Basic Application Materials

Your advanced academic career has provided you with many sought-after skills needed to transition into a position outside academia. Becoming aware of these skills and how to effectively express them on a resume, cover letter, and during the interview process can lead to fulfilling career opportunities.

Below are resources to help turn your CV into a resume or "industry CV and write meaningful cover letters that complement your resume for a specific job. In addition, don't forget that making contacts in your field(s) or profession(s) of interest is not only an effective way to discover a satisfying job but are valuable resources to help hone your credentials.

Résumé & "Industry CV"

Template an easy to follow guide that will allow you to optimize your resume format and content.

Samples by discipline

Life & Biomedical Sciences
Pharmacy
Social Sciences
Bio Chemistry
Humanities
Computer Science & Engineering (Master's)
Computer Science & Engineering (PhD)
Mechanical Engineering (Master's)
Geology
Interdisciplinary

Samples by profession

Writing & Publishing
Writing & Publishing 2
Patent Law (IP)
Computer Science
R&D, Consulting, Policy, and Postdoc especially for lifescience students

Cover Letters

When applying for a job, you should always include a concise and tailored cover letter, unless specifically instructed not to do so. Follow the instructions for submission, but also try to find the name of someone responsible for that area, and send him/her copy of your application, too.

Samples

Thank You Letter

Thank you letter 1 and letter 2

Additional Support Materials

Resume vs. CV tips, strategies & samples Courtesy of the University of Virginia
Putting Your PhD to Work, Peter Fiske, PhD (information and samples)
Preparing for the Non-Academic Job Search Handbook, Career Services Center, UCSD
Most Sought-After Skills Acquired During a Typical PhD
Top 10 PhD Stereotypes and how to combat them

Interdisciplinary

What You Don't Know About Cover Letters The Chronicle of Higher Education
Recasting Yourself for Non-Academic Jobs The Chronicle of Higher Education
Transferring Your Skills to a Non-Academic Setting The Chronicle of Higher Education

Life & BiomedicalSciences

From a CV to a Resume The Chronicle of Higher Education
Notes From a Recruiter's Diary A Plethora of CVs, Science Careers from the journal Science
Tooling Up (for Industry) Series "Focus Your Industry CV," Science Careers from the journal Science
Writing a Winning Cover Letter Science Careers from the journal Science
The Commandments of Cover Letter Creation Peter Fiske, PhD Science Careers AAAS & journal Science

Thank you to UC San Francisco, University of Virginia, and the University of Washington
Professional & Career Development Centers