picture of your qualifications with length prescribed by years of experience. For more information on the differences between a CV and resume .

Many European countries use “CV” to describe all such documents and do not use the term resume. In the United Kingdom, most Commonwealth countries , and Republic of Ireland, for example, a CV is a short document, containing a summary of the job seeker's employment history, qualifications, education, and some personal information. Some parts of Asia also require applicants' photos, date of birth, and most recent salary information. When applying to international positions, be sure to check if you are unsure just what kind of information they want.

Check with your advisor about any discipline specific variations when preparing your CV.

When to use a CV

A CV is used when applying for:

• Graduate school
• Academic (research and teaching) positions in a four-year university, state college, community college, or liberal arts college
• Fellowships and scholarships
• Research funding and grants

Although largely the same format for all academic positions, there is some variation and a difference on emphasis for a CV depending on the type of institution you’re applying to (e.g. community college vs. four-year university).

Review discipline specific CV samples .

CVs for Undergraduates Applying to Graduate School

When applying to graduate school, the application instructions may request that a CV be included in your application packet. You can check with the admissions office at the institution you are applying to, but in general this request is not for a full CV, but rather a more comprehensive resume.

The graduate school application CV will still be no longer than 2 pages. Items to include on the graduate school application CV might include (if applicable):

• Descriptions of academic projects
• Presentations, posters, or publications
• Teaching assistantships
• Academic service, such as mentoring and/or leadership on committees

General tips and guidelines

See our CV/Resume builder to help you get started compiling your information.

General things to consider when developing your CV:

• Readability is important Reviewers will likely read 100s of applications. You want to make this as easy and painless as possible. Use 12 point font (or no smaller then 10). One inch margins (or no smaller then .8). Include a footer starting on the second page with your name and "page 2 of X". See CV samples for footer options.
• Briefly highlight your dissertation or thesis in the Education section When describing your dissertation or thesis in a CV, you typically include the title within the Education section included just under the degree. The details of the work will be include later within the Research Experience section. For those in the Humanities, you will add a Dissertation section with a brief synopsis of your research. See Humanities CV sample .
• Include common CV sections The header with contact information ( see header samples ), Education, Research Experience, Teaching Experience, Publications, Presentations, Grants and Awards, Academic Service (could include mentoring, committee work, journal editing), and References. See additional CV categories for further explanation. Also see CV samples for formatting and layout.
• Use paragraphs instead of bullets When describing your experience a CV generally uses a paragraph structure, compared to a resume which is typically formatted using bullet points. The emphasis for a CV is on academic accomplishment, research inquiry, methods or techniques used, and analytical approaches. A CV could include names of collaborators and your PI, research outcomes or future areas of inquiry. Skills and abilities are also included in a CV. Those skills particular to graduate students and postdocs include the ability to analyze data, conduct archival research, test hypothesis, and reason logically. For additional suggestions and a list of skills, view the CV supplement .
• Include a reference section A Reference section is typically included when applying for a faculty or postdoc position. Follow the instructions. If the position description calls for three references, provide them with three. Be sure to include the name, department, email, address and phone number. Referees for academic appointments generally send the reference letter directly to the institution, so you will want them to know exactly how to contact your references in case the letter does not arrive.

Emphasis Depends Upon the Institution

A CV for an academic teaching position in a:

• Community College Emphasizes teaching over research, pedagogical training and qualifications as a generalist as well as academic service, mentoring and work with undergraduate students. The Teaching Experience section on your CV will follow the Education section and include details about your particular role (e.g., Adjunct, Lead Teaching Assistant, Teaching Assistant) as well as a list of all of the courses (by course title, not course number) you have taught or supported. The Teaching Experience section may include lecture materials you have presented, class size, lab responsibilities, etc. Teaching-focused community college CVs may also have a research section, but will include limited detail. See community college CV sample .
• State or Liberal Arts College Emphasizes a balance of teaching and research, thus will include equal emphasis on the research and teaching sections.
• Four-Year University Emphasizes academic accomplishments, scholarly productivity, research experience, technical expertise, successful grant writing and collaboration potential. The emphasis for a tier one research institution will be placed on the research section, with a less prominent section on teaching and mentoring experience. The Research Experience section should follow the Education Section.

Human Resources

UC Davis Resume Tips: Crafting a Resume That Says "You Belong Here"

• by Dreya DeShazier Yin
• November 14, 2023

"You Belong Here!" This sentiment isn't just a statement; it's an invitation, a rallying call, and the cornerstone of our You Belong Here Event Series .

At UC Davis, we're committed to providing resources, best practices, and support to future employees. Why? Because we're genuinely invested in your success – from the start of your job search, all the way to your first day on the job.

Now, diving into crafting a resume that says "You Belong Here” - a resume is your first impression, so which resume format best showcases your talents!

Based on the feedback from our recruitment teams and the industry's best practices, the Hybrid Format wins hands down.

Breaking Down the Big Three Formats

• Chronological Format :  Lists your work chronology, starting from the most recent to the earliest. This “timeless” resume format doesn't always place enough emphasis on how a candidate's unique blend of skills and accomplishments align with the position's requirements.
• Functional Format : Omits specific dates, spotlighting your skills and areas of specialization. Functional resumes omit employment dates and can sometimes be seen as an attempt to hide gaps in employment or frequent job changes. Our hiring managers at UC Davis understand life's complexities, and occasional gaps aren't deal-breakers. However, the absence of dates can be a red flag.
• Hybrid Format : A fusion! It prioritizes accomplishments, skills, and personal branding for the initial segment, followed by your work history in reverse chronological order. The Hybrid Format allows you to prioritize relevant details, helping you shine a spotlight on your accomplishments, skills and experience, and personal brand - everything UC Davis looks for in its top-tier candidates.

Why the Hybrid Format Aligns with "You Belong Here"

The essence of "You Belong Here" is recognition and acceptance of diverse talents and stories. The hybrid resume format reflects this spirit by:

• Prioritizing relevant accomplishments that reflect your unique journey.
• Showcasing diverse skills and experiences upfront, reinforcing UC Davis' commitment to diversity and inclusion.
• Painting a comprehensive picture of your career trajectory, emphasizing growth and learning.

Join us at the You Belong Here Event Series to further unlock the secrets of job hunting at UC Davis. With both virtual and in-person sessions covering everything from navigating our Job Board to preparing for our formal interview process, we're here every step of the way. Because at UC Davis, when we say, "You Belong Here," we mean it.

So, which resume format are you leveraging? Whichever it is, remember to infuse it with your unique story, because UC Davis is waiting to welcome you.

#YouBelongHere #UCDavisTips #ResumeGuide

Internship and Career Center

Cover letters, informational videos.

Watch this and other videos on our informational videos page. Check back often for new uploaded content.

Cover Letter Samples

View Samples

SECTIONS OF A COVER LETTER

Personal contact info.

Required : Name, Address, Phone, Email Optional : LinkedIn, Online portfolio

Employer's Contact Info

Name, Department, Company, Address. If no specific person's name use position title or dept. name, If no address use email with city/state

Try to address your cover letter to a person. If no specific name can use "Dear Search Committee,", "Dear Hiring Manager,", or "To Whom it May Concern:"

Beginning Paragraph

Introduce yourself and express your interest in the position. Possible subjects include:

• Who you are - year in school, university, major
• The specific job title
• How you heard about the job and, if appropriate, name of the person who told you about it
• Why you're interested in the position (be specific!)
• Why you're qualified. This should be a brief one sentence summary of why you are a good fit for the position (similar to a thesis statement)

Middle Paragraph(s)

Describe 1-3 of your experiences/projects that show your job-specific skills and qualifications. Make sure to:

• Show how you make a good fit with the position/organization
• Focus on what you will bring to the organization that will make them glad they hired you
• Not simply restate your resume
• Break up the paragraph into smaller sections if it is too big. Smaller paragraphs are more readable

Ending/Summarizing Paragraph

Final interest and fit statement in which you:

• Include your availability, and how you will follow through with the application. Tell the reader what is the best way to reach you
• Thank the employer for their consideration
• Add any other practical remarks - e.g. if you have not completed a certification yet but are scheduled to take the exam, or if you will be relocating or will be visiting the area soon

Closing Signature

"Sincerely", "Best Regards", "Yours", Hand-written signature AND Typed name. Best to hand-write signature but if you are unable to scan document you can use script-like font instead

A cover letter is an important tool to use when applying for a job because it:

• Introduces you to the prospective employer
• Highlights your enthusiasm for the position
• Describes your specific skills and qualifications for the job or internship, and clearly explains why you are a good fit
• Confirms your availability to start a new position

You should always include a cover letter when applying for a job unless you are specifically told not to by the employer. We recommend that you write a cover letter (aka letter of intent) after you have drafted and tailored your resume or curriculum vitae (CV) for a particular job description. For academic faculty and teaching positions, see cover letter instructions in Masters, Ph.D.'s and Postdocs section. When applying online and limited to uploading one document, you can create a single PDF document that includes both your resume and cover letter.

What to Include in a Cover Letter

Use the cover letter template and planner to get started. When drafting your cover letter, keep the following DO's and DON'Ts in mind:

• Limit the cover letter to one page if possible, unless applying to academic faculty, teaching or research positions.
• Use the same font and formatting in the cover letter as you use in your resume.
• You might also want to use the same header in both a cover letter and resume. See header formatting examples .
• If providing a printed copy, use the same type of paper for both your cover letter and resume. Resume paper can be purchased at the UC Davis Bookstore or at an office supply store.
• Many tech companies prefer the cover letter not be attached, but uploaded as text in an email with the resume attached.
• Use formal, professional language in a cover letter. This is true when sending your cover letter as text in an email (above point).
• Personalize each cover letter to the specific position you are applying to.
• "Dear Hiring Manager,"
• "Dear [insert department here] Hiring Team,"
• "Dear Recruiter,"
• "Dear Search Committee Chair and Committee Members:" (used for academic teaching positions)
• "To Whom It May Concern:" - Note, this last one uses a ":" not a ","
• Check for typos, proper grammar and accuracy.
• Use spellcheck, but do not rely on it to catch all errors.
• Have multiple people review your application materials.
• Make an appointment with an ICC advisor to review your application materials before you apply.
• Unless told explicitly not to, you should always include a cover letter in your application.
• Don't use text abbreviations or emoticons if you are using email.
• Don't be too wordy or write just to fill the entire page.
• Don't submit a generic "one size fits all" cover letter; tailor your cover letter to fit each position. Thus, none of your cover letters will be exactly the same, though a lot of content will be similar in each.
• Don't repeat or summarize your resume in your cover letter. Instead, focus the cover letter on your enthusiasm for the job, excitement about working with that organization, to highlight unique skills that make you qualified for the position and a good fit for the employer.
• Don't overuse adjectives or superlatives, especially subjective ones (e.g. "You are the best company in the world" or "I am the most hardworking student intern you will ever meet.").
• Quantify when possible. "I've helped organize three club events, including two successful initiatives attended by 25 people" is a better descriptor than "I've helped organize several club events, including a couple successful initiatives attended by many people."
• Don't exaggerate your skills or experience.
• Don't use UC Davis letterhead, logo, or UC seal in your cover letter. [NOTE: For graduate students and postdocs, some departments allow use of department letterhead for tenure-track faculty applications. Check with your department before using.]

