CV Guide Checklist

We recommend that you refer to the Student Employment and Career Centre’s Resume Guide
as a supplement to this guide when creating your CV. Many of the headings that are used in a Know Yourself and Your Audience
resume are also used in a CV in addition to the below-mentioned sections.
**
Can you comfortably articulate your abilities, experience and interests as they relate to
Keep in mind that many colleges and universities require their faculty to follow a standardized the position or application process you are applying to?
CV format. In such cases, it is strongly recommended that you adhere to their guidelines. **
Did you perform an adequate amount of research on the prospective employer?
The University of Saskatchewan has a guideline for CVs which can be found at
www.usask.ca/vpfaculty/documents/Guidelines_UofS_Standardized_CV.pdf
Showcase Your Skills
**
Did you take inventory of the broad range of skills you have and did you cross-
reference those skills with what the employer is looking for in their job posting or
What is a CV? application process?

In Canada, the term curriculum vitae (CV) is used to reference a specific type of job search **
Did you begin your bulleted achievement statements with action verbs?

document that is used for the following: applying to graduate school, a medical position, an **
Were you mindful of creating achievement statements that demonstrate your skills
academic position (post-secondary teaching and/or research focused), and some performing rather than just listing descriptive adjectives (such as good communication skills) or
job duties?
and studio art positions.
**
Did you provide quantitative and/or qualitative details when possible? (This helps an
It is not uncommon to hear the terms resume and CV used interchangeably but they are employer to better understand the scope of your experience)
different documents. If an employer asks for a CV and you are not applying for one of the
categories listed above, it is likely that a resume is required.
Polish Your CV
One of the biggest distinctions in the formatting of resumes and CVs is that in Canada **
Is your CV concise? (While a resume is limited to 2–3 pages, CVs can include multiple
resumes are usually 2-3 pages, while CVs can be multiple pages in length. pages, but the content needs to be relevant)
**
Have you reviewed your CV for spelling mistakes and grammatical errors? (This is
What is the Canadian Common CV (CCV)? important for demonstrating effective communication skills.)

This type of web-based CV is common when applying for federal, provincial and **
Did you prioritize your content by placing the most relevant information first?
non-governmental research granting agencies. Tri-agency grant applications include: **
Did you organize your information in reverse chronological order?

■■ Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)

**
Did you present the most targeted information on the left side first (i.e. Job title(s) on
the left, dates on the right)?
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
■■
**
Were you consistent with format, verb tense and font?
■■ Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) **
Did you begin your achievement statements with bullets and action words (back of
Everything in this type of CV should be directly relevant to the specific grant application that guide)?
you are applying for, to access funds to conduct research.

Include Your References

Social Media and Your Job Search **
Do you have at least three references who can attest to your work style, academic
profile, and/or personal qualifications, and who have agreed to be a reference?
■■ Review all of your social media accounts and privacy settings
**
Do your references reflect a cross-section of individuals who can attest to these strengths?
Consider creating a LinkedIn profile which allows you to upload your CV content and
■■

