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• How to Write a Graduate School Resume | Template & Example

How to Write a Graduate School Resume | Template & Example

Published on February 7, 2020 by Shona McCombes . Revised on June 1, 2023.

When you apply for graduate school , you’ll usually be asked to submit a resume or CV along with your application. A graduate school resume should give a focused, concise overview of relevant experiences and achievements.

The exact sections you include depend on your experiences and on the focus of the program you’re applying to. Ensure your resume gives full details of:

• Your college education
• Relevant work experience
• Relevant voluntary and extracurricular experience
• Any awards, honors, publications, or other relevant achievements
• Any relevant skills, certifications, and memberships

The main difference from a regular resume is that you’ll put more emphasis on your education and academic interests to show that you’re a good candidate for graduate school.

Download the Word templates and adjust them to your own purposes.

Resume template 1 Resume Template 2

Table of contents

Step 1: plan the structure and layout, step 2: create a heading with your personal information, step 2: detail your education, step 3: outline your work experience, step 4: highlight other relevant skills and achievements, step 5: proofread and save as a pdf, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about graduate school resumes.

Before you start writing, you need to decide how you’ll organize the information. Which sections you include, and in which order, depends on your experience and the program you are applying to.

If you’re applying for a research-focused program in the sciences, social sciences or humanities, emphasize your academic skills and achievements. Awards, publications, grants, fellowships, and teaching experience should take center stage. If you don’t have many academic achievements yet, you can focus on your courses, grades, and research interests.

If you’re applying to a professionally-focused program, you’ll probably want to emphasize your work experience and practical skills. Internships, jobs, and voluntary work should all be included.

Keep the layout clean and simple. Make sure all headings are the same size and font, and use text boxes or dividing lines to separate the sections.

Example of a resume outline

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At the very top of your resume, you need to include:

• Your name (usually in a larger font size)
• Your address
• Your email address
• Your phone number

You can also include a sentence summarizing your background and stating your objective.

• Don’t write “resume” in the heading – just your name is fine.
• Do include links to relevant professional or academic profiles, such as LinkedIn, Academia.edu, or ResearchGate.

A graduate school resume should always start with your educational history. For each program you’ve completed (or are soon to complete), always list:

• The degree (e.g. Bachelor of Arts in English Literature)
• The college and location
• The month and year of graduation

If you’re applying for a research-focused program, you can also give the title of your thesis and go into slightly more detail about your studies – for example, by listing 2–3 advanced courses that demonstrate relevant academic skills.

• Don’t include your high school education.
• Do include other applicable information such as your minor(s), study abroad programs, and other relevant educational experiences.
• Awards and honors

If you’ve received any awards, honors, scholarships, or grants, make sure to include these too. If you have several such academic achievements, it’s worth including a separate section on your resume to make sure they stand out.

Next, your resume should give an overview of your professional and voluntary experience. If you have varied experience, you might want to split it up into separate sections:

In a resume for an academic program, you could include headings for teaching experience and research experience.

A professionally-focused resume could be divided into sections for employment, internships, and voluntary work, or headings for managerial and administrative roles.

Each section should be organized in reverse chronological order. For each role, list:

• Your job title
• The dates of employment
• The organization’s name and location
• A bullet-point list of your main responsibilities

Be concise and specific when describing your work.

• Don’t attempt to list everything you did in every job.
• Do pick out some key achievements that show what you learned and how you succeeded.

For example, instead of:

• Made lesson plans
• Taught students
• Graded papers
• Attended departmental meetings

You could write:

• Designed lessons in academic writing skills
• Taught classes of 20–30 undergraduate students
• Graded practical assignments and coordinated peer feedback sessions
• Contributed to the evaluation and redevelopment of the curriculum

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The other sections of your resume depend on what you want to emphasize. You can include some of the section headings listed below, or combine them into larger sections.

Publications and presentations

Publishing in academic journals or presenting at conferences is a big selling point on a graduate school resume. List any publications (including co-author credits) or papers you have presented.

You can also include pending publications – that is, articles that have been accepted by a journal but not yet published. Make sure to note what stage the publication is at (e.g. under review, in press).

Certifications and memberships

If you have participated in professional development or other relevant training courses, list your certifications.

Are you a member of any professional bodies or organizations? You can list these too to demonstrate your involvement in an academic or professional community.

Languages and technical skills

If you speak more than one language, list your level of fluency (with certification if applicable).

There’s usually no need to include standard computer skills like Microsoft Word, but do highlight your proficiency in specialist softwares or tools relevant to the program (such as statistical programs and design software).

Extracurricular activities

Don’t include irrelevant hobbies or try to show off how busy you were in college, but do list any community or voluntary activities that demonstrate your skills in things like leadership and communication, or that are directly related to the subject you want to study.

Examples of the kinds of things that are worth including might be:

• Organizing events
• Editing a college paper, magazine, or journal
• Being president of a club
• Being involved in a community project

Make sure to carefully proofread your resume (and the rest of your application) before you submit. Also, check out Scribbr’s professional proofreading services to see what we can do for you.

To ensure your formatting stays consistent, it’s generally best to save your resume as a PDF file (unless the university specifies another format).

If you want to know more about college essays , academic writing , and AI tools , make sure to check out some of our other language articles with explanations, examples, and quizzes.

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A resume for a graduate school application is typically no more than 1–2 pages long.

Note, however, that if you are asked to submit a CV (curriculum vitae), you should give comprehensive details of all your academic experience. An academic CV can be much longer than a normal resume.

Always carefully check the instructions and adhere to any length requirements for each application.

The sections in your graduate school resume depend on two things: your experience, and the focus of the program you’re applying to.

Always start with your education. If you have more than one degree, list the most recent one first.

The title and order of the other sections depend on what you want to emphasize. You might include things like:

• Professional experience
• Voluntary and extracurricular activities
• Publications
• Skills and certifications

The resume should aim for a balance between two things: giving a snapshot of what you’ve done with your life so far, and showing that you’re a good candidate for graduate study.

No, don’t include your high school courses and grades. The education section should only detail your college education.

If you want to discuss aspects of high school in your graduate school application, you can include this in your personal statement .

A resume is typically shorter than a CV, giving only the most relevant professional and educational highlights.

An academic CV should give full details of your education and career, including lists of publications and presentations, certifications, memberships, grants, and research projects. Because it is more comprehensive, it’s acceptable for an academic CV to be many pages long.

Note that, outside of the US, resume and CV are often used interchangeably.

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Graduate School Resume Examples and Templates for 2024

• Resume Examples
• Resume Text Examples

How To Write a Graduate School Resume

• Entry-Level
• Senior-Level

Graduate School Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples

Christine Li (123) 456-7890 [email protected] 123 Your Street, Philadelphia, PA 12345

A Psychology Graduate specializing in behavioral analysis, cognitive behavioral therapy, and developmental psychology. Adept at executing complex research initiatives and collaborating with diverse academic teams.

Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Psychology Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, September 2017 – May 2021 GPA: 3.8/4.0

• Vice President, Temple Student Psychology Association, 2019-2021
• Member, Psi Chi Psychology Honor Society, 2017-2021
• Dean’s List 2017-2021
• Magna Cum Laude

Professional Experience

Research Assistant, Dr. William Stern, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA September 2020 – May 2021

• Conducted research on a variety of psychology topics and trends, including emotionally-focused therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques
• Coordinated with a team of scholars to conduct a research project analyzing the psychological effects of poverty in food desert areas, including conducting interviews, developing surveys, and evaluating statistical trends

Academic Projects

Psychology Research Projects, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA September 2017 – May 2021

• Wrote a 25-page research paper for the Psychology capstone course analyzing the cultural experience of Chinese American immigrants in urban and rural areas and the relationship between institutionalized racism and anxiety
• Developed a 10-page research paper evaluating the benefits of cognitive behavioral therapy techniques to treat depression symptoms
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Development Psychology
• Emotionally-Focused Therapy
• Behavioral Analysis
• Trauma Intervention
• Academic Research
• Relationship Building
• Team Collaboration
• Written Communication

Luis Rodriguez (123) 456-7890 [email protected] 123 Your Street, New York, NY 12345

A Speech Pathology Graduate specializing in speech-language therapy, autism spectrum disorders (ASD), American Sign Language (ASL), and team leadership. A proven track record of mentoring students within the Speech-Language program and providing ESL tutoring services.

Bachelor of Art (B.A.) Speech-Language-Hearing Science Columbia University, New York, NY September 2017 – May 2021 GPA: 3.75/4.0

• Member, American Sign Language Club, 2018-2021
• Member, National Honors Society, 2017-2021
• Dean’s List, 2017-2021
• Summa Cum Laude

Speech-Language-Hearing Writing Tutor, Columbia University, New York, NY September 2020 – May 2021

• Coordinated with students weekly to identify weaknesses, resolved questions with speech, language, and hearing science course material, and developed strategies for academic success
• Resolved concerns regarding paper structure, prompts, revisions, and MLA and APA citation formatting

Classroom Assistant, Columbia University, New York, NY September 2019 – September 2020

• Supported a professor in the execution of two English preparatory courses for incoming first-year students
• Taught two thirty-minute sessions five days a week based on the needs of the students and focused on improving writing abilities and critical thinking skills

Volunteerism Experience

Volunteer Teaching Assistant, Brooklyn Literacy Center, New York, NY June 2020 – Present

• Supported one instructor in facilitating a three-hour class for ESL students, conducted evaluations to identify academic weaknesses, and assisted with implementing lesson plans and activities
• Speech-Language-Hearing Therapy
• American Sign Language
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Lesson Plan Implementation
• Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)

Sandra Carlisle (123) 456-7890 [email protected] 123 Your Street, San Francisco, CA 12345

An Economics Graduate specializing in statistical analysis, accounting, financial analysis, risk management, and ROI analysis. Experience in conducting economic research to evaluate statistical trends and inform financial decision making for businesses.

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Economics University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA September 2017 – May 2021 GPA: 3.6.5/4.0

• Member, UC Berkeley Economics Club, 2017-2021
• Dean’s List, 2018-2019

Internship, Anderson Financial Firm, San Francisco, CA April 2020 – April 2021

• Performed statistical analysis on economic and financial trends for a financial investment firm, which included evaluating potential ROI of startup businesses
• Supported a team of Financial Analysts and Economists in evaluating business models, analyzing risk, and forecasting financial outlook to inform investment decisions
• Attended meetings with the Finance team and assisted with the preparation of financial presentations and reports

Economic & Financial Research Projects, UC Berkeley, Berkeley CA September 2017 – May 2021

• Wrote a 20-page research essay using quantitative and qualitative analysis to investigate the potential long-term financial outlook of hospitality businesses in the Covid-19 era
• Coordinated with a team of students to conduct a financial research project analyzing the scalability and sustainability of hypothetical business models
• Financial Analysis
• Risk Management
• Quantitative Analysis
• Qualitative Analysis
• ROI Analysis
• Team Leadership

Ted Johnson (123) 456-7890 [email protected] 123 Your Street, Boston, MA 12345

A recent Social Work Graduate specializing in psychotherapy, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), public health, and client relations. A strong background in working with non-profit agencies to execute community outreach initiatives.

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Social Work Boston University, Massachusetts, MA September 2017 – May 2021 GPA: 3.6/4.0

• Member, Student Diversity Council, 2018-2021
• Dean’s List, 2017-2018, 2020-2021

Internship, Boston Community Resource Center, Boston, MA June 2020 – April 2021

• Collaborated with a team of social workers at a non-profit organization to provide resources, housing, and food to the homeless population
• Interfaced with clients to provide information on available resources, including mental health services, job fairs, employment opportunities, and rehab centers
• Fielded phone inquiries, gathered client information, and updated case files in coordination with the social services team

Volunteer, St. Margaret’s Homeless Shelter, Boston, MA December 2018 – Present

• Provided operational support for a homeless shelter with over 250+ clients per day, assisted with meal preparation, and distributed hygiene supplies
• Communicated with clients to discuss needs, provided emotional support, and delivered referrals on available resources to improve quality of life and daily functioning
• Substance Abuse
• Child Welfare
• Psychotherapy
• Public Health
• Client Relations
• Community Outreach
• Emotional Intelligence

To stand out from the competition for graduate programs, you’ll need to craft an accomplishment-driven document that showcases your most compelling academic achievements. Providing descriptions of specific research projects and internships is one way to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise. Many universities also place a great deal of weight on associations you were involved in and your volunteer efforts. We’ll provide expert tips to help you translate your academic background and experience into a powerful resume.

1. Summarize your graduate school qualifications in a dynamic profile

When applying to graduate school, develop a professional summary at the top of your resume that encapsulates your key skills and academic expertise. Even if you lack hands-on experience in the field, this section will allow you to make a strong case for why you should be considered for graduate programs.

For example, showcasing emotional intelligence and client relations skills you may have acquired through volunteerism could resonate with the university if you intend to pursue a field of study in health care. Pay close attention to what qualities the program is looking for in its candidates and consider how your academic career aligns with the university’s values.

Professional Profile - Example #1

A speech pathology graduate specializing in speech-language therapy, autism spectrum disorders (ASD), American Sign Language (ASL), and team leadership. A proven track record of mentoring students within the speech-language program and providing English as a Second Language (ESL) tutoring services.

Professional Profile - Example #2

An economics graduate specializing in statistical analysis, accounting, financial analysis, risk management, and return on investment (ROI) analysis. Experience in conducting economic research to evaluate statistical trends and inform financial decision-making for businesses.

2. Create a powerful list of your graduate school experience

Crafting a professional experience section can be difficult for graduate students due to a lack of hands-on experience within your field. If you’ve completed an internship or research fellowship, feature this experience as the flagship of your resume. But if you haven’t had this type of opportunity, don’t panic. Leveraging your academic projects can also be highly impactful in demonstrating your qualifications for graduate programs.

Professional Experience Example

• Supported a team of financial analysts and economists in evaluating business models, analyzing risk, and forecasting financial outlook to inform investment decisions
• Attended meetings with the finance team and assisted with the preparation of financial presentations and reports

Academic Projects Example

Psychology Research Projects, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA May 2021 – June 2022

• Wrote a 25-page research paper for the psychology capstone course analyzing the cultural experience of Chinese American immigrants in urban and rural areas and the relationship between institutionalized racism and anxiety

3. Include graduate school-related education and certifications

When applying for graduate school programs, feature your education, coursework, and academic achievements prominently on your document. Depending on your field of study, you may also want to consider pursuing a certification to strengthen your application. For example, if you were pursuing a graduate degree in economics or finance, you could obtain a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) certification after completing the FINRA exam. This shows universities you’ve been proactive in expanding your knowledge and expertise while pursuing graduate programs.

• [Degree Name]
• [School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] [Dates Enrolled]
• Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Speech-Language Pathology
• Columbia University, New York, NY September 2019 – June 2023

Certifications

• [Certification Name], [Awarding Organization], [Completion Year]
• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), 2023

4. List key graduate school skills and proficiencies

When building your resume for your graduate school application, create a robust skills section highlighting a mix of both hard and soft skills. Universities use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter out unqualified candidates. Include as many relevant keywords as possible to maximize your chances of advancing to the next phase of the application process. Before you apply, carefully evaluate the graduate program you’re pursuing and ensure you include all the necessary coursework and skills in your document. Below are some potential keywords to use during the application process:

Featuring key academic projects and educational achievements is essential for building a strong graduate school application. Be sure to include all of your relevant degrees, academic associations, GPAs, and coursework. For example, as a speech pathologist student, you may want to include your knowledge of ASL. If you were an engineering graduate, highlight projects where you collaborated with student teams to create prototypes.

How To Pick the Best Graduate Resume Template

It’s best to select a well-organized, straightforward template when applying for graduate school applications. Although flashy colors and graphics may be visually appealing, these types of modern templates often distract the reader from your content. When in doubt, prioritize structure and organization over style.

Frequently Asked Questions: Graduate School Resume Examples and Advice

What are common action verbs for graduate school resumes -.

It’s easy to run short on action verbs when describing your internships, research fellowships, and academic projects. In many instances, there are only a limited number of verbs you can use to convey your academic experience accurately. Differentiating your word choice sends a message to the reader that you’ve put time and effort into your graduate school application. We’ve compiled a list of verbs to build your resume:

How do you align your resume with a job description? -

The top graduate school programs are highly competitive. Numerous factors come into play, including your undergraduate program, GRE scores, internship experience, and letters of recommendation. To maximize your chances, carefully tailor your resume to the program you’re applying for. However, determining what key terms to include can be challenging on a graduate school resume, as not all programs will provide you with a robust description to build off of. Integrate as many key terms and courses from your field as possible in this situation.

What is the best graduate school resume format? -

The ideal graduate school format varies depending on your field of study and professional experience. If you’ve completed an internship, a reverse chronological approach is the best option. Other candidates may opt to feature their education and academic projects directly below their opening summary. Ultimately, choose a format that allows you to feature your most compelling qualifications and academic achievements towards the top of your resume.

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Most graduate programs require some form of cover letter from applicants. To garner interest from universities, highlight how your background and personal values align with the programs you’re targeting. Avoid crafting generic cover letters. They won’t generate results. Be thoughtful in your messaging and display a genuine passion for your field of study. For more information, visit our recent graduate school cover letter page.

Frank Hackett

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)

Frank Hackett is a professional resume writer and career consultant with over eight years of experience. As the lead editor at a boutique career consulting firm, Frank developed an innovative approach to resume writing that empowers job seekers to tell their professional stories. His approach involves creating accomplishment-driven documents that balance keyword optimization with personal branding. Frank is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PAWRCC).

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Grad School Resume 2024: Tips, FAQs, and Templates

When applying to grad school, you’ll probably be asked to submit your resume. As grad school admissions become increasingly competitive, it’s critical that you have a strong resume to help you stand out from other applicants and impress the selection committee.

The perfect grad school resume is short and concise but persuasive enough to convince your dream grad school that you’re the perfect candidate. An academic resume is quite different to an employment resume, so it’s important to know how to write a winning CV for grad school.

Table of Contents

Why Do I Need a Grad School Resume?

When preparing your grad school application, you’re probably consumed with many tasks like chasing down your academic transcripts and preparing for the  entrance exam . Your graduate school resume might be the last thing on your mind, but you’ll almost certainly need to prepare one.

Grad school admission requirements vary depending on the school you’re applying to, but you’ll typically need to submit the following for your grad school application:

• Completed application form
• Academic transcript
• Entrance exam
• Reference letters
• Personal statement

You shouldn’t use whatever resume you have on hand from the last time you applied for a job. A grad school resume is quite different from an employment resume , so you’ll need to create one specifically for this purpose. A well-crafted and comprehensive resume helps the admissions team understand your strengths, qualifications, experience, and interests. Ultimately, this will help them determine whether or not they’ll accept you into the program.

Related: How To Prep Your Resume For Success (When You’ve No Work Experience)

Tips for Writing a Winning Graduate School Resume in 2024

Follow these tips to show any selection committee that you’re the perfect candidate for their program!

Write a Strong but Concise Introduction

Grad school selection committees go over hundreds, if not  thousands , of resumes to find candidates who meet their standards and who could be excellent ambassadors for the program. Because of sheer volume, they may spend only a few seconds reviewing each resume.

This makes the introduction critical—this part will grab their attention and persuade them to keep reading. So, take your time to write a brief but strong professional profile. In as few words as possible, mention your qualifications, experience, and relevant skills, why you want to join the program, and why you’re the perfect candidate.

Your letter of intent for admission to graduate school gives you a unique way to separate yourself from the rest of the applicants.

Include your Contact Details

Your contact details should go at the top of your resume, right below your name.

Be sure to include the following details:

• Your first name and surname
• Your physical address

Your email address

• At least one contact phone number
• Links to your social media profiles.

You don’t need to include extra information about yourself such as your race, age, or citizenship. In fact, by law, institutions are not allowed to discriminate based on these details; so, it’s best to leave them off your resume entirely.

On the other hand, social media links are important, especially LinkedIn. If you don’t have a LinkedIn profile already, consider signing up for one. The selection committee may check your profile to verify your connections, work experience, internships, volunteer work, and educational background.

Pay Attention to Formatting

Good formatting is vital for any resume—a sloppy layout will make you look unprofessional and could damage your chances of getting accepted into a grad program. Keep it short, simple, and precise—make it no more than one page if possible. Don’t include any unnecessary details or information that isn’t relevant to the program.

The exact layout can vary, but your grad school resume should include:

• Your name and contact details
• Summary/introduction
• Education history and educational achievements

Awards and achievements

• Significant research projects
• Extra-curricular activities
• Volunteer work
• Skills and hobbies

Some grad schools want you to follow a standard format, so be sure to check with the admissions office if they have any grad school resume examples or templates. You can’t expect a call back from the selection committee if you can’t follow a simple format instruction!

For more on formatting, take a look at the sample CVs for graduate school admission later in this article.

Detail your Education History

Many grad schools require candidates to have a minimum level of education in order to be considered for their program. Even if a school doesn’t have strict grade prerequisites, at a minimum you will need to have completed an undergraduate degree. Your education history is one of the first things the selection committee will check when going over your resume.

Because this information is so important, you should outline your education in a prominent spot near the top of your resume. Mention the schools you’ve attended, your qualifications, GPA, and any other courses or certifications you took before or after your undergraduate studies. It’s also essential to include any teaching experience and major research projects.

Be sure to include these details in the education section:

•       Name of the school
•       Location
•       Graduation date
•       Degrees
•       Awards

Include your Professional Experience

An academic resume doesn’t need to be limited to your education experience. It’s usually a good idea to also include work experience outside of academia, along with teaching and research experience .

Detailing your diverse work experience may demonstrate additional skills and experience that is relevant to the program. It can also help to build a complete picture of your journey to grad school that will be more compelling to the selection committee. Furthermore, some programs, such as most MBAs, particularly look for professional work experience.

Related: How To Apply To Grad School

Highlight Your Awards and Achievements

Your achievements set you apart from other candidates so it’s vital to highlight them in your resume. Achievements demonstrate your skills and strengths in a very concrete way, giving the committee a good reason to choose you over other applicants. Achievements could include volunteer awards, leadership positions, prizes won as part of extracurricular activities, academic achievements such as honors, and internships. Be sure to also briefly mention what you learned from your achievements.

Detailing your academic achievements can certainly enhance your resume, but it’s not necessary to include every small award you’ve won over the years. Make this section detailed, but without any fluff. Only include awards that are relevant to the program you are applying for.

Stick with Reverse Chronological Order

The selection committee will be most interested in hearing about your latest experience and achievements. Therefore, it’s important to list everything in reverse chronological order: start with your most recent awards, projects, or positions and work backwards chronologically.

You should follow this approach for all the elements in your academic resume. This includes academic and professional work experience, research projects, publications, awards, and other achievements.

Include Key Skills and Proficiencies

At the end of your resume, you should include a section covering your skills and abilities . Detail both the hard and soft skills picked up from your undergraduate program and professional experience. You can also list your hobbies, but remember to avoid fluff – only include extracurricular activities that are relevant to your application.

This doesn’t mean that all the skills and hobbies you mention must be directly related to the graduate program; however, they should show the school that you are a strong candidate for one reason or another. For example, sporting achievements demonstrate dedication and motivation, even if they aren’t directly related to the program you’re applying for. Anything that adds value to your resume will help make your application stand out.

Wherever possible, back up your statements. Rather than just stating that you possess certain skills, provide examples of academic projects that allowed you to build a specific capability, or awards you won that recognize your proficiency in a certain area.

Don’t be Repetitive

Avoid repeating information. If you have only a few achievements to show and you’ve already mentioned them under the education section, you don’t need to create a separate section for achievements and awards. A lengthy resume filled with fluff isn’t going to help you get into your dream school. It’s always better to keep your resume short, concise, and to the point.

Proof Read to Pick up any Errors

Don’t underestimate the importance of proofreading your academic resume for graduate school. Even one or two spelling mistakes, typos, or messy formatting can be a big turn off the selection committees.

Read over your resume to check for errors. Then proofread it again. Just to be sure, ask a friend, family member, or mentor to take a look. Most importantly, make sure your contact details are accurate and up to date!

How to Write a Resume for Your Graduate School Application

Here’s a brief step-by-step guide to writing a resume for grad school applicants.

Step 1: Write a Strong Introduction

Your academic resume should start with a brief but compelling introduction to catch the selection committee’s attention and encourage them to keep reading.

Your introduction should summarize your most relevant skills and academic history, as well as mentioning your main professional objective. A strong graduate school resume objective is authentic, direct, and compelling.

Step 2: List your Academic Experience

In the next section, detail your academic qualifications and experience. Include not only your undergraduate degree and any other studies you’ve completed, but also key coursework, major academic projects and research and teaching experience.

Related: When To Apply For Grad School

Step 3: Detail your Professional Experience

The next part of your academic should cover your professional experience. If you’re a recent graduate with limited experience, list your internships, fellowships, teaching positions, or any other relevant experience you have.

Step 4: Detail your Key Skills

Next, describe your most relevant skills that will impress the admissions committee. It’s essential to include as many relevant keywords as possible, as admissions committees are increasingly using Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to automatically filter applications.

Key skills and proficiencies you could add to your resume include:

• Academic research
• Business knowledge
• Social sciences
• Written communication skills
• Skills in specific disciplines, such as accounting, actuarial science, biology, calculus, cell-based analysis, cognitive behavioral therapy, economics, engineering, finance, nursing theory, psychology, social work, and statistics

Step 5: List Important Academic Achievements

Finally, highlight your most impressive academic achievements. Include details such as your GPAs, academic memberships and associations, and any awards you’ve received.

Graduate School Resume Template

Below, we’ve included three graduate school resume examples that showcase different ways to format your resume for graduate school. These graduate school resumes include all the critical information, such as academic projects, relevant skills, and professional experience in a clear, concise way.

Grad School Resume Template 1: General Academic Resume

Your First Name, Last Name

Your phone number

LinkedIn profile, other social media profiles

Introduction : 2-3 sentences outlining your qualifications, experience, why you want to join the program, and why you make the perfect candidate.

School name

Completion date – Degree name

• List of accomplishments

Work Experience

Position title Start date – End date

Organization name, address

• Responsibilities and achievements
• List of skills and proficiencies
• List of awards and achievements

Template 2: Professional-Focused Academic Resume (for MBA and similar programs)

Introduction: 2-3 sentences outlining your qualifications, experience, and main career goals.

Template 3: Recent Graduate Academic Resume

Academic Projects

Project subject, Institution, City, State

Start date – End date

• List of key courses

Volunteer Experience

Grad School Resume FAQs

Is an academic resume the same as a regular resume.

A grad school or academic resume is totally different from a resume that you might use to apply for a job. Most students have limited work experience, particularly in the professional sector. Furthermore, grad school selection committees generally look for applicants with a strong academic background. Therefore, an academic resume can focus on qualifications, achievements, test scores, and extracurricular activities.

What Should a Grad School Resume Include?

Contact information, educational qualifications, internship programs, awards and achievements, and any extracurricular activities are the basic essentials you should include in your masters degree resume or graduate school resume. You should also have a strong introduction or summary near the top of your resume which tells the selection committee what they need to know at a glance. You can add additional information, such as professional experience and other projects if it’s relevant to the program.

How Long Should My Grad School Resume Be?

Generally speaking, your grad school resume should be no more than one page. However, if you have a lot of experience and a detailed history of qualifications, you can make your resume 1.5-2 pages. But, we don’t recommend going over two pages! The most important thing is to keep your professional resume for graduate school both relevant and concise.

What is the Best Graduate School Resume Format?

There are a few different graduate school resume formats, and the best one for you will depend on your chosen field of study, as well as your level of experience. Equally, it’s important to format your resume so that you showcase your strengths and achievements in the best way possible.

If you already have professional experience, it’s usually best to open with your most recent experience, then continue the list in reverse chronological order. If you have little to no work experience, its preferable to follow your opening summary with your most impressive academic achievements and qualifications.

How do you Align your Resume with a Job Description?

When applying for jobs, you should never use a one-size-fits all resume. Instead, it’s critical to adapt your CV to the job description each and every time. If the job description mentions certain skills, ensure that your resume shows that you have these capabilities. Additionally, be sure to clearly demonstrate the experience and qualifications detailed in the job description.

Likewise, prospective graduate students should tailor their academic resume to the specific program they’re applying to. Many grad schools are highly competitive, so it’s essential that every part of your application, including your resume, helps you to stand out and clearly shows why you’re an excellent fit for the program.

How Far Back Should a Resume go for Grad School?

Your graduate school application should be as comprehensive as possible, but you don’t need to go overboard. Therefore, for most graduate programs, it’s best to include your undergraduate qualifications and any other relevant certifications, but you don’t need to mention your high school GPA or SAT scores , for example.

Likewise, you should generally include professional work experience going back around 10 – 15 years, as long as it’s relevant to the program.

Wrapping Up

Getting into grad school can be tough, especially if you’re applying to one of the  Ivy Leagues . These schools receive thousands of applications, so you really need to make sure yours stands out. It’s important to take your time and make the effort to present a strong application, from your academic transcript and GPA to your winning grad school resume.

Are you putting together a grad school application? Check out this guide on how to ace your grad school interview .

Lisa Marlin

Lisa is a full-time writer specializing in career advice, further education, and personal development. She works from all over the world, and when not writing you'll find her hiking, practicing yoga, or enjoying a glass of Malbec.

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5 Expert Tips for Writing a Stand-Out Grad School Resumé

Congratulations on making a great investment in your future by applying to graduate school. The application is complete , you’ve gathered your recommendations , you’ve written your statement of purpose , and now you’re working on developing another important component—your resumé.

Your grad school resumé is an integral piece of the admissions process, says Jared Pierce, former associate director of enrollment quality assurance at Northeastern University. Pierce says that resumés help admissions counselors decide whether a prospective student is a good fit for the program by allowing them to assess the student and his or her strengths, work experience, skills, education, and interests.

Your grad school resumé is similar in many ways to a resumé you’d submit as part of a job application: You should use crisp language to describe your experiences, present a clean and organized layout to make it easy to read, and make sure it’s free from typos and grammar errors. But they’re different, too: Grad school resumés should emphasize your education, work and volunteer experience, and specific skills relevant to the particular program you’re applying to.

“[Admissions teams are] interested in a student’s background and how it’s relevant to the program they want to enroll in,” Pierce says. “If a student is enrolling in a communications program, for example, the admissions team is looking to see whether they’re coming from a social media background or a marketing background, and how that experience applies to what they’re looking for in grad school.”

Attention to detail is paramount when creating your resumé for grad school. Here’s a look at what should be included on your resumé, plus five tips to help you craft one that’s memorable and impactful.

What to include in a resumé for graduate school

In general, your grad school resumé will be similar to a resumé you’d create when applying for a job. Keep in mind, however, that this document should be tailored to your desired program of study in order to show the admissions team that you’re a good fit.

Your graduate school resumé should include:

• A header, including basic information like your name and email address
• Your education histor y , including your undergraduate degree and institution
• Relevant experiences, such as current or previous professional roles, internships, and leadership experience
• Research and publications, including any research projects, articles, or other publications you’ve contributed to through your academic or professional career
• Skills and certifications, especially those closely related to your field of study
• Volunteering and extracurricular activities, if applicable to your program of interest

If you’re unsure whether a particular experience or skill should be included on your resumé, ask yourself how it relates to the program or institution that you’re applying to. If it doesn’t speak directly to your interests and strengths, it’s likely unnecessary to include.

Writing your grad school resumé: 5 tips for success

1. tailor your resumé to the program..

When graduate schools review your resumé, they’re weighing the relevancy of your previous experience and education with the program you’re applying to. In other words, they want to see a correlation between what you’ve done and where you’re going.

Pierce recommends reviewing the homepage of the program you’re interested in before writing your resumé. Some programs require two or three years of work experience or a portfolio, so make sure you qualify for the program you’re applying to.

If you’re interested in the Master of Science in Cybersecurity program, for example, review the program’s webpage and make note of its requirements, objectives, core courses, and any relevant keywords it uses. Then make sure you check those boxes as you write your resumé.

2. Highlight all relevant experience.

While some prospective students apply to grad school from the field, others apply to programs upon completion of their undergraduate degree. For this reason, not all students will have professional experience to list on their resumé—and that’s OK, Pierce says.

“It’s a misnomer that if you don’t have professional experience, you can’t write a resumé,” he says. “There are other types of experience that are just as important and useful, so make sure you highlight everything that is relevant.”

Other than professional experience, admissions committees are interested in volunteer work and internships you’ve completed. This experience is just as relevant. For all experience—professional or otherwise—it’s important to showcase the duties you performed in those roles, and both the hard and soft skills you learned. This might include leading teams or projects, honing communication skills, or becoming proficient in specific software or programs.

3. Showcase your skills.

Your resumé should include a skills section that highlights technologies, skills, and other competencies relevant to the graduate program you’re applying to, Pierce says.

If you’re applying to the Master of Science in Computer Science program, for example, your resumé should list the programming languages you know (e.g., Python, C++, Ruby on Rails), computer applications you’ve used, and software or systems that you’re experienced in.

4. Include professional achievements.

In addition to your experience and skills, admissions committees are interested in the professional certifications you earned, professional training you’ve completed, professional organizations of which you’re a member, and any instances in which you’ve been published.

Prospective students interested in the Master of Science in Project Management program, for example, should list any PMP certifications they’ve earned, while students interested in a Master of Science in Human Resource Management should note their membership to the Society for Human Resource Management, Pierce says. These achievements and memberships add another dimension to your resumé, showcasing your efforts outside your job, volunteer work, or internships to further your career and broaden your experience.

5. Keep it clean.

Your grad school resumé should be succinct, only rarely exceeding one page, Pierce says. It should go without saying, too, that your resumé should be clean, well formatted, easy to read, and free of typos or grammatical errors.

“We’re looking for a well-organized resumé that shows that care has been taken in creating it,” Pierce says. “Don’t just list out your experience in bullet points; tell us what duties you performed and how it correlates to the program you’re applying to. Your resumé is a reflection of you—we want to see that it’s polished and detailed, and understand what your background is like and what your experiences have been.”

Grad school resumé support

Applying to graduate school can be both exciting and stressful. Luckily, admissions teams and enrollment coaches are available to help you along the way and make the process as smooth as possible. If you have questions as you’re preparing your application and related materials, don’t be afraid to reach out for help. At the end of the day, admissions teams want to ensure that you’re a good fit for their program and, in effect, that their program is a good fit for you. 

At Northeastern, there are various resources and experts you can leverage for support throughout the application process. Don’t hesitate to contact faculty members in your program of interest with specific questions about the degree program. With more general questions about the application process, paying for your degree , and program requirements, you can speak with an enrollment coach or attend one of our prospective student events .

Need More Application Help?

Join one of our application workshops to get your questions answered.

Register Here

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in July 2023 and has since been updated for relevance and accuracy. 

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• • Developed and implemented machine learning models that improved data processing speed by 30%, contributing to project efficiency.
• • Conducted data analysis on large datasets, identifying key trends that influenced decision-making processes for senior management.
• • Collaborated with a cross-functional team to create predictive models for customer behavior, increasing customer retention by 15%.
• • Presented data insights and model results to stakeholders, resulting in the adoption of new data-driven strategies across departments.
• • Automated data collection processes using Python, reducing manual data entry tasks by 25 hours per week.
• • Participated in the design and execution of A/B testing for new product features, leading to a 10% increase in user engagement.
• • Assisted in the development of a neural network model for image recognition, improving accuracy by 20% over previous models.
• • Conducted literature reviews and data collection for research projects, ensuring comprehensive and up-to-date information.
• • Collaborated with senior researchers to publish findings in a peer-reviewed journal, contributing to the academic community.
• • Presented research findings at academic conferences, enhancing the visibility and impact of our work.
• • Utilized Python and R for statistical analysis, supporting ongoing research projects with accurate data interpretations.
• • Developed lesson plans and educational materials to support student learning in mathematics and science.
• • Organized and led weekly study sessions, improving student performance by 20% on average.

5 Grad School Resume Examples & Guide for 2024

Graduate school plays a crucial role in advancing your knowledge and expertise in your chosen field. When crafting your resume, focus on highlighting relevant coursework, research projects, and any teaching or mentoring experience. It's also beneficial to incorporate strong analytical abilities, effective communication skills, and proficiency in specialized software or tools pertinent to your discipline. Lastly, make sure to mention any awards or recognitions you've received, along with your contributions to collaborative projects, to emphasize the impact you can make in your future endeavors.

All resume examples in this guide

Resume Guide

How to format a grad school resume

How to write your grad school resume experience

How to list your hard skills and soft skills on your resume.

How to list your certifications and education on your resume

How to write your grad school resume summary or objective

Additional sections for a grad school resume, key takeaways.

One would think that being accepted to grad school would be easier than finding a job in the current job market. But the truth is, certain establishments seem almost impossible to enroll in. For example, Stanford University Graduate School of Business’s 2023 MBA course accepted only 8.42% of applicants .

This is why if you’re considering further academic training, you must effectively highlight your determination, goal-oriented attitude, and how the course will enhance your career prospects.

In our guide on how to create a carefully thought-out grad school resume, we’ll demonstrate:

• How to choose a resume layout that best suits your expertise and properly format it
• What recruiters are searching for in a perfect candidate and how to reflect it in your own resume
• Which grad school skills are most in demand and how to showcase them on your application
• How to foolproof your resume by making it compliant with ATS (Applicant Tracking System) tools
• How to frame your education and certification section so that it relates to your desired course
• What the hallmarks of a convincing resume objective or summary are.
• How to use our real grad school resume examples to inform your writing process.

Before we continue, take a look at other guides we have on related topics:

• Student Ambassador resume
• SLP Grad School resume
• Academic resume
• College resume  
• MBA application resume  
• Grad school resume  

How to format a grad school resume

Grad school competition is tough. You must convince faculty committee members that pursuing a postgraduate degree isn’t a spontaneous decision on your part. That’s why when building your application, you must clearly and succinctly convey the scope of your knowledge, as well as your future career plans.

The first step towards crafting a stellar grad school resume is choosing an appropriate resume format . Below, we’ll review the three most popular layouts and the types of candidates they best represent.

Reverse-chronological resume format

If you’re a professional with extensive work experience in your particular academic field, select the reverse-chronological resume format . This template will perfectly showcase your research abilities and in-depth subject matter knowledge. Plus, the layout is preferred by admission officers because it’s easy to scan through and clearly demonstrates your academic career progression.

One of the format’s advantages is that you get to curate the experience section by picking which roles to add and bring emphasis to. However, keep in mind that oftentimes being overly selective or not arranging your experience section properly can emphasize existing career gaps. To avoid this, don’t forget to include extra details that explain the gaps in other sections of your resume, such as going on a sabbatical leave  or being a stay-at-home parent .

Hybrid (combination) resume format

On the other hand, if you’ve managed to gain some hands-on professional experience before going back to school, then the hybrid resume format  is your best option. The layout offers a fair overview of both your experience and expertise without placing a special emphasis on one over the other.

Some might argue that the lack of stress on a particular resume section is counterproductive. However, depending on the academic field, this can be a good way to demonstrate you have both the knowledge and practical experience to do the job — especially if you’re aiming for an entry-level position after you graduate. Remember to list any transferable skills  or supplementary knowledge you have to offer.

Functional resume format

Finally, if you lack any practical professional history in your respective field, pick the functional resume format . This layout draws attention to your academic qualifications, professional training, and acquired skills. Make sure you frame your education section accordingly and list all your degrees and certificates in order of relevance.

If you do have some hands-on experience, such as pertinent internships, volunteering gigs, or just shadowing other professionals , add them to your resume.

Run your grad school resume through our AI-powered resume checker to gain actionable insights on 16 essential points for free, as well as tips on how to improve your application.

Is your resume good enough?

Drop your resume here or choose a file . PDF & DOCX only. Max 2MB file size.

Further format writing tips

Once you choose an appropriate professional template , it’s time to work on design and formatting. Here are some tips and rules to take into consideration:

• Arrange your work history in reverse chronological order: Faculty committee members have a very limited time to go over individual applications. So, it’s recommended you place your most recent roles near the top of the resume to emphasize your current expertise level.
• Optimize your resume header to reflect your qualifications: Many dismiss the resume header  as a simple personal information section. However, if you want to make your resume stand out, you must be more strategic during the writing process. So, apart from your name, address, and contact information , attach a link to your portfolio  and list any industry-recognized credentials you have, such as CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) or LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse).
• Ensure you build an ATS-friendly resume :  Focus on a clear and simple resume layout  to ensure readability by both ATS and recruiters. Make sure you integrate resume keywords from the job description naturally within your resume which will also impress recruiters.
• Select a simple design and resume font :  Being in academia doesn’t mean your resume has to look like a research paper. Each field has its traditions and trends, so consider these when choosing a clean, stylish design. Ensure readability by selecting a serif or sans-serif font like Raleway or Rubik.
• Add more information about your expertise in the education section:  For your application, it's recommended to include more details about your education. The faculty committee needs to assess how your current knowledge overlaps with the graduate program and evaluate the long-term benefits to your career.
• Create a single-page resume : While your grad school resume must outline all relevant work and life experiences, it’s important to note that this should be done in a very focused and concise way. If you want to elaborate further on any of the information you’ve added to your application, detail it in your grad school cover letter .
• Check submission requirements before saving:  Unless stated otherwise, preserve the design and layout of your resume by saving it as a PDF file . Also, confirm that you’ve adhered to any document naming conventions listed in the ad.

Next, divide your grad school resume into sections. Remember to leave enough space for the following key segments:

The top sections on a grad school resume

• Personal information section : Provide recruiters with your basic contact details to help them reach you easily.
• Education history section : Showcase your academic qualifications as these are essential to demonstrate your readiness for advanced studies.
• Research experience section : Bring attention to your experience in conducting research to display your ability to contribute to scholarly discourse.
• Publications section : Highlight your research papers or scholarly articles you’ve published to demonstrate your contributions to your field.
• References section : Exhibit support from your respective community by listing the contacts of other field-recognized peers who willingly vouch for your competence and character.

Below you’ll find quintessential points you must cover in each of the segments you add to your application:

What recruiters want to see on your resume

• Strong academic performance : Your grades are a clear indicator of your academic abilities and dedication to your studies, which are critical for grad school.
• Relevant research experience : This shows that you’re familiar with research methodologies and have experience in critical analysis, which is essential for grad school.
• Published work : If you have any published work, it showcases your ability to conduct thorough research and contribute to your academic field.
• Clear career objectives : This shows that you have a clear direction for your future and that further education is a necessary step towards achieving those goals.
• Quality references : These can vouch for your hard work, dedication, and capabilities, further strengthening your application.

The experience section  of your resume is where you provide a summary of relevant past roles, career achievements, and acquired skills, such as operating specific industry equipment and tools.

Regardless of your academic specialty and experience, faculty committees want to see your understanding of key industry organizations and trends. Avoid the "laundry list" approach; instead, highlight your achievements. This will demonstrate your skills and emphasize your ability to set and achieve goals.

Here’s how to structure your grad school resume experience entries:

• Provide the name of your previous employer and your job title:  Some organizations have many subsidiaries and sister companies, which often operate under the same brand name. So, always make sure to state the organization’s full name and your job title, as they provide context about your professional development and range of skills.
• Summarize your employer’s business operations in one sentence: Speaking of listing a company’s legal name, make sure you outline its business operations and how your position was related.
• Add a link to the website of the organization: Link to the company’s website to let faculty members get a better understanding of your past employer's mission, goals, and overall performance.
• Cite the start and end date of your employment, as well as where you’re located:  You don’t have to provide exact dates. Listing the month and year is more than enough. Also, even if you’re working remotely, do include the location of the branch you’re associated with.
• Recount your academic and career achievements as bullet points: Your experience entries should include between three and five bullet points that describe the scope of your knowledge and abilities. Remember to begin each bullet point with an action verb  to emphasize the significance of your accomplishments.
• Build a targeted resume : Align your skills and achievements with the course requirements to showcase what makes you the perfect candidate to secure a spot in the postgraduate program. It’ll also demonstrate your professional development within your respective field.

With all this in mind, have a look at the following example:

• • Fixed and patched data visualization features.
• • Employed Python, Java, and Liquibase in day-to-day tasks.
• • Reduced error margins by 4.5% by developing custom features.

The main issue that sticks out is the mismatch between the time the applicant spent as an intern and the “achievements” listed. A month isn’t enough to completely familiarize yourself with a complex database project and its documentation.

In addition, the bullet points don’t actually showcase what the candidate is capable of achieving. One mentions a list of tools, but not how they’ve been applied in practice. By contrast, the other two bullet points are vague because they don’t offer enough information for the accomplishments to really stand out.

A more enhanced version of the above example would be:

• • Assisted in fixing and patching 10+ data visualization features to address client concerns, thus increasing customer satisfaction by 35%.
• • Boosted data aggregation speed with Python and Liquibase by 10 seconds, which resulted in a 60% raise in positive feedback from clients, as well as a 20% raise in new clients.
• • Developed a custom feature with Java and R to audit and clean aggregated information for a client conducting business with military organizations, thus reducing error margin by 4.5%.

This entry will impress admissions officers because the candidate clearly states which programming languages they’re proficient in. By sharing specific measurable data, the applicant has also explained how their work has impacted the company’s business relationships.

How to quantify the impact on your resume

While we’re on the topic of data, let’s discuss why numbers in your resume  matter.

Including measurable data in your resume is important as it provides much-needed context to properly describe your work performance. Without numbers, achievements may seem less significant. Always add data to support your accomplishments effectively wherever possible.

Here are some ways to reference numbers on your grad school resume:

• Include your GPA : This quantifiable data demonstrates academic excellence and shows commitment to your studies.
• Mention the scholarships or grants received : It not only highlights achievement but also shows your financial management skills.
• List quantifiable results of any organizational initiatives : This shows your ability to create an impact in a business context.
• Exceptional test scores : If you've taken business-related exams, the results can prove your proficiency in business concepts.
• Number of internships completed : This shows your proactive efforts to gain real-world business experience, which is important to recruiters.
• Meticulously detail your involvement in business projects : In addition to showcasing your hands-on experience, this highlights your business acumen and strategic planning skills.
• Specify budgets you’ve managed : This gives a sense of your financial management skills, crucial in business roles.
• Quantify your leadership roles : Detailing the number of individuals you led or projects you managed highlights your leadership and team management skills.

The work you do early will help you have a really polished piece of work to put forward. We get a ton of applications every year. The ones that are polished get a better review than others.

Bill Mahoney, Associate Dean for Student and Postdoctoral Affairs at the University of Washington’s graduate school

How do I write a grad school resume with no experience?

If you’re applying directly after completing your undergraduate course, building a grad school resume without work experience  can be difficult.

But don’t lose hope yet!

Corporate experience isn't the only way to demonstrate your expertise. Focus your resume on scholarly accomplishments and relevant knowledge. Admissions officers look for excellent project management skills, financial responsibility, and the ability to fully benefit from the program.

After all, higher education institutions are very competitive when it comes to research, innovation, and development. Consequently, their reputation is on the line.

So, before you start crafting your resume, research the respective institution’s faculty to determine its:

• Current academic focus and mission
• Ongoing projects, including funding and sponsors.
• Missed research opportunities.

Then, align your expertise and skills with the findings of your research. Here are some ideas on what type of experience you can add:

• Internships:  Even if most of what you’ve done during your internship is shadowing other professionals, adding such experience to your resume demonstrates you have a realistic view of current industry issues and trends.
• Volunteering on relevant projects: Based on your field of choice, volunteering can be a good way to showcase your dedication to your profession.
• Cross-institutional programs and year abroad experience: These underscore your ability to work with diverse teams and handle complex projects that often have large budgets and strict time constrictions.
• Additional training and certifications: Detail qualifications you’ve acquired outside formal education. This type of training won’t only stress your active involvement with your respective industry but also point to the type of professional specialization you’re seeking.

Also, hold on to your strongest pieces of writing and share them with a professor you might ask for a recommendation letter. Tell the professor you’d like to use this piece of writing as part of your grad school application and ask them what you should work on to make it better. Faculty can give great advice.

Celia Marshik, Dean of the graduate school at Stony Brook University—SUNY

Another small and frequently overlooked segment on a grad school resume is the skills section . Many candidates who don’t have much prior practical experience tend to overfill their skills section in an attempt to match all of the course requirements.

However, this approach is both obvious and ineffective. The main reason for this is that in most cases the crammed skills section doesn’t match the experience and expertise described in the rest of the resume. So, to avoid falling into this trap, let’s review how skills are usually categorized.

Hard vs soft skills

Irrespective of the industry or the academic field, there are generally two types of competencies - technical  and social skills.

The first type, also known as hard skills , covers field-specific abilities, such as business principles, understanding of data science algorithms, or operating production equipment. What you add to your grad school resume will vary based on which abilities are considered as core skills  within your field.

Conversely, the second represents the candidate’s level of emotional intelligence. That’s why they are also called soft skills . These include skills, such as empathy, problem-solving, and leadership abilities.

As you can see, you can add many skills and overcrowd the section as a result. That’s why you must apply a little strategy when building your resume. To get noticed by the admissions office, you have to:

• Review the graduate program requirements
• Go over your resume to verify which skills you’ve already covered in other segments, such as the experience and education sections
• Make a note of the abilities you haven’t covered yet.
• Add no more than 10 competencies.

Faculty committee members prefer candidates with a well-rounded profile as being a graduate student means you must have a strong subject matter foundation, and the social skills to collaborate with peers and present research insights.

Many PhD students use ImaginePhD  and myIDP  to match their skills to a suitable career path. However, if you have plenty of practical experience, but don’t know how to relate your work history to the course requirements, you can use the tools inversely.

Below you’ll find further suggestions and ideas on skills you can add to your resume:

Best hard skills for your grad school resume

• Research analysis
• Data interpretation
• Statistical analysis
• Project management
• Data visualization
• Machine learning
• Academic writing
• R programming
• Experimental design
• Qualitative research methods
• Biostatistics
• Lab techniques
• Public speaking
• Grant writing

Best soft skills for your grad school resume

• Communication
• Critical thinking
• Time management
• Problem-solving
• Adaptability
• Conflict resolution
• Emotional intelligence
• Active listening
• Negotiation
• Interpersonal skills
• Decision making
• Positive attitude
• Self-discipline
• Cultural sensitivity

Next, we’ll look at what makes an excellent education section and how you can build yours to stand out!

How to list your certifications and education on your resume

Taking into account the purpose of the application, describing your academic background in detail is pivotal. Oftentimes university programs overlap, however, the more you delve into specializing in a certain field, the more the courses will differ. As such, the admissions office must verify that you have the necessary foundation to enroll in the program.

Formal education

First, we’ll take a look at how to properly frame your education section :

• State the name of your degree and the issuing institution.
• Provide the start and end date of your studies by listing the month and year. If you’re yet to complete your degree , cite the date you expect to graduate.
• Indicate your GPA , if it’s above 3.5 to demonstrate your dedication to your field and your great academic skills.
• Mention one or two pieces of coursework  that directly relate to the specialization you wish to pursue.
• Reference relevant majors and minors  that align with the grad course’s subject matter.
• Disclose any academic recognition, such as being listed on the Dean’s list  or graduating cum laude .

Use the following example as a reference when building your education section:

• • Published a paper on Reviewing Predictive Modeling in Healthcare: Data Mining, Patient Privacy, and Ethics in World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews.
• • Majored in Database Management, Predictive Modelling, and Data Mining Ethics.

Depending on your field of choice, you may need to provide further proof of training as some undergraduate courses provide only a very limited foundational knowledge on which students are encouraged to build on their own.

Certificates

By showcasing your certifications on your resume , admission office members will get a better idea of what your particular academic interest is. In addition, it’ll help them to determine whether the offered course is a good fit for the career plans you’ve outlined in your resume.

All you have to do to list your certificates is:

• Cite the qualifications you’ve obtained
• Name the accrediting institution.
• State the date you acquired the certificate and the expiration date if applicable..

Below you’ll find the current most popular certifications among grad school students.

Best certifications for your grad school resume

• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
• AWS Certified Solutions Architect
• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

The final segment for a grad school application is the resume profile . This is a short paragraph underneath the resume header that highlights your core skills and top career achievements.

There are two types of profiles depending on the amount of practical experience you have in the respective industry or academic field. They are:

• Resume objective :  This type is best used by recent college grads and career changers . It aims to align the candidate’s current skill set and accomplishments with the institution’s mission and ongoing projects. Applicants must state what they seek to gain from the course and how they plan to progress further in their careers.
• Resume summary :  By contrast, the summary is more appropriate for tenured professionals who seek to expand their expertise by pursuing an additional academic specialization. Their profile focuses on explaining how the offered course will benefit their career and how they’ll apply the knowledge after completing the program. Candidates should emphasize one or two pertinent career achievements, as well as the abilities they want to add to their current skill set.

Let’s illustrate with a few examples.

Have a look at the poor attempt below:

This resume objective won’t draw the attention of faculty committee members because they don’t mention any significant accomplishments after a year of being a Data Science Intern. It also doesn’t explain how the listed skills have been applied in practice.

Plus, the candidate uses first-person pronouns  which may make them look conceited and egocentric. Instead, the applicant should omit the pronouns and use a first-person narrative style to make the paragraph easier to read.

To illustrate, consider the following grad school resume objective:

Now, have a look at the following resume summary. Do you think the candidate will get noticed for the right reasons?

In this case, the grad school graduate is a tenured specialist. However, nothing in the resume profile supports their claims, apart from the names of notable companies within the industry. Moreover, the applicant mentions a few of their hard skills, but none are linked to pertinent career accomplishments.

Last but not least, the paragraph includes several abbreviations. Given that the application will be reviewed by admission officers responsible for managing hundreds of courses, they may not be familiar with every single qualification. That’s why you should write out the full name of your credentials.

Here’s an enhanced version of the grad school resume summary from above:

If you feel your application isn’t as comprehensive as it could be, you can always supplement your grad school resume with extra sections. But remember to do so only if you have sufficient space to properly present the information without overcrowding your application.

These should cover information that doesn’t necessarily fit the mold of the other sections but offers a better overview of your skills and expertise.

What extra segments you add will depend on your experience. Some of them include:

• Research papers and publications :   If you’ve done extensive research on a course-relevant topic and have authored a few papers, build a short bibliography of your work with links to each of your projects . These will demonstrate your academic focus and the depth of your subject matter expertise.  
• Memberships in relevant associations and research institutions : Showcasing active involvement with respective academic and corporate communities emphasizes your knowledge of current trends, as well as your ability to network.
• Contributions to open source projects: If you’re striving for a placement in Software Engineering or Data Science, this can underscore your ability to write documentation, support complex projects, and work cross-functionally.
• Language skills : These are crucial in both academic and corporate settings—especially if you’re pursuing a social sciences or a language-related career.  

In summary, to build an effective and outstanding grad school resume, you must:

• Choose a suitable resume format that best reflects your expertise and skill set.
• Remember to link your portfolio in the resume header.
• Be selective about past roles you recount and arrange them in reverse chronological order.
• Quantify your achievements to highlight the significance of your contributions to your respective academic field.
• Place an emphasis on your education and certification section by providing a more detailed overview of your research, publications, and presentations.
• Craft a strong resume profile that aligns with the institution’s mission and ongoing projects.
• Limit your application to a single page and reserve any additional information for your grad school cover letter.

Looking to build your own Grad School resume?

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Graduate School resume examples & templates

You’ve been bitten by the academic bug. Your bachelor’s degree may be over but you’re not ready to end your education there. Now that you’ve whet your appetite, you’re ready to take things a step further. Yes, graduate school is calling your name. Since you’ve made your mind up, it’s time to start the application process. To get things moving, you’re going to need a graduate school resume that ticks all of the boxes. So, how do you get started?

Your graduate school resume will differ from standardized resumes. However, the sections that you include — and much of the content — will be similar. Chances are, you’re scratching your head wondering where to start. If it’s your first time writing a document of this nature, it’s no wonder you’re confused. You’ve come to the right place. 

Here at Resume.io, we have everything you need to create impressive applications. We provide expert-backed resume guides and resume examples for 350+ professions. Let us guide the way when you’re writing your next application. In the following guide, and the accompanying resume example, we will delve into these core topics: 

• Why you should go to graduate school
• How to write a graduate school resume (tips and tricks)
• The best layout for a graduate school resume
• Advice on each section of your resume (summary, work history, education, skills)
• Professional resume layout and design hints.

Why should you go to graduate school?

Looking to get ahead in your career? Going to graduate school can have a major impact here. Candidates with master’s degrees earn between 5.5 and 30% more than those with undergraduate degrees, according to information from the National Research University - Higher School of Economics (HSE) . 

Deciding to take your education further is all about investing in your future. This path shows employers that you have more than a surface-level interest in your chosen field. You may also find that you can enter the working world in a higher position than you would otherwise get. If you have passion for your subject, continuing to study is a wise move.

Thinking of applying to graduate school?

The competition for places may be tough. Between fall 2019 and fall 2020 , applications to graduate school rose significantly by 7.3%. If you’re looking to get ahead of the pack, you need to make sure that every part of your graduate school application is on point. 

While you will have more space to make your case in your cover letter, your resume does much of the heavy lifting. Making sure that it includes the right information is the first step in this process. Luckily, our guide will take you through the simple steps. 

Want to work alongside your master’s degree? You’re not alone. A massive 87% of master’s students in the United States also have a full or part-time job. While it may be hard to balance your work life and studies, this option allows you to fund your education.

How to write a graduate school resume

As a fully-fledged academic, you will be au fait with the writing process. Much like any essay, your graduate school resume follows a static structure. You introduce the subject matter, back up your argument, and then close with a strong conclusion. With that in mind, you should include the following elements in this application document: 

• The resume header
• The resume summary (aka profile or personal statement)
• The employment history section
• The resume skills section
• The education section

Make sure you understand the assignment. Applying to multiple graduate programs? A one-size-fits-all approach is not the way to go. When you’re writing your graduate school resume, you need to tailor it to the program at hand. Before you put figurative pen to paper, you need to have fully researched the syllabus. The aim of the game is to ensure that your application aligns closely with the requirements of the postgraduate degree. 

Be mindful of the language you use in your graduate school resume. While this should be an academic document, you need to steer clear of jargon or impenetrable language. The course director or tutor will likely be the one reading your resume. They may understand your lingo. However, the wider departmental team members could also take a cursory glance at it. For that reason, ensure that your cover letter is in plain English.

Following the above advice could mean that you’re a shoe in the door. If you want more information on how to write a resume , take a sneak peek at our comprehensive guide.

Optimize your resume for the ATS! 

Before the course director gets to see your resume, it may have to beat the bots. The Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is a type of software that filters applications. The system uses predetermined keywords to determine which resumes are the “best match”. Only the creme de la creme of resumes ends up being seen by an actual human being. 

Want to give yourself a competitive edge? There’s a simple answer. Refer back to the program specification and pick out keywords from the list. Using these specific phrases throughout your resume may increase your chances of success. 

Choosing the best resume format for a graduate school

When you’re writing your graduate school resume, the most obvious choice is a reverse chronological approach. That means that you start with your most recent education and experience at the top of your page. As you move down the page, work your way back in time. This resume format gives the course leader a clear view of your expertise. At a quick glance, they can determine whether you meet the course criteria or fall short of the mark.

Of course, since you’ve been studying for the majority of your adult life, you may lack real-world work experience. If that’s the case, you can use the functional structure instead. This approach puts more emphasis on your skills than your experience. It may allow you to place your education front and center. Take a look at our resume formatting guide here. 

Looking for some more inspiration? Check out other related education resume samples:  

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Resume summary example

Your resume summary is a blurb at the top of the document — a short introduction to you as an academic. It’s the most freeform part of your resume. Here, you have three-to-four lines where you can wax lyrical about your education thus far. You don’t have to cram the details in here. You will have more space in your statement of purpose (i.e. cover letter). 

Every word matters. Since you only have a few sentences to play with, you should be selective about what you share here. What is it that sets you apart from other academics? Perhaps you took part in a high-profile research study. Maybe you studied under a leader in the field. Whatever it is that makes you stand out for all the right reasons, lead with it. 

Since you’re trying to keep things short and sweet, you can omit any sentence openers such as “I,” “I am,” and “I have”. Get straight to the point instead. You may need to write and rewrite this section of your resume before you perfect it. Luckily, it is worth the effort.

Self-motivated recent graduate, prepared to continue advanced studies focused on Medieval English Literature. Exceptional research and writing skills, adept at analyzing and interpreting primary sources and contributing novel insights to literary criticism. Studied with well-respected academics while completing bachelor's degree.

Employment history sample

With most resumes, the employment section is the most pertinent. However, with an academic application, it sits lower down on the priority list. As we have already covered, you should use the reverse chronological order when listing your work experience. 

Be selective about what you include here. Consider how each role pertains to the educational program. For example, if you are applying to a sustainability law course, you should list your work with a climate change charity. On the other hand, your part-time job at Starbucks may not be impressive. You might want to leave it out entirely. 

Research Assistant, Stockton University, Department of English, Pomona, NJ October 2021 - December 2022

• Collaborated closely with professor to research medieval French literature.
• Conducted literature reviews and compiled relevant books and articles.
• Proofread and fact-checked manuscripts for submission to journals.
• Graded student assignments, including exams and 10-page essays.  

Reference Department Assistant, Stockton University Library, Stockton, NJ October 2018 - December 2022

• Processed and shelved academic journals, bulletins, and other material.
• Assisted patrons in using library catalog and specialized research databases.
• Submitted, received, and distributed interlibrary loan requests.
• Maintained special collections and rotating displays.

Assistant Manager, Mrs. Fields' Cookies, Mays Landing, NJ June 2017 - August 2019

• Held responsibility for managing opening and closing procedures.
• Balanced cash drawers, resolved discrepancies, and updated daily sales records.
• Provided high-quality service to customers in fast-paced environment.
• Adhered to all food and workplace safety regulations, policies, and procedures.

CV skills example

As a graduate, you should have some powerful skills that you will want to share on your CV. Make sure that the talents you share are directly applicable to the course you have chosen. For example, you may want to shout about your research, analytical, and time management skills. All of the above will serve you well when it comes to your studies.

• Microsoft Office Word
• Literary Criticism
• Medieval Literature
• Research & Analysis
• Academic Writing
• Interpersonal Communication
• Exam Grading
• Effective Time Management
• Project Organization
• Public Speaking

Graduate school resume education example

The education section of your graduate school resume is arguably the most important. Since you are applying to a degree program, the course leader will want to know that you have the right academic background. Before you get started, carefully read the course specification to make sure that you meet the requirements set out by the college. 

You should list your prior education in reverse chronological order. Begin with your most recent qualifications and work your way back in time. Include the course name, school or college, and the years you attended. Underneath this vital information, you can add bullet points that shed some light on your educational experiences. Make sure that each nugget of information adds real value to your academic application. 

Bachelor of Arts in English, Stockton University Pomona, NJ September 2018 - December 2022

Relevant Courses: Medieval English Literature I & II; Major Author: Chaucer; Independent Study: Margery Kempe; Major Author: Milton; Early French Literature

Capstone Project: Wolfram's Parzival: Picking up the Thread

• Magna Cum Laude
• Program Distinction
• Editor, Stockton Student Literary Journal
• Contributor, Student Newspaper

Resume layout and design

Flashy designs and a rainbow array of colors won’t do you any favors when you’re creating this document! Your graduate school resume is a professional document. You want the course leader to take you seriously. When you’re designing this application, keep things clean and crisp. That means using clear, plain text and a black-and-white style.

If you’re not a whiz when it comes to design, you might need some extra help. We’ve got you covered. Using one of our field-tested resume templates takes all of the hard work out of this process. That way, you can focus on what matters — the content of your resume! 

Key takeaways 

• A well-written graduate school resume will help you get into the program of your choice. Use our resume example as inspiration when it comes to creating yours.
• Choose your language wisely. Avoid using highbrow academic phrases as you may turn off the reader.
• Ensure that the style of your resume is plain and simple. There’s no space for flashy designs or colors when it comes to this document.
• Make sure you thoroughly proofread the resume before you submit it!

Beautiful ready-to-use resume templates

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•       Resources       Building a Standout Graduate School Resume

Building a Standout Graduate School Resume

Examples and advice on curriculum vitae & grad school resumes.

Graduate school often requires a resume or curriculum vitae for admission. Understand the difference and see examples of how to create a standout graduate school resume or CV.

Nearly all graduate programs require a grad school application resume. Prospective students need to craft a curriculum vitae (CV) or an academic resume showing their educational background, employment history, research experience, internships, volunteer work, and academic achievements.

A resume for applying to graduate school needs to make a strong impression quickly. According to research from Glassdoor , recruiters look at a resume for just six seconds before deciding whether to reject an applicant. The guide below offers future graduate students help with creating a CV or resume. Students can peruse templates, advice from experts, and other resources to create a standout resume that should impress an admissions committee and lead to a positive decision.

Graduate School Resume vs. Curriculum Vitae

Most graduate schools request a CV or a graduate school resume as part of the admissions process. While fundamental differences exist between a CV and a resume, both can help an admissions officer understand an applicant's background, experience, and knowledge. Therefore, using a good curriculum vitae template or following excellent grad school resume examples can boost a prospective student's chances of admission.

Why do graduate schools want CVs?

Graduate school admissions offices usually want to see a CV for the same reason human resources officers want to see a resume. This easy-to-read document helps them understand who an applicant is and whether or not they might make a good candidate to accept into the school or workplace.

What do grad programs usually request?

Most graduate programs in the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences request CVs; admissions committees in these disciplines want to know about a prospective student's academic and research abilities. Alternatively, business schools and law schools may request a resume since these programs focus more on career preparation for executive-level work.

How are CVs and resumes similar?

Both CVs and resumes contain a brief written history of an individual's accomplishments, experiences, and skills. Both act as marketing documents that help an individual land an interview with a potential employer or university program. Both also provide key contact information.

How are CVs and resumes different?

A CV usually includes a longer, more detailed account of a person's academic history and research background, while a resume focuses on their employment history and applied achievements. A CV may consist of 2-3 pages of information -- even for an entry-level candidate -- whereas a resume rarely runs more than a single page.

The following table provides more details about the differences and similarities between a CV and a resume.

Ten Characteristics of a Standout Graduate School Resume or CV

For a graduate student's resume or CV to stand out, it must catch the interest of the admissions team. The following checklist can help keep a resume or CV on track.

• Keep It Focused: A resume should highlight career achievements and academic work. Avoid including irrelevant experiences and save most descriptors for cover letters and interviews. Bullet points can help sharpen a resume's focus.
• Include Internships and Volunteer Work: A resume can include more than paid employment. Internships and volunteer work that demonstrate skills and talents needed for the prospective program or job can boost a resume's content.
• Mention Academic Accomplishments: A CV or resume can include a student's GPA, a list of academic awards, or even a sample of coursework. However, make sure included information is relevant to the target program.
• Employ an Easy-to-follow Format: Every so often, a creative new resume format appears online. However, many managers and admissions officers find these formats confusing since they are accustomed to reading resumes in one of four or five standard styles.
• Error-free Text: Admissions committees facing a stack of resumes often use errors as a way to sift through the pile. A well-proofed resume should contain no spelling errors, and it needs to demonstrate consistency in spacing and alignment.
• Include Technical Competencies: Listing relevant technical skills, such as proficiency with programming languages or operating systems, can help make a resume stand out. Specific examples should support any claim of technical competency.
• Call Out Awards, Grants, and Honors: Many potential graduate students have received awards, written successful grant proposals, and/or achieved an academic honor. Resumes can include this information -- either in a separate section or embedded in the standard education or employment sections.
• Use Professional Styles: An easy-to-read style often trumps a creative presentation. Students should write resumes and CVs using 12-point font, bolded headlines, bullet points, and Times New Roman or another serif font.
• Makes Use of Strong Verbs: As in all writing, verbs form the basis of powerful expression. The best resumes rely on verbs instead of adjectives to demonstrate a robust educational and professional background.
• Flows Logically: An admissions team wants to see that a candidate can organize information in a systematic and logical way. Doing so on a resume can set a candidate apart as a clear and organized individual.

Templates of Successful Grad School Resumes and CVs

Writing a resume or CV can feel daunting, especially when you are trying to stuff years of education and research into one or two pages. Thankfully, you can organize your information logically by using a template. Look over the following examples of academic resumes and CVs from various institutions.

• Resume Template Library

Completed Examples

• Sample CV for Master of Environmental Studies
• Sample Resume for Master of Liberal Arts
• Template for a CV in Sciences and Engineering
• Template for a CV in the Humanities
• Sample CV for Students in Policy-related Programs
• Sample CV for Students in Teaching-related Programs

Need to write your statement of purpose?

Use this guide to learn what academic departments look for, how to structure a winning statement, and what our expert has to say on the matter.

Writing a Successful Grad School Statement of Purpose

Expert FAQ: Additional Answers About CV and Grad School Resume Building

Erin lewis, career liaison.

Erin Lewis has worked in the Center for Career and Professional Development at Clarion University for the past 12 years and currently serves as a career liaison to education and training, arts and communication, and human services. As a professional staff member who specializes in resume writing, Erin trains and supervises the peer resume review team at Clarion University and has developed a resume assessment rubric for use with multiple courses.

Erin has an interest and specialty in online career services. She created virtual delivery of services through the university's online learning platform, which includes topics on the basics of resume writing, applicant tracking system resumes, keywords on resumes, and customizing resumes for a job search. Erin also created video resume reviews for students who are unable to meet in person for resume consultations.

What problems do you see grad students running into a lot when they are building out their resume?

A common problem for graduate students who are just building a resume is becoming overwhelmed. They have acquired many skills and experiences and don't know where to begin, what to include, or how much to include.

What advice do you give grad students who are building a resume but might not have a lot of job experience?

When I work with graduate students who might not have a lot of job experience, I first work with the individuals to assess and inventory their skill sets. From talking with employers, we know that a high value is placed on candidates who possess communication, critical thinking, teamwork, problem-solving, information technology application, and leadership skills; professionalism; and career management and global/intercultural fluency.

Candidates who can provide evidence on their resume of how they have gained these skills and applied them in a multitude of settings can be just as successful as candidates with work experience. Job experience is beneficial, but students should never discount the skill sets they have gained from clubs and organizations, volunteerism, classroom projects, or study abroad experiences.

Using the right words to articulate your skills on a resume clearly and concisely is extremely important. Incorporating industry-specific keywords and highlighting your KASE (knowledge, achievements, skills, and experiences) is critical to stand out in today's competitive job market!

Should grad students include a line about their references in their resume?

A line about references really depends on each application. If you are applying to a position that has already requested your references, it is not necessary to include any phrase on the resume regarding references -- simply include them in your application materials.

If you are attending a career fair or similar networking event, a line regarding references available upon request is acceptable but often unnecessary.

What kind of licensure or certifications should grad students list?

Every resume should be customized and tailored for each specific application. Your first priority is to include any licensure or certifications that the position description lists as required. Your second priority is to include what is preferred, followed by any additional licensure or certifications that will help to differentiate you from the competition!

Keep in mind MORE does not always mean BETTER. Employers, on average, spend 6-8 seconds on your resume. Include what is most relevant and keep descriptions clear and to the point.

Should someone's resume look different if they are an undergrad student vs. a working professional?

Every resume is as unique as the person who is writing it! Even students who sit in the same classes together are going to have varying experiences to include on their resumes. This means that while the basics of resume writing are the same for all individuals, working professionals may have different section headings and a different content order compared to a traditional undergraduate student. Additionally, working professionals will most likely have more work experience and content to include on their resume.

If you are a working professional looking to revise your resume, consider listing your work experience section first -- employers typically place a high value on this section. Additionally, any other relevant skills and experiences that relate to the position you are applying for should emphasize abilities and qualifications that match the job description. Remember, one of the most critical actions you can take with your resume is to tailor it to the company or position to which you are applying.

Should students always include a cover letter? Or just when it is indicated in an application description?

A cover letter is almost always important, even when it isn't specifically indicated in an application description. If you email your resume to a particular individual, the body of the email becomes your cover letter. If you upload your resume into an online database and there is no space for a cover letter, it is best to copy and paste your cover letter into the comment box of the application.

Be cautious with your writing communication. Your correspondence with potential employers should always be professional -- whether via email or online forms.

What is the best format to send a resume in?

The best format in which to send a resume is how the employer requests it. Be sure to read the job posting for specific application instructions. If there is no request for a specific type of document format, save the file as a PDF and send it as an attachment.

The name of your resume file matters! If you use a file name such as "resume" or "new_resume," you won't stand out and your file can be difficult to sort. It can also give the impression that you don't really care about the job enough to pay attention to details. Instead of a generic file name, use a format such as "Firstname_lastname_resume" to make it easier for an employer to find your documents.

When you are emailing your job documents, be sure to use a clear subject, such as "First Name Last Name Application." Carefully proofread all of your documents and correspondence to avoid errors.

Additional Resources for CV and Resume Help for Grad School

The list below includes a selection of articles from various websites related to job searching, resume writing, and bridging the gap between graduate school and the work world. Some websites target the general population, while others specifically focus on the academic community.

• CareerOneStop : Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, this site offers extensive job search resources. Students can find a wealth of articles on writing resumes, crafting cover letters, and acing interviews.
• How to Write a Curriculum Vitae : Published by the American Academy of Family Physicians, this guide provides a template for graduate students to use when creating a CV for jobs. The article includes a list of headings along with formatting tips.
• How To Write Your Human-voiced Resume : Published in Forbes, this article offers a new take on creating a resume using storytelling, person-to-person language, and anecdotal evidence for career claims. The advice in this article could also help a student write a cover letter.
• Resume Builder : Resume Builder helps users craft an effective resume using its online tool. The site also offers templates, examples, formats, and tips for writing both resumes and cover letters.
• Resume Help : This site provides a variety of resources for job seekers, including a free tool that lets users put data into a professional resume template and then export the result to Microsoft Word or to a PDF.
• Succeeding in Grad School : PhDs.org is a data-based site that helps doctoral students choose a program and achieve success. It published this list of 10 articles discussing success in grad school, including advice on finding a job.
• Tips, Ideas, and Advice for Making the Most of Graduate School from GoGrad : This site offers extensive resources for graduate students across a variety of subjects, including how to write a winning personal statement and how to write a successful statement of purpose.
• Versatile PhD : A total of 62 higher education institutions participate in the Versatile PhD -- a site that helps doctoral students create a bridge to professional careers. Users can use the site's tools to identify career options, participate in events, and learn about career searches.
• What Predicts Grad School Success : This article from the American Psychological Association looks at the various factors that research shows are keys to finishing a graduate program, including curiosity, conscientiousness, native intelligence, and emotional intelligence. 
• Writing the Curriculum Vitae : One of the internet's most extensive and authoritative resources for academic writing, the Online Writing Lab at Purdue University published this comprehensive article on writing a curriculum vitae.

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• 7 Simple Tips for Writing a Compelling Grad School Resume

So, you’re preparing to apply to graduate school. There’s lots to do, like ordering transcripts, taking any necessary exams, writing a statement of purpose and asking for letters of recommendation.

But there’s one more item you shouldn’t overlook: writing your graduate school resume.

Wait … what?

Yes, you generally need to submit a resume with your grad school application. A grad school resume is similar to a standard professional resume, but it has a specific focus: how your previous education and experience have prepared you to undertake advanced study. And like a professional resume, it should tell a compelling story about you.

How do you go about writing a standout grad school resume? We asked two admissions experts from the University of Washington for their top tips. Here’s what they shared.

1. Put Your Education First

Resume Template

How should you organize your grad school resume? Check out this template for one layout example.

Because the specific objective of this document is to get admitted to graduate school, you should list your education on the first page. This section should prominently include details like:

• Undergraduate degree and major (including the school you graduated from)
• Your undergraduate GPA
• Other degrees or certificates you’ve earned

You can also include academic awards and roles with campus organizations here. Or, if you have enough of these, they might warrant their own section (see tips 3 and 4).

It’s also valuable to include info about courses you’ve taken that are related to the degree program you’re applying for. (Here’s an example of a place where you might tailor your resume to fit the exact program you’re applying to.)

“The resume is a great place to showcase courses that meet prerequisites for the program,” says Crystal Galván, a graduate adviser in the School of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences at UW Bothell. “Even though you’ll also submit your academic transcripts, you can use the education section of your resume to highlight particularly relevant courses.”

2. Show all your work

The admissions committee wants to see the evolution of your career and get a full sense of who you are, so go ahead and include your entire professional work history — even if it stretches the document to two or three pages.

“More is better on the grad school resume,” says Randell Hernandez, director of admissions for the Executive Master of Business Administration at the UW Foster School of Business. “In the Executive MBA program, for example, we’re looking to understand the totality of an applicant’s experience — to get a sense of your career growth and the impact you’ve had in different roles.”

For someone applying to an MBA program, for example, that means including specific details about leadership or management responsibilities in each role. It also means quantifying the impact you had (e.g., “Led department to 20% increase in sales year-over-year”). If you’re applying to law school, you’ll want to emphasize any experience that relates to the legal field. And so on.

3. Don’t Forget Research Projects and/or Fieldwork

Any research experience — including capstone or research projects you are or were involved in — is important to include [on your resume]. — Crystal Galván, graduate adviser, School of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences at UW Bothell

“Any research experience — including capstone or research projects you are or were involved in — is important to include,” according to Galván. “This demonstrates your engagement with academia, and that you’re up-to-date with research in the field. If you’ve hosted community workshops or presented at any academic conferences, be sure to include those as well.”

Did you win any academic awards? Be sure to include those, either in the Education section (noted above), in this section or in a separate section (if you have more than one).

Your research experience can be listed in its own section on your resume. This allows it to stand out and makes it easier for admissions readers to find.

4. Unpaid work counts too

Remember that a prospective graduate program will value all your experience, not just what you were paid for. Internships and volunteer roles (both on and off campus) help illustrate what you're passionate about and how you took the initiative to make a difference in your profession or community.

“We appreciate leadership experience in all areas, including professional associations, civic groups, etc.,” Hernandez says. “Recruiting and motivating a group of volunteers requires next-level abilities that can directly apply to an MBA student’s ‘day job.’ And these commitments also offer a window into a candidate’s humanity.”

This content can be placed in its own section (possible header: “Leadership and Extracurricular Activities”). It should be located below your professional experience.

5. Write clearly and proofread carefully

Nothing spoils a first impression like typos and grammatical errors in a resume. If this isn’t your strong suit, have a friend who’s good with words read it over for you. Many times, fresh eyes can catch things that you miss.

Also, it’s possible that you use a lot of cool abbreviations and insider terms in your field. Those should be left out of (or spelled out on) your grad-school resume.

“I see a lot of acronyms in applications, especially from people coming from the tech field or the military,” Hernandez says. “Remember that you’re giving this to an admissions reader who may know little or nothing about your particular job function or industry. It’s important to use terminology that people outside your field would understand.”

6. Link to your LinkedIn

The world often judges us by our online presence, and grad school reviewers are no different.

“It’s natural to want to Google someone, so it’s a good idea to include a LinkedIn profile link on your resume,” Galván says. “LinkedIn is a great way for applicants to illustrate their expertise, professional experience, skills and education — beyond the resume.”

7. Don’t be afraid to ask questions

When in doubt, reach out! The advisers and other staff at the graduate schools you’re interested in are there to answer your questions about the application process.

“People do themselves a disservice sometimes by not seeking guidance from the graduate program about what their resume should include,” Hernandez says. “Most of our MBA programs at the Foster School offer application workshops, which include detailed guidance about resumes. We also supply that content on our website .”

Want to discover more helpful content about grad school? Check out our go-to guide for applying to graduate school for links to additional articles.

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For more career tips and industry trends,  visit the News & Features section  of our website, and subscribe to our email list. To learn more about UW Professional & Continuing Education certificates, specializations, degrees and courses,  explore your options  or contact us .

David Hirning

David Hirning is an accomplished writer and editor with extensive experience in both tech and higher education. He began his career in journalism, then spent over a decade as an editor at Microsoft, where he worked on Encarta Encyclopedia and related reference products.

David worked for six years as a full-time writer and content manager at UW Professional & Continuing Education. He also operated his own editorial consulting business, with stints at leading companies like Amazon and Expedia, and taught English for two years in Costa Rica.

David has served as an instructor for the UW Certificate in Editing program and as a teaching assistant for the UW Certificate in Storytelling & Content Strategy. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Stanford University and a Certificate in Literary Fiction from the UW.

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How To Write A Graduate School Resume (With Examples)

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Although resumes are often associated with pursuits in a career, you’ll also need one when applying to graduate school. A graduate school resume will serve a similar function as a professional one, which is to catch the reader’s attention as a promising candidate.

Learning how to write an effective and concise graduate school resume is a crucial part of the higher education application process.

Key Takeaways:

Graduate school resumes are used to evaluate candidates and is similar to both an undergraduate application and a professional resume.

The education section, relevant coursework, and relevant experience are crucial parts of the graduate school resume.

Accomplishments and achievements from experiences should precede responsibilities.

Use concise language and tailor your resume to the specific program for application.

A graduate school resume should be one page long.

What Is a Graduate School Resume?

How to write a graduate school resume in 6 steps, tips for a successful graduate school resume, template for a graduate school resume.

Example of a Graduate School Resume

Graduate School Resume vs. CV

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A graduate school resume is a brief and organized description of an applicant’s background, skills, education, and any other aspects that would make them qualified for admission. It’s submitted along with an application to provide all the information that an admissions committee will need in contained space.

Graduate school resumes are used to evaluate many potential candidates easier by establishing a bullet-point list of their characteristics.

Including a graduate school resume in your application package illustrates who you are, what your experience is, and why you should be submitted to the program neatly on a single page .

Writing a graduate school resume can be confusing for many people; should it be more similar to a school application or a professional resume? The perhaps unsatisfying answer is that it is a bit of both.

Complete the following steps to create a graduate school resume containing information needed for admissions while being in a resume format:

Think about formatting. Although most resumes have typical structure guidelines, there’s still room for creativity in formatting a graduate school resume. There are some formatting rules you should adhere to, such as keeping your graduate resume about a page long and making your contact details boldly noticeable.

Pay attention to the education section . Since the point of submitting a graduate school resume is to be admitted to an educational program, there should be a clear focus on your prior academics.

Unlike a professional resume, which focuses primarily on career experience, a resume for graduate school should speak about the candidate’s educational background first and foremost.

Include information such as your:

School Name

Grade Point Average (GPA) (Only if 3.5+)

Field of Study

Dates of Attendance

Extracurriculars, Clubs, or Groups (if relevant)

Awards and Acknowledgment

Test Scores (If Applicable)

Include relevant coursework. Relevant coursework might come under your education section or your experience section, depending on which part needs more love. In any case, you’ll want to include the specifics of the classes you’ve taken so that admissions boards know that you’ve got the prerequisite training required to excel in your program.

List relevant work experience. Your prior experience in jobs shouldn’t be the center of attention in your graduate school resume.

However, positions related to the program you’re applying for should be included in your resume. Internships and volunteer experience that can be applied to the program’s field of study can also be helpful in a graduate school resume.

Include notable accomplishments. A graduate school resume is an appropriate place to keep a running tally of your achievements because you want to impress an admissions team. While you can make a dedicated “accomplishments” section, we recommend tactfully weaving achivements throughout your resume’s sections.

Your resume summary statement is a good place to include one, eye-catching accomplishment. And your undergraduate education probably involved some big project or thesis if you’re keen enough on the subject to continue onto graduate school, so that’s at least one major accomplishment for your education section.

Achievements from internships or even minor jobs should always precede boring job responsibilities.

“Answered emails” and “made spreadsheets” don’t exactly pop off the page, but “Responded to 20+ customer queries each day” or “Developed Cloud-based spreadsheet for interdepartment project planning and budgeting” sound a lot better — even if they describe the same jobs and tasks.

Skills and certifications. Including a skills section in a graduate school is recommended if you have the chops to back it up. You should stick to mentioning hard skills in a graduate resume that apply to the field of study you’re hoping to pursue.

This area of your graduate school resume can also be used to mention any certifications you’ve received outside of formal education.

Examples of possible skills and certifications to include on a graduate school resume include:

Fluency in a programming language

Experience in particular computer systems or applications

Speaking a second language

A technical skills training program

An online or in-person certificate in a specific field, like digital marketing or agile management

Tailor your resume to the program you’re applying for. When top applicants apply for new jobs, they go back to their resume and make edits to optimize it for the position they’re hoping to land . Successful graduate school applicants do the same. Every graduate program emphasizes different skills and experiences.

It’s okay to speak highly of your accomplishments. Many people are uncomfortable with the idea of speaking freely on all their outstanding accomplishments because they worry it makes them out to be conceited .

While you should maintain a humble attitude when discussing your achievements (especially in interviews), it’s recommended to get into the nitty-gritty of what you’ve done well in the past in a resume.

Use crisp, concise language. Start your bullet points with strong action verbs. Never include the words “I, me, my, or mine” in your resume. Use as few words as possible and embrace white space.

Include both hard and soft skills. There are probably some hard skills that the program you’re applying for requires, depending on the field of study. Besides listing the hard skills that you have, include soft skills that apply to your personality and work ethic.

Soft skills describe who a candidate is beyond their accomplishments or technical skills . An admissions team will use soft skills to assess if you’re the kind of student they want in their program.

Be honest about your experience and skills. Although it’s essential to catch an admissions counselor ’s attention with your resume, the information you include needs to be true. Bending the truth eventually becomes evident to experienced admissions professionals.

Proofread. Once you’ve finished writing a graduate school resume, the final thing to do is proofread it. Careless spelling and grammatical errors will turn off an admissions counselor reading your resume because it will portray you as sloppy or lazy.

You understand what information should be included on a graduate school resume. Now you use a template to structure the information properly.

Below is a template to guide you through creating your own graduate school resume.

First and Last Name City, State | Phone Number | Email Address | Social Media or Website Resume Summary Statement (Do not label your resume summary statement — just write it) A few sentences outlining what your graduate school resume will go on to say and what your goals for the future are. Education School Name , Degree Title, and Major Graduation Date Grade Point Average (GPA) (If 3.5+) Areas of Study Prior Research Awards, accomplishments, and acknowledgments Extracurricular activities and clubs (repeat if you have multiple schoools) Professional Experience Job Title Company Name, City, State Dates Employed One major achievement with numbers Job responsibility with mention of your impact on results More achievements (repeat for multiple jobs, internships, and volunteer experiences) Relevant Skills list 4-8 skills Give more hard skills than soft skills Additional Section (this section can be dedicated to certifications, volunteer experience, language fluency, independent projects, publications, or another optional resume section)

Aaron Blakely Denver, CO | (753)-585-5866 | [email protected]| LinkedIn.com/AaronBlakely A devoted and creative recent graduate from the University Of Denver with a bachelor’s degree in computer science and former research experience. Seeking higher education with the University of Washington’s computer science graduate program. Education The University Of Denver , B.S. in Computer Science 2020 3.9 GPA Studied computer science with a minor in creative coding Conducted research into biotechnology and virtual reality (VR) Achieved the Dean’s List all four years of college Vice President of the computer coding club Professional Experience Computer Coding Student Intern Larson’s Technology, Denver, CO 2017-2018 Created a process workflow that reduced average project turnaround time by 12% Helped mid-level developers write and debug code for client websites of over 1 million monthly visitors Reviewed engineers code and tested software patches before roll-out Sales Associate and Tech Help Desk Attendant Best Bet Computer Repair, Denver, CO 2012-2017 summers Served an average of 40 customers each day, aiding in selection of electronic goods Won employee of the month in June 2015 Received an an average customer review rating of 4.89/5 at tech help desk Scholarships 2016-2020 Outstanding Student Scholarship Awarded for academic accomplishment and community involvement The amount of $40,000 over four years of undergraduate education Relevant Skills Java HTML MS Office Suites Windows Mac OS X Communication Problem-solving Dependability Creativity Resourcefulness Certifications 2018 HTML Fluency Course, HTML programming language A 12-week course outlining the basics of HTML language Accompanied by assignments, six tests, and a final exam HTML basic fluency achieved

While this article focuses on graduate school resumes , it is important to note that some graduate schools might request a curriculum vitae, or CV, instead.

Graduate school resumes and CVs share a lot of similarities. They both act as documents to highlight an applicant’s qualifications, experiences, and contact information as part of an application process.

However, there are noticeable differences with CVs. These include:

Length. CVs tend to be two or more pages long. They are designed to provide an in-depth profile of your qualifications and achievements.

Purpose. CVs tend to focus on academic and research experience, as well as accomplishments such as fellowships, academic positions, and scholarships.

Content. CVs are more detailed. They cover a complete academic history of the applicant.

Audience. Academic and research heavy programs tend to request CVs because they want to see your abilities in these fields. This can include social sciences, natural sciences, and humanities programs.

As you can see, a CV has significant differences, which means you need to make sure whether you should send a resume or a CV. Luckily, most applications will specify which one they want to see.

However, if you ever have any questions, reach out to the graduate school program for clarification.

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Sky Ariella is a professional freelance writer, originally from New York. She has been featured on websites and online magazines covering topics in career, travel, and lifestyle. She received her BA in psychology from Hunter College.

Don Pippin is an executive and HR leader for Fortune 50 and 500 companies and startups. In 2008, Don launched area|Talent with a focus on helping clients identify their brand. As a Certified Professional Resume Writer, Certified Digital Career Strategist, and Certified Personal Branding Strategist, Don guides clients through career transitions.

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On the hunt for a graduate school resume or CV template? Then look no further! Chances are your graduate school application requires a resume or CV. But good-quality resume and CV templates can be hard to find online. To lend you a hand, we’ve created a handful of unique resume and CV templates you can use for graduate school . And they’re entirely free!

In this article, we’ll start by exploring the differences between graduate school resumes and CVs as well as what the graduate school resume format (and CV format) entails. Then, we’ll give you our four original resume and CV templates . Finally, we’ll leave you with a few ideas on how you can customize your graduate school resume template or CV template for graduate school.

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Resume vs cv: how do they differ, graduate school resume sections, graduate school cv sections, free resume and cv templates for graduate school, how to customize our resume and cv templates: 4 tips, recap: resume and cv templates for graduate school.

Is the graduate school resume format all that different from the graduate school CV format? Aren’t the two documents basically the same thing? In short, yes and no.

Similarities-wise,  resumes and CVs both summarize academic and professional experiences, accomplishments, and skills . Essentially, the two documents serve the same purpose of securing you a position, whether that be the position of employee or the position of grad student.

That said, there are a few key areas in which the two documents differ significantly:

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• Length: Resumes are succinct and focused, whereas CVs are long and elaborate. Typically, a resume is no more than one or two pages long, but a CV can be however long you need it to be. (Most people use two or more pages.)
• Content: Resumes have a larger emphasis on employment and work-related skills. CVs, on the other hand, focus more on your academic history, experiences, and accomplishments, especially those most relevant to your field of study.
• Usage: Resumes are more commonly used to obtain employment in the public and private sectors (in the U.S.), whereas CVs are more commonly used to obtain employment in the fields of academia or scientific research.

In regard to your graduate school application, are you better off writing a resume or a CV? The answer depends on what you and your program want. Some programs allow applicants to select whichever document they prefer, while other programs are stricter and strongly prefer one document over the other.

In the end, always opt for the document your program either prefers or requires  — don’t hand in a well-crafted CV if your program wants resumes!

What Should You Include on Your Resume/CV?

To start, graduate school resumes and CVs should always contain the following features:

• A logical structure.  Reverse chronological order (from most recent to earliest) is an ideal arrangement because it highlights what you’re currently doing as well as your most recent experiences and accomplishments.

But what about the sections? What kinds of headings should you include on your resume/CV? In truth, resumes and CVs overlap significantly in regard to headings and sections . So don’t be surprised if you find a lot of the same information listed for both resumes and CVs!

Your resume should be a concise document focusing primarily on your education and employment history .

Generally, resumes shouldn’t exceed one or two pages; however, some graduate schools aren’t as picky about length. In the end, just make sure your resume abides by your program’s rules and doesn’t exceed any page limits.

Below is a brief overview of the kinds of sections you may include on your resume. For more details on how to structure a graduate school resume, check out our guide on how to write a graduate school resume .

This section goes at the very top of your resume and includes your full name, home address, phone number, and email address. Always emphasize your name in some manner (usually, by increasing its font size and/or bolding it) so admissions committees can quickly note whose resume they’re evaluating.

Additionally, you’ll save space by avoiding superfluous words  such as “phone” and “email.” Trust me, it’ll be obvious which ones are which!

Your education section should always come directly after your header.  Because you’re applying to graduate school, you’ll want to emphasize your academic history a little more than you normally would on a resume.

For this section, include as many of the following details as possible:

• All universities you attended
• The location (city and state) of each university
• Your degree, including major and minor
• Your (expected) graduation date (month and year)
• The title of your thesis (if applicable)
• The name(s) of your thesis advisor(s)
• Coursework relevant to your field of study
• Non-degree coursework or study abroad programs
• Your cumulative GPA*
• Academic honors, distinctions, and awards (or you may include these in a separate awards section)

*There’s no need to include your cumulative GPA if it’s not that impressive. In this case, either omit the GPA altogether or replace your cumulative GPA with a more impressive variation of your GPA, such as your major GPA. Be sure to note what kind of GPA it is (e.g., “Major GPA: 3.82/4.00”).

Your work experience will likely be one of the longest sections on your resume. This section should include:

• Full-time jobs, part-time jobs, temporary jobs, and internships
• The titles of your positions
• Company or organization names and locations (city and state)
• The dates (month and year) you worked
• Two to three bullet points for each entry describing your responsibilities, accomplishments, major projects, etc.

Publications

If you’ve authored or coauthored any academic reports, books, chapters, etc., list the works in their own section using  your field’s preferred citation style  for each entry. Citations should include all authors’ names, the title of the publication, and the year it was published or will be published.

Honors & Awards

Use this section to list academic or professional honors and awards, taking care not to repeat any honors or awards already mentioned in your education section . For each honor, write the name of the honor and the date (month and year) you received it.

Skills & Certifications

This section focuses on any skills or certifications you possess , such as foreign-language abilities, computer skills, teaching certificates, etc. Include the name of each skill or certification. (You may also include the date you became certified, if applicable.)

For foreign-language skills, always indicate what your current proficiency is (e.g., intermediate, business-level, fluent, etc.).

Extracurricular Activities

This optional section focuses on (relevant) extracurricular activities in which you’ve participated or currently participate. You may choose to include this section if you possess any additional experiences relevant to your field of study, or if you’d like to showcase a critical component of who you are.  

Include the title of your position or the activity, the location (city and state), and the dates (month and year) you participated. Use bullet points to describe the activities, your duties, etc.

The graduate school CV format is fairly similar to the graduate school resume format described above.  But because the CV is a lengthier document, you can squeeze in a lot more detail on it than you can a resume — basically, as many sections as you want! (You should also include page numbers for the sake of clarity.)

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On a CV,  prioritize your academic history and any employment, experiences, and accomplishments directly related to your field of study . Try to cut down less relevant jobs and experiences by either completely eliminating them or writing shorter descriptions for them.

Below are some of the major sections you may incorporate into your graduate school CV. For more tips on how to construct a great graduate school CV, refer to our guide .

Your CV should start with a header containing your name, address, phone number, and email address . I recommend emphasizing your name by using all caps or bolding it (or both). In addition, forgo any superfluous words or phrases such as “home address” and “email address.”

Research/Teaching Interests

You may insert a short section (anywhere on the CV is fine but generally at the beginning is best) detailing your research and/or teaching interests. This section serves as a brief overview of your academic interests and future goals.

Keep this section brief — one to three sentences should suffice. And be specific  by narrowing down your interests to exact sub-fields, topics, people, eras, etc.

Like the resume, your education section should always come at the beginning of your CV, directly after your header (or it may come slightly later if you decide to insert a “Research/Teaching Interests” section before it).

Include most or all of the following details:

• The name and location (city and state) of each university you attended
• Your degree type, major, and minor
• Your (expected) date of graduation (month and year)
• Courses related to your field of study

*Don’t bother including your cumulative GPA if it won’t impress graduate schools. Either delete it or replace it with a higher version of your GPA, such as your major GPA.

Don’t be afraid to get specific in this section. The CV offers an unlimited amount of space, so if you have certain courses, projects, or papers you’d like to highlight, go ahead and do so.

Research/Teaching Experience

Here, you’ll discuss any research or teaching experience you have in your field of study . You may combine this section with your “Employment” section (see following entry).

Generally speaking, those entering scientific fields should focus more on research experience, while those entering humanities fields should focus more on teaching experience.

Include the following details in this section:

• The titles of your positions
• The names and locations of companies, organizations, or institutions at which you researched or taught
• The dates (month and year) you taught or researched
• The names of any advisors or supervisors
• Any specific courses or projects you’d like to highlight
• Bullet points describing your duties, successes, skills, etc.

Research or teaching experience may also include unpaid activities , such as volunteer work, tutoring, extracurricular research projects, internships, etc.

For the CV, keep the employment section brief by focusing only on your most relevant positions. If you don’t have any work experience in your field, you may list some less relevant positions — just take care to minimize the space you dedicate to these positions.

You may also combine this section with the “Research/Teaching Experience” section, or divide it into specific types of employment.

Any type of work is fair game , including part-time employment, full-time employment, and paid or unpaid internships. For each entry, include the following details:

• The title of your position
• The name of the company or organization
• The location (city and state) of the company or organization
• The dates (month and year) you were employed
• Bullet points describing your duties, achievements, skills, etc.

Use this section to showcase any academic papers, reports, books, chapters, etc., you’ve contributed to. Instead of just listing the titles of your publications, write each entry as a separate citation and include all authors’ names, the title, and the (pending) publication date.

Be sure you’re using  the citation style appropriate for your field .

Here, you may list any major awards, honors, or achievements you’ve earned (particularly those most relevant to your field). Include the names of the awards and the dates (month and year) you received them.

For this section, you may list any major skills or certifications you have, such as computer skills, certificates, foreign-language skills, etc. Write the name of each skill or certification and include the date of certification (month and year) if applicable. