CV guide Checklist

We recommend that you refer to the Career Services’s Resume Guide as a supplement to this
guide when creating your CV. Many of the headings that are used in a resume are also used in a Know yourself and your audience
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
vpfaculty.usask.ca/chairs-programs/cv.php#UpdateCurriculumVitae
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
* Once your CV is complete, provide a copy to each of your references
If you have a LinkedIn profile, be Potential sections to CONTINUED References:
sure to include a link to it on your CV. include in your CV: ANITA CAREER
LinkedIn is a great way to connect ANITA CAREER Potential sections to References are people who can
 Education/Academic credentials/ include in your CV: Page 2 attest to your work style, academic
with employers and to search for jobs. Hope, SK
Did you know that you can edit your 306.876.8879 academic history (includes profile, competencies (knowledge,
 Graduate student committee/
LinkedIn URL? [email protected] thesis/dissertation/project title) skills and abilities) and/or personal
ca.linkedin.com/in/anitacareer
Conference organizer PROFESSIONAL INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE
 Certifications/Designations attitudes/attributes.
 Intellectual property (Categories:
(non-academic credentials) Student Intern February – April 2017
Patents Granted/Pending, Reference tips:
Begin with your most recent ACADEMIC CREDENTIALS  Honours/Awards/Distinctions/ Health4You Training and Performance Centre, Toronto, ON
Copyright, Licenses, Disclosures, You will want to include three
experience and work your way back recognitions (academic awards, • Completed a three month internship with a personal trainer whose work focused on working with seniors
Ph.D. in Women’s Health, College of Kinesiology September 2020 – present
and Trademarks) references who have agreed to be a
(reverse chronological order). medals, fellowships, scholarships, with diabetes
University of Calgary, Calgary, AB  Artistic exhibitions/Performances/ • Completed intake and follow-up forms to track client progress over a six week period and prepared reference
prizes)
Thesis: “Effects of sedentary lifestyle on women’s perception of body image” Works/Compositions sample meal plans to assist clients in reducing sugar intake
• Expected date of completion: December 2023  Research Interests/Teaching  If your references never change,
Curriculum Vitae (CV)  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
interests (reflective of your
writing and oral fluency or internship and suggestions for future programming final References heading
Keep in mind that a CV can be Master of Science – Kinesiology 2019 current competencies and future
competency)
multiple pages in length (even University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK interests)  If your references change
Thesis: “Aboriginal women’s traditional lifestyle and effects on body image perception amongst youth”  Professional organizations/ LANGUAGES
though this example is only two  Research/Research experience depending on the job you are
Memberships/Advisory
pages long). Before beginning your (current funded research projects, • Fully fluent in French applying for OR you feel strongly
Bachelor of Science – Kinesiology 2017 committees/Research groups
CV, take inventory! research assistantships, thesis, about not including them, have a
University of Toronto, Toronto, ON  Publications (Sub-categories: • Intermediate knowledge of Spanish
dissertation, postdoctoral final References category in your
Questions for consideration: • Exercise and Sport Studies – Fitness and Lifestyle Professional Stream
fellowships) Peer-reviewed, Non-peer • Beginner knowledge of spoken Cree
CV and have a bulleted statement
Applying to graduate school reviewed, Works Submitted, that says something like
 Research funding history/Project
RESEARCH INTERESTS Works in Progress, Working HONOURS AND GRANTS “References provided upon request”
■ What skills and experiences are the grant information/Research
Papers, Papers in Preparation,
admissions committee looking for? grants (Categories: Senior  Be sure to bring a list of references
• Correlation between regular exercise and perception of body image amongst women Supervised/Advising Reports, André Hamer Postgraduate Prize, NSERC ($10,000) University of Calgary, Calgary, AB 2020
■ What major assignments and/or Responsible Author, Principal to the interview on a single piece
• Women’s health in traditional Aboriginal communities Technical Articles, Print, Social Dean’s Scholarship, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK 2018
projects have been completed in Author, Co-Principal Author, of paper written in the same font
• Fitness trends amongst youth aged 11-17 Media, Books, Chapters; use the
the subject area? Co-Investigator, Collaborator) Simons Graduate Scholarship, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK 2018 style and size as your CV, if they
editorial style that is associated
■ Do you have involvement in  Teaching experience/Academic with your discipline) haven’t already been provided
TEACHING EXPERIENCE work history/Academic
associations/students clubs that  Conferences (Sub-categories: ACADEMIC COMMITTEES/BOARDS  Ensure each reference has
are relevant and showcase your achievements/Teaching your most recent job search
Associate Instructor, Introduction to Exercise and Sport Studies September 2019 – April 2020 Papers—both contributed and
leadership and/or community dossier (examples of scholarly Advisor, Women Advancement in Sport, University of Calgary, AB 2019 – 2020 applications so they will be
Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB refereed, Posters, Presentations,
involvement? work: teaching experience, prepared to speak about you and
• Facilitated a bi-weekly lecture series including a one-week volunteer experience requirement for 75 students Proceedings, Attended, Invited General Member, Academic Programs Committee, University of Calgary, AB 2019 – 2020
■ Why are you passionate about the
instructorships, teaching what you can offer to a potential
• Designed and marked assignments and created final exam content Lectures/Seminars)
assistantships, marker) employer
subject area?  Community contributions/
Teaching Assistant, Foundations in Exercise January – April 2019  Related/Supplementary CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS
All other applications Involvement (both academic and
College of Kinesiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK work experience/Consulting Potential references:
■ How can you effectively showcase
non-academic) November 2020
• Assisted head professor in designing group project content experience (list all relevant work “Aboriginal Women’s Engagement in Registered Health Programs”
your knowledge, skills and abilities experience) Perspectives in Exercise, Health and Fitness Conference, Edmonton, AB  Academic: Faculty supervisors,
• Liaised with exercise professionals in the community to organize volunteer opportunities for students professors, university staff,
(competencies) to be selected for  Theses supervised/Advising/ “Embracing Cultural Perspectives in Health and Wellness” October 2020
an interview? teachers, principals, directors of
Students supervised (ex. PhD, Canadian Society for Exercise and Sport, Toronto, ON
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Strategies for creating education
■ What are the specific industry
MSc, MA)
keywords that employers are
strong bullet point PEER REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS  Work experience (All types):
Athletic Development Director June – August 2017  Professional practice/ statements:
looking for? Camp Tanaka, Oshawa, ON
Current and/or former employers,
Professional experience/
■ What skill sets did you develop  Lead with an action verb (back of Career, A., J. Find, & A. Job. (2018). Seeking acceptance: young women’s perceptions of body image. Journal of Sport and Exercise managers, supervisors, directors,
• Created athletic program activities for ten day camps for children aged 5-12 Internships (program evaluation,
Psychology, 36, 208-221. human resources personnel,
in your previous research, • Provided one-on-one support to campers with disabilities and provided modified activities to meet campers’ needs editorship, tenure/promotion the guide)
teaching, work experience,  Emphasize achievements Career, A. & A. Job. (2018). Effects of multi-generational obesity on body image. Journal of Applied Psychology, 40, 338-352. co-workers
review, development of curricula,
artistic endeavours, volunteer and Coordinator – Healthy Girls Program January – June 2017 manuscript review, grant review) (outcomes vs. job responsibilities)  Religious/Faith: Clergy, faith
extracurricular experiences, that • Developed and managed the Healthy Girls Program targeting girls aged 9-11 in three inner-city schools
 Administrative service/Faculty  Provide quantitative (numbers, REFERENCES community members
are needed for all the positions that • Managed a group of ten university volunteers who facilitated six hour-long sessions with groups of 20 appointments/Departmental ratios, %, or $ amounts) results,  Athletic: Coaches, sport
you are applying to? girls; sessions focused on developing positive body image, exercise and healthy eating habits
and college committees/ whenever possible • Available upon request coordinators, athletic association
■ What are your major • Created a final report and recommendations presented to both the YWCA Board of Directors and the University committees and  Select qualitative (words) for personnel
accomplishments? Public School Division Board of Directors
boards/Academic associations/ achievements such as nominated  Character: Neighbours, home stay
■ Did you supervise, train or teach Affiliations/Memberships/ 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
others? Associate memberships/  Try to use the Formula: Action
■ What particular value would you Academic positions word + task (skills) + how you
bring to an organization? demonstrated or developed it

2 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
Build collaborative relationships with colleagues and customers representing diverse cultures, races, ages, Arranged Complied Inspected Processed Screened Updated
genders, sexual orientations, religions, and viewpoints. The individual is able to work within a team structure, Catalogued Dispatched Maintained Proofread Set up Validated
and can negotiate and manage conflict. Charted Distributed Monitored Purchased Specified Verified
Achieved Improved Partnered Restored Strengthened Surpassed Classified Documented Operated Recorded Standardized Word Processed
Completed Introduced Provided Revamped Structured Transferred Coded Executed Organized Retrieved Systematized
Contributed Mediated Recommended Solved Submitted Unified Collated Generated Prepared Reviewed Tabulated
Expanded Participated Reduced Streamlined Supported Utilized
Creative
Leadership Abstracted Customized Entertained Improvised Made Produced
Leverage the strengths of others to acheive common goals, and use interpersonal skills to coach and develop Adapted Demonstrated Established Initiated Modeled Revitalized
others. The individual is able to assess and manage their emotions and those of others; use empathetic skills to Arranged Designed Fashioned Innovated Painted Shaped
guide and motivate others. Composed Developed Founded Integrated Performed Sketched
Administered Contracted Established Implemented Motivated Reorganized Conceptualized Directed Generated Introduced Planned Solved
Chaired Delegated Evaluated Improved Oversaw Spearheaded Cooked Drew Illustrated Invented Predicted Visualized
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
Exercise sound reasoning to analyze issues, make decisions, and overcome problems. The individual is able to obtain, Appraised Checked Forecasted Marketed Projected Verified
interpret, and use knowledge, facts, and data in this process, and may demonstrate originality and inventiveness. Audited Computed Inspected Ordered Reconciled
Acted Defined Formulated Leveraged Observed Recognized
Communicated Distinguished Gathered Measured Persisted Reflected Research
Conceptualized Estimated Identified Monitored Persuaded Resolved Analyzed Conducted Explored Interviewed Researched Tabulated
Deduced Examined Infered Negotiated Reasoned Synthesized Calculated Correlated Extracted Investigated Reviewed Tested
Catalogued Critiqued Extrapolated Located Solved Uncovered
Communications (Oral and Written) Clarified Discovered Gathered Monitored Studied Verified
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
Clarified Counselled Edited Lectured Presented Reported Advised Attended Coordinated Encouraged Motivated Resolved
Collaborated Directed Influenced Mediated Printed Translated Advocated Cared Counselled Facilitated Provided Saved
Aided Carried out Delivered Familiarized Referred Served
Digital Technology/Technical Assessed Clarified Educated Guided Rehabilitated Suggested
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
Applied Calibrated Engineered Mapped Programmed Standardized Adapted Consulted Enabled Facilitated Initiated Stimulated
Assembled Converted Fabricated Modified Remodeled Upgraded Advised Cooperated Encouraged Graded Instructed Substituted
Augmented Designed Installed Navigated Repaired Utilized Assisted Coordinated Enforced Guided Schooled Trained
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 individuals’ differences. As a USask graduate, demonstrating specific knowledge of Indigenous CAREER SERVICES careerservices.usask.ca
peoples, and their history, is also crucial. G50, Lower Marquis Hall (below the bookstore) Email: [email protected]
Accompanied Discovered Interconnected Programmed Specialized Volunteered 97 Campus Drive Tel: (306) 966-5003
usaskCAREERSERVICES
Adapted Diversified Internationalized Projected Strengthened University of Saskatchewan Fax: (306) 966-5092
Bridged Expatriated Licensed Reconciled Sustained Saskatoon, SK, Canada S7N 4L3 usaskCAREERSERVICES
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). Last updated 2021-22