connect with professionals locally and around the world

**
If you choose not to include your references in your CV, be sure to bring your list of
references and their contact information to the interview
■■ For tips on how to build a professional LinkedIn profile check out Leverage LinkedIn **
Once your CV is complete, provide a copy to each of your references
students.usask.ca/articles/linkedin.php 2018–2019
If you have a LinkedIn profile, be Potential Sections to
sure to include a link to it on your CV. include in your CV:
LinkedIn is a great way to connect ANITA CAREER
with employers and to search for jobs. Hope, SK
¡ Education/Academic Credentials/
Did you know that you can edit your 306.876.8879 Academic History (includes
LinkedIn URL? [email protected] thesis/dissertation/project title)
ca.linkedin.com/in/anitacareer
¡ Certifications/Designations
(non-academic credentials)
Begin with your most recent ACADEMIC CREDENTIALS ¡ Honours/Awards/Distinctions/
experience and work your way back Recognitions (academic awards,
Ph.D. in Women’s Health, College of Kinesiology September 2017 – present
(reverse chronological order). medals, fellowships, scholarships,
University of Calgary, Calgary, AB
prizes)
Thesis: “Effects of sedentary lifestyle on women’s perception of body image”
• Expected date of completion: December 2020 ¡ Research Interests/Teaching
Curriculum Vitae (CV) Interests (reflective of your
Keep in mind that a CV can be Master of Science – Kinesiology 2016 current competencies and future
multiple pages in length (even University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK interests)
though this example is only two Thesis: “Aboriginal women’s traditional lifestyle and effects on body image perception amongst youth” ¡ Research/Research Experience
pages long). Before beginning your (current funded research projects,
CV, take inventory! Bachelor of Science – Kinesiology 2014
research assistantships, thesis,
University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
dissertation, postdoctoral
• Exercise and Sport Studies – Fitness and Lifestyle Professional Stream
Questions for Consideration: fellowships)
¡ Research Funding History/Project
Applying to Graduate School RESEARCH INTERESTS
Grant Information/Research
■■ ■ What skills and experiences are the Grants (Categories: Senior
admissions committee looking for? • Correlation between regular exercise and perception of body image amongst women
Responsible Author, Principal
■■ ■ What major assignments and/or • Women’s health in traditional Aboriginal communities
Author, Co-Principal Author,
projects have been completed in • Fitness trends amongst youth aged 11-17 Co-Investigator, Collaborator)
the subject area?
¡ Teaching Experience/Academic
■■ ■ Do you have involvement in TEACHING EXPERIENCE Work History/Academic
associations/students clubs that Achievements/Teaching
are relevant and showcase your Associate Instructor, Introduction to Exercise and Sport Studies September 2016 – April 2017
Dossier (examples of scholarly
leadership and/or community Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB
• Facilitated a bi-weekly lecture series including a one-week volunteer experience requirement for 75 students
work: teaching experience,
involvement?
instructorships, teaching
■■ ■ Why are you passionate about the • Designed and marked assignments and created final exam content
assistantships, marker)
subject area?
Teaching Assistant, Foundations in Exercise January – April 2016 ¡ Related/Supplementary
All other Applications College of Kinesiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK Work Experience/Consulting
■■ ■ How can you effectively showcase • Assisted head professor in designing group project content Experience (list all relevant work
your knowledge, skills and abilities • Liaised with exercise professionals in the community to organize volunteer opportunities for students experience)
(competencies) to be selected for ¡ Theses Supervised/Advising/
an interview? PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Students Supervised (ex. PhD,
■■ ■ What are the specific industry MSc, MA)
keywords that employers are Athletic Development Director June – August 2014 ¡ Professional Practice/
looking for? Camp Tanaka, Oshawa, ON Professional Experience/
■■ ■ What skill sets did you develop • Created athletic program activities for ten day camps for children aged 5-12 Internships (program evaluation,
in your previous research, • Provided one-on-one support to campers with disabilities and provided modified activities to meet campers’ needs editorship, tenure/promotion
teaching, work experience, review, development of curricula,
artistic endeavours, volunteer and Coordinator – Healthy Girls Program January – June 2014 manuscript review, grant review)
extracurricular experiences, that are YWCA, Toronto, ON
¡ Administrative Service/Faculty
needed for all the positions that you • Developed and managed the Healthy Girls Program targeting girls aged 9-11 in three inner-city schools
Appointments/Departmental
are applying to? • Managed a group of ten university volunteers who facilitated six hour-long sessions with groups of 20 and College Committees/
■■ ■ What are your major girls; sessions focused on developing positive body image, exercise and healthy eating habits
University Committees and
accomplishments? • Created a final report and recommendations presented to both the YWCA Board of Directors and the Boards/Academic Associations/
■■ ■ Did you supervise, train or teach
Public School Division Board of Directors
Affiliations/Memberships/
others? Associate Memberships/
■■ ■ What particular value would you Academic Positions
bring to an organization?

2
CONTINUED References:
ANITA CAREER
Potential Sections to References are people who can
include in your CV: Page 2 attest to your work style, academic
profile, competencies (knowledge,
¡ Graduate Student Committee/
skills and abilities) and/or personal
Conference Organizer PROFESSIONAL INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE attitudes/attributes.
¡ Intellectual Property (Categories:
Patents Granted/Pending, Student Intern February – April 2014
Reference Tips:
Copyright, Licenses, Disclosures, Health4You Training and Performance Centre, Toronto, ON
• Completed a three month internship with a personal trainer whose work focused on working with seniors You will want to include three
and Trademarks) references who have agreed to be a
with diabetes
¡ Artistic Exhibitions/Performances/ • Completed intake and follow-up forms to track client progress over a six week period and prepared reference
Works/Compositions sample meal plans to assist clients in reducing sugar intake ¡ If your references never change,
¡ Languages (level of reading, • The internship concluded with a 20 minute presentation to Centre staff on key learnings throughout the include them in your CV in the
writing and oral fluency or internship and suggestions for future programming final References heading
competency)
¡ If your references change
¡ Professional Organizations/ LANGUAGES
depending on the job you are
Memberships/ Advisory
• Fully fluent in French applying for OR you feel strongly
Committees/Research Groups
about not including them, have a
¡ Publications (Sub-categories: • Intermediate knowledge of Spanish
final References category in your
Peer-reviewed, Non-peer • Beginner knowledge of spoken Cree
CV and have a bulleted statement
reviewed, Works Submitted, that says something like
Works in Progress, Working HONOURS AND GRANTS “References provided upon request”
Papers, Papers in Preparation,
Supervised/Advising Reports, André Hamer Postgraduate Prize, NSERC ($10,000) University of Calgary, Calgary, AB 2017 ¡ Be sure to bring a list of references
Technical Articles, Print, Social to the interview on a single piece
Dean’s Scholarship, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK 2015
Media, Books, Chapters; use the of paper written in the same font
editorial style that is associated Simons Graduate Scholarship, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK 2015 style and size as your CV, if they
with your discipline) haven’t already been provided
¡ Conferences (Sub-categories: ACADEMIC COMMITTEES/BOARDS ¡ Ensure each reference has
Papers—both contributed and your most recent job search
refereed, Posters, Presentations, Advisor, Women Advancement in Sport, University of Calgary, AB 2017 – 2018 applications so they will be
Proceedings, Attended, Invited General Member, Academic Programs Committee, University of Calgary, AB 2017 – 2018
prepared to speak about you and
Lectures/Seminars) what you can offer to a potential
¡ Community Contributions/ employer
CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS
Involvement (both academic and
non-academic) Potential References:
“Aboriginal Women’s Engagement in Registered Health Programs” November 2017
Perspectives in Exercise, Health and Fitness Conference, Edmonton, AB ¡ Academic: Faculty supervisors,
professors, university staff,
“Embracing Cultural Perspectives in Health and Wellness” October 2017
teachers, principals, directors of
Canadian Society for Exercise and Sport, Toronto, ON
Strategies for Creating education
Strong Bullet Point PEER REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS ¡ Work Experience (All types):
Statements: Current and/or former employers,
■■ ■ Lead with an action verb (back of Career, A., J. Find, & A. Job. (2015). Seeking acceptance: young women’s perceptions of body image. Journal of Sport and Exercise managers, supervisors, directors,
the guide) Psychology, 36, 208-221. human resources personnel,
■■ ■ Emphasize achievements Career, A. & A. Job. (2015). Effects of multi-generational obesity on body image. Journal of Applied Psychology, 40, 338-352. co-workers
(outcomes vs. job responsibilities) ¡ Religious/Faith: Clergy, faith
■■ ■ Provide quantitative (numbers,
REFERENCES community members
ratios, %, or $ amounts) results, ¡ Athletic: Coaches, sport
whenever possible • Available upon request coordinators, athletic association
■■ ■ Select qualitative (words) for personnel
achievements such as nominated
¡ Character: Neighbours, home stay
or selected or chosen The examples utilized within this guide are fictitious. No association with any real person, company, organization,
product, e-mail address, place, or event is intended or should be inferred.
families, personal acquaintances
■■ ■ Try to use the Formula: Action

word + task (skills) + how you

demonstrated or developed it

3
Action Words (verbs)
Is your CV ready? Just as it is essential that you display a professional work ethic you must also be able to manage your career, by being able to articulate your values, knowledge, skills, abilities, experience and career goals and
also identify areas necessary for professional growth. Employers who hire uSask students and alumni look to candidates that display career readiness competencies in addition to other possible competency areas.
NACE’S CAREER READINESS COMPETENCIES* Administrative/Clerical
Teamwork/Collaboration Approved Collected Implemented Prioritized Scheduled Transformed
Arranged Complied Inspected Processed Screened Updated
Build collaborative relationships with colleagues and customers representing diverse cultures, races, ages,
Catalogued Dispatched Maintained Proofread Set up Validated
genders, sexual orientations, religions, and viewpoints. The individual is able to work within a team structure,
Charted Distributed Monitored Purchased Specified Verified
and can negotiate and manage conflict.
Classified Documented Operated Recorded Standardized Word Processed
Achieved Improved Partnered Restored Strengthened Surpassed
Coded Executed Organized Retrieved Systematized
Completed Introduced Provided Revamped Structured Transferred
Collated Generated Prepared Reviewed Tabulated
Contributed Mediated Recommended Solved Submitted Unified
Expanded Participated Reduced Streamlined Supported Utilized Creative
Abstracted Customized Entertained Improvised Made Produced
Leadership Adapted Demonstrated Established Initiated Modeled Revitalized
Leverage the strengths of others to acheive common goals, and use interpersonal skills to coach and develop Arranged Designed Fashioned Innovated Painted Shaped
others. The individual is able to assess and manage their emotions and those of others; use empathetic skills to Composed Developed Founded Integrated Performed Sketched
guide and motivate others. Conceptualized Directed Generated Introduced Planned Solved
Administered Contracted Established Implemented Motivated Reorganized Cooked Drew Illustrated Invented Predicted Visualized
Chaired Delegated Evaluated Improved Oversaw Spearheaded
Conducted Designated Facilitated Initiated Planned Strategized
Financial
Consolidated Enhanced Hired Managed Prioritized Supervised Administered Balanced Developed Investigated Organized Reduced
Allocated Budgeted Evaluated Maintained Planned Selected
Critical Thinking/Problem Solving Analyzed Calculated Financed Managed Prepared Tracked
Appraised Checked Forecasted Marketed Projected Verified
Exercise sound reasoning to analyze issues, make decisions, and overcome problems. The individual is able to obtain,
Audited Computed Inspected Ordered Reconciled
interpret, and use knowledge, facts, and data in this process, and may demonstrate originality and inventiveness.
Acted Defined Formulated Leveraged Observed Recognized Research
Communicated Distinguished Gathered Measured Persisted Reflected
Analyzed Conducted Explored Interviewed Researched Tabulated
Conceptualized Estimated Identified Monitored Persuaded Resolved
Calculated Correlated Extracted Investigated Reviewed Tested
Deduced Examined Infered Negotiated Reasoned Synthesized
Catalogued Critiqued Extrapolated Located Solved Uncovered
Clarified Discovered Gathered Monitored Studied Verified
Communications (Oral and Written) Collected Evaluated Identified Observed Summarized
Articulate thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively in written and oral forms to people inside and outside the Compared Examined Inspected Organized Surveyed
organization. The individual has public speaking skills; is able to express ideas to others; and can write/edit Computed Experimented Interpreted Proved Synthesized
memos, letters, and complex technical reports clearly and effectively.
Advised Contributed Documented Informed Moderated Published Supporting
Briefed Cooperated Drafted Interpreted Negotiated Recruited Advised Attended Coordinated Encouraged Motivated Resolved
Clarified Counselled Edited Lectured Presented Reported Advocated Cared Counselled Facilitated Provided Saved
Collaborated Directed Influenced Mediated Printed Translated Aided Carried out Delivered Familiarized Referred Served
Assessed Clarified Educated Guided Rehabilitated Suggested
Digital Technology/Technical Assisted Coached Empathized Mentored Represented Supported
Leverage existing digital technologies ethically and efficiently to solve problems, complete tasks, and accomplish
goals. The individual demonstrates effective adaptability to new and emerging technologies.
Teaching
Adjusted Calculated Digitized Manufactured Overhauled Simulated Adapted Consulted Enabled Facilitated Initiated Stimulated
Applied Calibrated Engineered Mapped Programmed Standardized Advised Cooperated Encouraged Graded Instructed Substituted
Assembled Converted Fabricated Modified Remodeled Upgraded Assisted Coordinated Enforced Guided Schooled Trained
Augmented Designed Installed Navigated Repaired Utilized Clarified Counselled Evaluated Individualized Served Tutored
Coached Developed Explained Informed Set goals
Global/Intercultural Fluency
Value, respect, and learn from diverse cultures, races, ages, genders, sexual orientations, and religions. The individual
demonstrates openess, inclusiveness, sensitivity, and the ability to interact respectfully with all people and understand
STUDENT EMPLOYMENT AND CAREER CENTRE USASK.CA/SECC
individuals’ differences. As a uSask graduate, demonstrating specific knowledge of Aboriginal peoples, and their G50, Lower Marquis Hall (below the bookstore) Email: [email protected]
history, is also crucial. 97 Campus Drive Tel: (306) 966-5003
Accompanied Discovered Interconnected Programmed Specialized Volunteered University of Saskatchewan
Saskatoon, SK, Canada S7N 4L3
Fax: (306) 966-5092 usaskSECC
#usaskSECC
Adapted Diversified Internationalized Projected Strengthened
Bridged Expatriated Licensed Reconciled Sustained
Conversed Explored Listened Recognized Transnationalized
Dedicated Harmonized Observed Restored Travelled
*Adapted from the Career Readiness Materials developed by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).