Resume and Interview Tips

The Internship & Career Center  (ICC) informs students that when applying for a job or internship, employers usually require an assortment of written materials such as:

• Resume/CV A concise summary of your education, experience, skills and accomplishments.
• Cover letter A brief letter that introduces you and your resumes and explains why you are a good fit for an opportunity.
• References A list of 3-5 people you have worked with who can attest to your work performance, time management, punctuality, professionalism and ability to do the work.
• Writing sample A good example of your writing skills that demonstrates you have the necessary writing (and often research skills) to complete required tasks of the position you seek.
• Portfolio A collection of your best work. Common when applying for creative positions.

These are marketing documents that, if designed well, can promote you for an  interview . They identify what skills, education, and experience you offer to an employer. Use the advice and resources offered on these pages to help put your best foot forward.

Over and over, there is a discussion of Economists being "problem solvers" in many contexts, learn how to describe your skills in a resume as you work towards your future goal explorations and opportunities here. 

Review the ICC's recommendations on how to prepare and practice for interviews here! 

Internship and Career Center

Career Resources

Online tools to advance your career.

As a CPE student, you have access to our Virtual Career Center. This portal includes a wealth of resources to support your professional development and help grow your career, including:

• Career overviews and salary information
• Thousands of job listings
• Career “action plan” template
• Skills assessments
• Interactive résumé builder
• Quick Guides and Workshops to build career skills

Check it Out

(Log into your CPE Student Account to access)

Watch a video about getting started with our Career Resources Platform.

Connect with a Coach

Our enrollment coaches can walk you through your options for career advancement, whether you want to update your professional skills or get the training you need to start a completely new career.

Job Seeker Resources

More information on jobs in the Sacramento region and at UC Davis is available at the resources provided below.

• Customizable Employer Tuition Reimbursement Letter
• Sacramento Works One Stop Career Centers
• Career GPS²
• Staff positions at UC Davis
• Instructor positions at UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education

Washington Program

How to write a resume, what does a resume need to include.

View our resume sample and/or resume template before beginning to see the general format

• Name, phone number, email, and address centered at the top of the page
• Make sure your email address and the voicemail on your phone are professional
• Name of university, degree, major(s)/minor(s), expected graduation date
• Only include GPA if required by the organization
• Here is where you can also showcase relevant skills and abilities, such as fluency in a language or knowledge of coding languages like Python 

What if I have more space?

• Only include classes or projects that have a relevant bearing to the internship
• If the title of the course doesn’t accurately describe what you learned in the class, you can create a new title that briefly summarizes the content, i.e. “The Circle of Life” could become “Intro to Biology"
• List relevant honors or awards with a brief description
• Project title, where it was published, when, and brief description
• List only if applicable

Helpful Hints

• Avoid adding high school information (the only exception is if it is  extremely  relevant) .
• If you only have a few lines on a second page, make cuts so all information fits on one.
• Use a professional font (Times New Roman, Calibri, Helvetica, Garamond, etc.) in size 12 , and 1 pt spacing .
• Forget the “Character Traits” section. It doesn’t tell the employer anything about you, so focus more on your experiences.
• Writing in paragraphs may cause the employer to skim and miss important information.
• Prioritize the skills and experiences that fit into the internship position.
• If you want some suggestions, look at our handout to make your resume stronger.
• We are the best resource to discover what kinds of resumes are successful in Washington, D.C.

How to Elaborate on Your Skillset

• Many people fall into the trap of writing standard 2-4 word descriptions such as “Wrote reports” or “Dealt with customers,” which will be passed over by the person reading your resume, when often they were very significant portions of your position.
• Who  – Who did your job help? (The company? Clients? Customers?) Who did you work with? (Colleagues, Executives?)
• What  – What happened with the results of the job? If you did research, was it published? If you had to do a report, what was done with that information?
• When  – When did this happen? Daily, weekly, monthly? Talking about how often you did something is an easy way to show productivity in your job.
• Where  –Where did your duties occur? Were you responsible for interacting with people outside your organization? Did you have to travel?
• Why & How  – Why did you do this? Why was this skill/task important? How did your job duties help or add to the organization’s ability to function?
• Start each bullet point with an action word that sums up your accomplishments.
• Even if you can’t list quantities, always describe your achievements and how you achieved them, i.e. “Exceeded sales quota every week by providing excellent customer service and anticipating customer needs.”

