Resumes

View our tips on getting started.

Want additional support? attend a resume workshop or schedule an appointment with a career counselor.

It depends. Generally, we recommend undergraduates have a one-page resume. For graduate students 1-2 pages is acceptable. Longer resumes also may be appropriate if you are applying to research positions, government positions, or roles in the performing arts.

Talk with a career counselor if you are not sure what’s best for your situation.

Experience comes in many forms! If you don’t have relevant work experience yet, consider highlighting class projects, internships, and club involvement. If you have work experience that is less related to your desired field, include it and emphasize the transferable elements, such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.

Learn how to improve your resume draft.

When you are ready for customized feedback, submit your resume for an email review or schedule an appointment.

Yes, it is essential to tailor your resume to match each position you are applying for. Learn how to tailor your resume.

While references are important, you should not include them on your resume or write “references available upon request.” Instead, create a separate document for your references to submit when the employer asks for them.

Yes! While the resume is a key part of any application, cover letters are also important. They help the employer learn why you are a strong candidate for the position—and why you are interested in the role/organization.

A CV, or Curriculum Vitae, emphasizes academic accomplishments and is used when applying for positions in academia, such as fellowships and grants. A CV has no limit on length and typically includes coursework, publications, posters, presentations, research, experience, etc. Learn more about CVs.

A resume is used when applying for a position in industry, non-profit, and private or public sector. A resume is selective and strategic in the information included. It is kept to 1-2 pages, emphasizing skills, knowledge, and experience relevant to the position.

For most internships and entry level positions, you will submit a resume.

It is important to follow application guidelines when creating a resume for a scholarship. Generally, scholarship resumes should be 1 page. If you are applying to an academically focused scholarship such as a fellowship, your resume or CV may be longer.

The focus of a scholarship resume should primarily be academics. We recommend you think broadly about your experience! Some experiences that could be helpful to include: Your major (or intended major), minor (if you have one), certificates, research, study abroad experiences, field work, class projects, participation in academic clubs, volunteer activities, extra curriculars (EX: participation in sports, clubs, etc.), and work experiences (part or full time). Check out our sample resume for some ideas: WWU Scholarship Resume - Academically Focused

No. On a scholarship resume you will highlight your experiences more broadly than you would for an internship or job.

Yes. Feel free to include experiences, extracurriculars, and academic achievements from high school if you are early on in your time at Western. Please note that you do not need to include your High School under education.

WWU Scholarship Resume - Academically Focused

We can certainly help you think through your academic goals and how those relate to future careers. For support on your scholarship essays, we recommend reaching out to the Hacherl Research and Writing Studio. You can request an appointment to connect with them in-person or online (though this is not required),  send a draft for an email response, or simply drop in, either in-person on the second level of Haggard Hall or online through chat on their website (hours listed here).