A workshop presentation on crafting a curriculum vitae and cover letter for an academic job position.

1. Crafting a CV and Cover Letter
Dr. David Lawrence
Center for the Enhancement
of Teaching and Learning
Georgia Institute of Technology

6. PLAN:
What is
my purpose?

8. What is
my purpose?

9. To persuade the
What is selection committee
that I am an
my purpose? outstanding individual
who can help the
department strengthen
its teaching and
research programs.

10. How do I
accomplish this?

11. ➡ Think
How do I Rhetorically
accomplish this?

12. ➡ Think
How do I Rhetorically
accomplish this? ➡ Communicate
Strategically

13. ➡ Think
How do I Rhetorically
accomplish this? ➡ Communicate
Strategically
➡ Build a Case

14. PLAN:
Who is my
audience?

15. Research the School

16. Research the Department

17. Research Faculty

18. Selection
Committee

19. Selection
Committee

20. Selection • Faculty members
Committee

21. Selection • Faculty members
Committee • Expertise in their area

22. Selection • Faculty members
Committee • Expertise in their area
• Busy, Overwhelmed

23. Selection • Faculty members
Committee • Expertise in their area
• Busy, Overwhelmed
• Desire a successful hire

24. Selection • Faculty members
Committee • Expertise in their area
• Busy, Overwhelmed
• Desire a successful hire
• Diverse Priorities

25. Selection • Faculty members
Committee • Expertise in their area
• Busy, Overwhelmed
• Desire a successful hire
• Diverse Priorities
• Personal Bias

26. Selection • Faculty members
Committee • Expertise in their area
• Busy, Overwhelmed
• Desire a successful hire
• Diverse Priorities
• Personal Bias
• Different Experiences

27. Crafting a Curriculum Vitae

28. Brainstorm

29. PREPARE - CONTENT
Brainstorm

30. PREPARE - CONTENT
• Education
Brainstorm

31. PREPARE - CONTENT
• Education
• Research
Brainstorm

32. PREPARE - CONTENT
• Education
• Research
Brainstorm • Publications

33. PREPARE - CONTENT
• Education
• Research
Brainstorm • Publications
• Conference Papers

34. PREPARE - CONTENT
• Education
• Research
Brainstorm • Publications
• Conference Papers
• Poster Sessions

35. PREPARE - CONTENT
• Education
• Research
Brainstorm • Publications
• Conference Papers
• Poster Sessions
• Work Experience

36. PREPARE - CONTENT
• Education
• Research
Brainstorm • Publications
• Conference Papers
• Poster Sessions
• Work Experience
• Teaching Experience

37. PREPARE - CONTENT
• Education
• Research
Brainstorm • Publications
• Conference Papers
• Poster Sessions
• Work Experience
• Teaching Experience
• Lectures

38. PREPARE - CONTENT
• Education
• Research
Brainstorm • Publications
• Conference Papers
• Poster Sessions
• Work Experience
• Teaching Experience
• Lectures
• Service: Community, Professional, Univ.

39. PREPARE - CONTENT
• Education
• Research
Brainstorm • Publications
• Conference Papers
• Poster Sessions
• Work Experience
• Teaching Experience
• Lectures
• Service: Community, Professional, Univ.
• Honors & Recognitions

40. PREPARE - CONTENT
• Education
• Research
Brainstorm • Publications
• Conference Papers
• Poster Sessions
• Work Experience
• Teaching Experience
• Lectures
• Service: Community, Professional, Univ.
• Honors & Recognitions
• Grants & Fellowships

41. PREPARE - CONTENT
• Education
• Research
Brainstorm • Publications
• Conference Papers
• Poster Sessions
• Work Experience
• Teaching Experience
• Lectures
• Service: Community, Professional, Univ.
• Honors & Recognitions
• Grants & Fellowships
• Patents

42. PREPARE - CONTENT
• Education
• Research
Brainstorm • Publications
• Conference Papers
• Poster Sessions
• Work Experience
• Teaching Experience
• Lectures
• Service: Community, Professional, Univ.
• Honors & Recognitions
• Grants & Fellowships
• Patents
• Creative Works

