Application Materials

Prepare

Below are resume, cover letter, cv, and other career resources to help guide and prepare you.

Click image above to view the 7 minute video that describes what a Resume is and how to create one.

Resume Guide

Career Resume
‘Click’ the image above to view example
Need help starting or revising your resume?
Use this Resume Guide on the CSU Career Center Website to get started. (Click the image on the left)
Click the icon on the right for the Career Center Resume Template to start creating your own official resume.
Here are some tips to help you with your resume:
  • We recommend creating aMaster Resume’ which contains all experiences and education you have thus far. This is a document that you keep for yourself and can be as many pages as you need. When applying to an opportunity, copy and paste the experiences from your ‘Master Resume’ that are relevant to the internship / job to a new resume that you will submit.
  • We recommend creating your resume in a Microsoft Word document — *Avoid  paying for templates as they tend to be difficult to change or edit*
  • We also advise that you DO NOT  put your entire physical address on your resume — Leave only City and State (Example: Fort Collins, CO)
  • Resume Page Length:
    • State/local Government: 2-3 pages
    • Nonprofit/private: 1-2 pages (depending on industry)
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‘Click’ the icon to download our resume template

Federal Resume Guide

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‘Click’ the image above to view example
What is a Federal Resume?
A federal resume is tailored for federal government positions, that are only on USAJobs.gov.
Here are a few tips for creating your federal resume:
  • There is no page limit for a federal resume
  • You must include credit hours
  • Make sure to include wages and salary for every paid position you have held
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‘Click’ the icon to download our federal resume template

Curriculum Vitae (CV) Guide

PhD Masters CV
‘Click’ the image above to view example

What is a CV?

A CV (Curriculum Vitae) presents a full history of your academic credentials, and is typically used for applying to academia, scholarships, or research positions.

What information goes on a CV?
  • Name, Contact Information
  • Education
  • Thesis, Dissertation, and Advisor Information
  • Postdoctoral Experience
  • Teaching Experience or Interests
  • Research Experience or Interests
  • Other Experience
  • Awards/Honors
  • Publications/Presentations
  • Academic /Community Service
  • Professional Associations
  • Foreign Study
  • Licensure

Cover Letter Guide

Career CoverLetter
‘Click’ the image above to view example
What is a Cover Letter?
A Cover Letter is a brief (one page or less) note that is written to a hiring manager or recruiter to go along with your resume and other application materials. A cover letter gives you the chance to speak directly to how your skills and experience(s) line up with the specific job you’re pursuing.
Tips for Cover Letters:
  • Font in 10-12 pt size
  • Single Spaced, add one space between paragraphs
  • File Name Ex: FullName_Application.docx
  • 0.5″-1″ Margins
  • Spell check and Reread
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For more career related resources check out the CSU Career Center Website