A resume is a brief, concise document that summarizes your background. It is tailored to the purpose for which it is being used, whether to seek an internship, a post-graduation job, admission to graduate school, etc. Your document is just one element in your process of applying for positions or graduate school admission. Your resume (along with your cover letter) can be a critcal tool as employers screen applicants for interviews.

A curriculum vitae (definition and singular and plural forms on Merrian-Webster)  is a document that gives much more detail about your academic and professional accomplishments. Also referred to as a CV, it is most often used for academic or research positions, whereas resumes are the preferred documents in business and industry.

Correctly listing your Virginia Tech degree can be confusing.

Is your undergrad degree a B.A. or a B.S. or something else? Is your graduate degree an M.S. or M.A.? This and more at:

Beware of resume templates! You are unique and your resume won't be exactly like anyone else's. Ultimately your content and your goals (internship, post-grad job, grad school admision) will factor in to shaping your document. Guidelines to get you started:

There are many ways to convey your resume to prospective employers. Consider the likely journey of your resume as you do your final edits.

You are one of a kind, and we're here to help you figure out how to best showcase who you are.

We don't have to mention typos, do we? Sometimes your resume (and your cover letter) include the only information an employer has about you. Present yourself well!