43. PREPARE - CONTENT
• Education
• Research
Brainstorm • Publications
• Conference Papers
• Poster Sessions
• Work Experience
• Teaching Experience
• Lectures
• Service: Community, Professional, Univ.
• Honors & Recognitions
• Grants & Fellowships
• Patents
• Creative Works
• Special Skills

44. PREPARE - CONTENT
• Education
• Research
Brainstorm • Publications
• Conference Papers
• Poster Sessions
• Work Experience
• Teaching Experience
• Lectures
• Service: Community, Professional, Univ.
• Honors & Recognitions
• Grants & Fellowships
• Patents
• Creative Works
• Special Skills
• Training & Certification

45. PREPARE - CONTENT
• Education
• Research
Brainstorm • Publications
• Conference Papers
• Poster Sessions
• Work Experience
• Teaching Experience
• Lectures
• Service: Community, Professional, Univ.
• Honors & Recognitions
• Grants & Fellowships
• Patents
• Creative Works
• Special Skills
• Training & Certification
• Professional Affiliations

46. PREPARE - CONTENT
• Education
• Research
Brainstorm • Publications
• Conference Papers
• Poster Sessions
• Work Experience
• Teaching Experience
• Lectures
• Service: Community, Professional, Univ.
• Honors & Recognitions
• Grants & Fellowships
• Patents
• Creative Works
• Special Skills
• Training & Certification
• Professional Affiliations
• Personal Information

47. PREPARE - CONTENT
• Education
• Research
Brainstorm • Publications
• Conference Papers
• Poster Sessions
• Work Experience
• Teaching Experience
• Lectures
• Service: Community, Professional, Univ.
• Honors & Recognitions
• Grants & Fellowships
• Patents
• Creative Works
• Special Skills
• Training & Certification
• Professional Affiliations
• Personal Information
• References

48. Prepare:
Organization

49. Prepare: Organization

50. Prepare: Name & Personal
Organization Information

51. Prepare: Name & Personal
Organization Information

52. Prepare: Name & Personal
Organization Information

53. Prepare:
Organization
Education
First
Reverse
Chronological
Order

54. Research
Reverse
Chronological
Order
Prepare:
Organization

55. Prepare:
Organization
Publications
Reverse or Chronological Order

56. Prepare:
Organization
Teaching

57. Prepare:
Organization
Teaching

58. Prepare:
Organization

59. Prepare:
Organization

60. Sans-Serif Font
Prepare: Style
White Space
Serif Font

61. Prepare: Style
Action Verbs

62. Bullets
Prepare: Style
Footer

63. Prepare: Style
Optional
Footer

64. Prepare: Style Header
Offset

65. Avoid

66. Use Visual Maintain Format
Hierarchy
Indent Text

67. Crafting a Cover Letter

69. What is
my purpose?

70. To persuade the
What is selection committee
that I am an
my purpose? outstanding individual
who can help the
department strengthen
its teaching and
research programs.

71. PLAN:
Who is my
audience?

72. Prepare: Organization
Letterhead
Date
Recipient / Title / Address
Person’s Name or Selection Committee

73. November 30, 2003
Dr. John Matthews
Civil Engineering
University of Texas at Austin
Box 19308 Austin, TX 76019-0308
Dear Dr. Matthews,
I am writing to apply for the position of Assistant Professor
in Structural Engineering beginning Fall 2004, as advertised
on your department website. I am currently a doctoral
candidate at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign,
and fully expect to complete my PhD degree requirements
by May 2004. I am extremely interested in obtaining a faculty
position at the University of Texas, as its engineering
research programs have a stellar reputation that is known
worldwide.

74. November 30, 2003
Purpose: why are you writing?
Dr. John Matthews
Civil Engineering
University of Texas at Austin
Box 19308 Austin, TX 76019-0308
Dear Dr. Matthews,
I am writing to apply for the position of Assistant Professor
in Structural Engineering beginning Fall 2004, as advertised
on your department website. I am currently a doctoral
candidate at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign,
and fully expect to complete my PhD degree requirements
by May 2004. I am extremely interested in obtaining a faculty
position at the University of Texas, as its engineering
research programs have a stellar reputation that is known
worldwide.

75. November 30, 2003
Purpose: why are you writing?
Dr. John Matthews
Civil Engineering
Where did you find position?
University of Texas at Austin
Box 19308 Austin, TX 76019-0308
Dear Dr. Matthews,
I am writing to apply for the position of Assistant Professor
in Structural Engineering beginning Fall 2004, as advertised
on your department website. I am currently a doctoral
candidate at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign,
and fully expect to complete my PhD degree requirements
by May 2004. I am extremely interested in obtaining a faculty
position at the University of Texas, as its engineering
research programs have a stellar reputation that is known
worldwide.

76. November 30, 2003
Purpose: why are you writing?
Dr. John Matthews
Civil Engineering
Where did you find position?
University of Texas at Austin Who are you?
Box 19308 Austin, TX 76019-0308
Dear Dr. Matthews,
I am writing to apply for the position of Assistant Professor
in Structural Engineering beginning Fall 2004, as advertised
on your department website. I am currently a doctoral
candidate at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign,
and fully expect to complete my PhD degree requirements
by May 2004. I am extremely interested in obtaining a faculty
position at the University of Texas, as its engineering
research programs have a stellar reputation that is known
worldwide.

77. November 30, 2003
Purpose: why are you writing?
Dr. John Matthews
Civil Engineering
Where did you find position?
University of Texas at Austin Who are you?
Box 19308 Austin, TX 76019-0308
Dear Dr. Matthews,
Ingratiation
I am writing to apply for the position of Assistant Professor
in Structural Engineering beginning Fall 2004, as advertised
on your department website. I am currently a doctoral
candidate at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign,
and fully expect to complete my PhD degree requirements
by May 2004. I am extremely interested in obtaining a faculty
position at the University of Texas, as its engineering
research programs have a stellar reputation that is known
worldwide.

78. I believe that my academic training and my six years of
experience working as a structural engineer prepare me to be
an effective researcher and instructor in your department. My
doctoral dissertation was conducted under the direction of
Prof. Mark Daniels, and looks at the use of a relatively new
methodology for the design of joints, walls, footings, and other
portions of reinforced or prestressed concrete structures. In my
research, I developed an integrated design and analysis
environment for this methodology in which both strength and
serviceability requirements are explicitly satisfied. This was
delivered in a computer-based program that is freely available to
the community and has been downloaded by more than 2500
people.

79. Topic Sentence (Claim)
I believe that my academic training and my six years of
experience working as a structural engineer prepare me to be
an effective researcher and instructor in your department. My
doctoral dissertation was conducted under the direction of
Prof. Mark Daniels, and looks at the use of a relatively new
methodology for the design of joints, walls, footings, and other
portions of reinforced or prestressed concrete structures. In my
research, I developed an integrated design and analysis
environment for this methodology in which both strength and
serviceability requirements are explicitly satisfied. This was
delivered in a computer-based program that is freely available to
the community and has been downloaded by more than 2500
people.

80. Topic Sentence (Claim)
Training / Research
I believe that my academic training and my six years of
experience working as a structural engineer prepare me to be
an effective researcher and instructor in your department. My
doctoral dissertation was conducted under the direction of
Prof. Mark Daniels, and looks at the use of a relatively new
methodology for the design of joints, walls, footings, and other
portions of reinforced or prestressed concrete structures. In my
research, I developed an integrated design and analysis
environment for this methodology in which both strength and
serviceability requirements are explicitly satisfied. This was
delivered in a computer-based program that is freely available to
the community and has been downloaded by more than 2500
people.

81. Topic Sentence (Claim)
Training / Research Character (ethos)
I believe that my academic training and my six years of
experience working as a structural engineer prepare me to be
an effective researcher and instructor in your department. My
doctoral dissertation was conducted under the direction of
Prof. Mark Daniels, and looks at the use of a relatively new
methodology for the design of joints, walls, footings, and other
portions of reinforced or prestressed concrete structures. In my
research, I developed an integrated design and analysis
environment for this methodology in which both strength and
serviceability requirements are explicitly satisfied. This was
delivered in a computer-based program that is freely available to
the community and has been downloaded by more than 2500
people.

82. Although my dissertation focuses on a single topic, other areas
that interest me for my future research stem from my goal of
developing improved analytical models and methods for design,
evaluation, and upgrade of concrete structures subjected to
monotonic and reversed loading and structures equipped with
passive systems. One of the studies that I have started is the
development of a performance-based seismic design method for
ductile reinforced concrete wall structures based on yield
displacement. I have also worked on evaluation and
improvement of accuracy of nonlinear static analysis for seismic
design under the auspices of a project from the Applied
Technology Committee, a national organization.

83. Transition
Although my dissertation focuses on a single topic, other areas
that interest me for my future research stem from my goal of
developing improved analytical models and methods for design,
evaluation, and upgrade of concrete structures subjected to
monotonic and reversed loading and structures equipped with
passive systems. One of the studies that I have started is the
development of a performance-based seismic design method for
ductile reinforced concrete wall structures based on yield
displacement. I have also worked on evaluation and
improvement of accuracy of nonlinear static analysis for seismic
design under the auspices of a project from the Applied
Technology Committee, a national organization.

84. “Concrete” Example Transition
Although my dissertation focuses on a single topic, other areas
that interest me for my future research stem from my goal of
developing improved analytical models and methods for design,
evaluation, and upgrade of concrete structures subjected to
monotonic and reversed loading and structures equipped with
passive systems. One of the studies that I have started is the
development of a performance-based seismic design method for
ductile reinforced concrete wall structures based on yield
displacement. I have also worked on evaluation and
improvement of accuracy of nonlinear static analysis for seismic
design under the auspices of a project from the Applied
Technology Committee, a national organization.

85. “Concrete” Example Transition
Character (ethos)
Although my dissertation focuses on a single topic, other areas
that interest me for my future research stem from my goal of
developing improved analytical models and methods for design,
evaluation, and upgrade of concrete structures subjected to
monotonic and reversed loading and structures equipped with
passive systems. One of the studies that I have started is the
development of a performance-based seismic design method for
ductile reinforced concrete wall structures based on yield
displacement. I have also worked on evaluation and
improvement of accuracy of nonlinear static analysis for seismic
design under the auspices of a project from the Applied
Technology Committee, a national organization.

86. During my graduate training, I have been fortunate enough to
also serve as a teaching assistant and occasionally instruct for an
intermediate level course on reinforced concrete design. My five
years of professional experience as an engineer have provided
me with a broad view that is useful in assisting students with
projects and assignments. Through my participation as a teaching
assistant, I have developed confidence and an interest in
teaching and look forward to the opportunity to both teach
assigned classes and to develop my own classes.

87. Teaching Example
During my graduate training, I have been fortunate enough to
also serve as a teaching assistant and occasionally instruct for an
intermediate level course on reinforced concrete design. My five
years of professional experience as an engineer have provided
me with a broad view that is useful in assisting students with
projects and assignments. Through my participation as a teaching
assistant, I have developed confidence and an interest in
teaching and look forward to the opportunity to both teach
assigned classes and to develop my own classes.

88. Teaching Example
Future Teaching
During my graduate training, I have been fortunate enough to
also serve as a teaching assistant and occasionally instruct for an
intermediate level course on reinforced concrete design. My five
years of professional experience as an engineer have provided
me with a broad view that is useful in assisting students with
projects and assignments. Through my participation as a teaching
assistant, I have developed confidence and an interest in
teaching and look forward to the opportunity to both teach
assigned classes and to develop my own classes.