5 Actions to Take Now for Next Summer’s Jobs and Internships

• by Andrea Hanson
• August 24, 2017
• Student Life

Student Affairs

Uc davis college corps, eligibility, service areas.

• News and Press  

2024-2025 College Corps Applications are OPEN! Deadline to apply is Friday, May 31, 2024.

Applications for the 2024-2025 College Corps at UC Davis application is now open! Fill out a College Corps application today!  First year and transfer students are welcome to apply after signing their Statement of Intent to Register (SIR).

Questions? Email us at: [email protected]

UC Davis is proud to be among the selected 45 campuses statewide for the College Corps program. Led by  California Volunteers  through the Office of the Governor, the College Corps initiative has three goals:

• Create a generation of civic-minded leaders with the ability to bridge, divides, and solve problems.
• Help low-income students graduate college on time and with less debt.
• Address societal challenges and help build more equitable communities across California.

About College Corps

As a College Corps Fellow, you will serve 450 hours in an area of K-12 Education, Food Insecurity or Climate Action over the course of the academic year. This roughly equates to 15 hours per week.

As a College Corps Fellow you'll receive:

• AB540/Undocumented Fellows will receive up to $5,500 living stipend and will be awarded up to $4,500 per year per every 100 hours served over the course of 300 hours. 
• Real-world job experience and skills to add to your resume.
• Access to training, networking and professional development opportunities.
• Connections with Fellows across the state via a virtual platform and regional events.
• An academic course (1 unit per quarter) designed to support your professional learning throughout the experience.
• A sense of community and accomplishment in working toward the common goals of improving our community.

The amount of doors that have opened to me is insane to me and I'm so grateful to have been chosen for this program.

UC Davis Cohort 1, 2022 - 2023  

Students selected should meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Qualifies for a Federal Pell Grant.
• Qualifies for a State Cal Grant or Middle Class Scholarship.
• Needs to work part time and/or borrow student loans to meet their educational costs.
• Is an AB540-eligible student with a California Dream Act application on file (no work authorization required).

Additionally, Fellows are require to:

• Be a full-time, enrolled undergraduate student at UC Davis for the entire academic year.
• Be in good academic standing (not on academic probation); no minimum GPA required.
• Commit to the fellowship program for the entire academic year.
• AB-540 Undocumented students will not need to complete a background check unless their community host site partner requires it.
• Enroll in a 1-unit (P/NP) leadership and civic engagement class each quarter of the 2024-25 academic year.
• Attend and participate in pre-service orientation and training workshops. 
• Maintain a consistent schedule with the host site and strike to serve 450-hours during the 2024-25 academic year.

Fellows will work with K-12 schools, food banks/pantries or climate action organizations to build healthier and more equitable communities across California. They will do this in a variety of ways:

K-12 Education: Serve as a tutor, classroom aide, and mentor to K-12 students at local schools and/or organizations that provide tutoring services. Sites include: Davis Joint Unified School District, Woodland Joint School District, Empower YOLO, Da Vinci Charter and Step Up Tutoring.

I was able to work with students that reminded me a lot of myself and the community in which I grew up. It occurred to me that I could potentially be a role model for those students who are considering higher education. Due to my status as an undocumented college student, I feel empowered to set an example to these students, who may face setbacks or lack of resources, but will be encouraged to pursue their dreams regardless. I believe it is very important that they have a role model that looks like them and understands their culture so that they feel represented.

Food Insecurity: Serve at food banks , gardens , food distribution centers or centers providing access to community members facing food insecurity. Sites include: Aggie Compass, Yolo Food bank, UC Davis Student Farm and Alchemist CDC.

I have had the privilege of working with the YOLO Food Bank and it has allowed me to gain more insight about food insecurity in our community. I have worked alongside amazing volunteers and staff who are clearly so passionate about helping those in need.

Climate Action: Serve with local organizations that are focused on positive environmental change. Sites include: Solar Community Housing, California Energy Alliance, California Mobility Center and SMUD.

I have personally planted close to 20 trees around Davis. I started the service off having never planted a tree, so I am extremely glad that I have been able to see so much progress so quickly. I am also glad that I have been able to go from completely ignorant about the subject to leading groups of 3-5 during our community weekend events and teaching others how to plant a tree for the first time.

Ready to apply? Fill out the application today!

College Corps FAQ

• What is a fellow and what is a fellowship?
• Selected undergraduate students will be referred to as College Corps Fellows throughout the duration of the program. The fellowship refers to the year-long commitment and service completed with an external community partner. As a College Corps Fellow, you will be assigned an external community partner to work with and complete a majority of the 450 hours of service with this community host site.
• Will this impact my financial aid?
• This program will be considered financial aid for the academic year. Each student's financial aid package is different. We encourage you to connect with the UC Davis Financial Aid and Scholarships department if you have questions about how this program will impact your specific situation.
• When will I hear about selection if I am a UCD student?
• College Corps has a rolling application process with 5 steps. You will be notified at each step if you are moving forward in the process. We anticipate sending final acceptances into the program by July 31st at the latest. Step 1: Apply Online Step 2: Background Check (not required for undocumented students) Step 3: Select top 3 host site choices and submit a letter of introduction Step 4: Financial Aid review ( to determine eligibility ) Step 5: Final application review and Acceptance to College Corps
• Are first-year and incoming transfer students eligible to apply?
• Yes, both incoming freshmen and transfer students can apply once you have enrolled.
• Can current College Corps Fellows reapply to serve a second term?
• Yes. College Corps Fellows can reapply.
• Is there a separate application for College Corps returners?
• No. All students complete the same application. However, some questions are only applicable to returners.
• Are College Corps returners required to attend an informational session?
• New and returning students are encouraged to attend an informational session.
• How does transportation to host sites work?
• Each Fellow is responsible for their own transportation to and from their host site. In the application, you will note whether you have transportation, what kind (car, bike, etc), and how far you are willing to travel. We will work hard to ensure placements are within a reasonable distance based on your responses. Do not let transportation be a deterrent to applying.

News and Press

The College Corps program at UC Davis has made an incredible impact for our students, local communities, and the state. Learn more about the program that has been featured in national publications showcasing the College Corps programing at UC Davis.

• UC Davis expands College Corps with $6.4M grant, aims to enhance civic engagement (bnnbreaking.com)
• California helps college students cut their debt by paying them to help their communities (hechingerreport.org)
• Grants to Local Nonprofits Strengthen Community Impact | Public Scholarship and Engagement (ucdavis.edu)
• California Begins Service Program for College Students - The New York Times (nytimes.com)
• College Corps Expands Service Learning for Students
• Gov. Gavin Newsom swear in California's first College Corps fellows
• For Many Undocumented Students, Jobs Can Be Hard to Find. This State Program Could Help | KQED
• Dr. Pablo Reguerin, Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs at UC Davis, discusses the importance of College Corps
• Josh Fryday, Chief Service Officer at California Volunteers, talks about this innovative program designed to curb student debt while helping Californians
• Dr. Vajra Watson of CSU Sacramento, provides a vibrant speech on the importance of educational equity
• Zane Hatfield and Natalie McDonald speak of providing food to the needy of Yolo County, including UC Davis
• Jaime Lemus of the Sac. Metro Air Quality District speaks of climate change and the need for climate action
• A panel of potential partner sites discuss what service at their sites might look like

Meet the Staff

Moira Delgado [email protected] Community Partner Liaison, Public Scholarship & Engagement