89. Teaching Example
Character (ethos)
Future Teaching
During my graduate training, I have been fortunate enough to
also serve as a teaching assistant and occasionally instruct for an
intermediate level course on reinforced concrete design. My five
years of professional experience as an engineer have provided
me with a broad view that is useful in assisting students with
projects and assignments. Through my participation as a teaching
assistant, I have developed confidence and an interest in
teaching and look forward to the opportunity to both teach
assigned classes and to develop my own classes.

90. Teaching Example
Character (ethos)
Future Teaching
Tone
During my graduate training, I have been fortunate enough to
also serve as a teaching assistant and occasionally instruct for an
intermediate level course on reinforced concrete design. My five
years of professional experience as an engineer have provided
me with a broad view that is useful in assisting students with
projects and assignments. Through my participation as a teaching
assistant, I have developed confidence and an interest in
teaching and look forward to the opportunity to both teach
assigned classes and to develop my own classes.

91. I would enjoy discussing this position with you in the weeks to
come. In the meantime, I am enclosing my Curriculum Vitae and
statement of teaching and research interests. Letters of
recommendation will arrive under separate cover. If you require
any additional materials or information, I am happy to supply it.
Thank you very much for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Alexander Carrols

92. Enclosures
I would enjoy discussing this position with you in the weeks to
come. In the meantime, I am enclosing my Curriculum Vitae and
statement of teaching and research interests. Letters of
recommendation will arrive under separate cover. If you require
any additional materials or information, I am happy to supply it.
Thank you very much for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Alexander Carrols

93. Enclosures Other Materials
I would enjoy discussing this position with you in the weeks to
come. In the meantime, I am enclosing my Curriculum Vitae and
statement of teaching and research interests. Letters of
recommendation will arrive under separate cover. If you require
any additional materials or information, I am happy to supply it.
Thank you very much for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Alexander Carrols

94. Enclosures Other Materials
Offer
I would enjoy discussing this position with you in the weeks to
come. In the meantime, I am enclosing my Curriculum Vitae and
statement of teaching and research interests. Letters of
recommendation will arrive under separate cover. If you require
any additional materials or information, I am happy to supply it.
Thank you very much for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Alexander Carrols

95. Thank You
Enclosures Other Materials
Offer
I would enjoy discussing this position with you in the weeks to
come. In the meantime, I am enclosing my Curriculum Vitae and
statement of teaching and research interests. Letters of
recommendation will arrive under separate cover. If you require
any additional materials or information, I am happy to supply it.
Thank you very much for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Alexander Carrols

96. Plan:

97. Plan:
Purpose

98. Plan:
Purpose
Audience

99. Prepare:

100. Prepare:
Invention

101. Prepare:
Invention
Organization

102. Prepare:
Invention
Organization
Style

103. Questions?

104. References
Sample Cover Letter
Graduate College Career Services Office
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
http://www.grad.illinois.edu/careerservices/academiccoverletters
CV Examples
Career Services
Swarthmore College
http://careerservices.swarthmore.edu/
Career Services
Georgia Institute of Technology
http://www.career.gatech.edu/plugins/content/index.php?id=92
O’Brien, Ralph. “Applying for a Job: Your Curriculum Vitae and Cover Letter.” Amstat
News, September 2000.
Crafting a CV and Cover Letter by David Lawrence is licensed under a Creative
Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.
Based on a work at davelawrence.org.

105. Photo Credits
Mr Tickle ssteacher
http://goo.gl/cLUUS http://goo.gl/YpLWF
Federico Coppola presenttensejournal.org
http://goo.gl/HXJml http://goo.gl/KZ5IP
Smithsonian Institution Yishay Mor
http://goo.gl/pQCte http://goo.gl/MpIIQ
Parker Michael Knight dsb nola
http://goo.gl/xg70X http://goo.gl/qKQX4
Crafting a CV and Cover Letter by David Lawrence is licensed under a Creative
Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.
Based on a work at davelawrence.org.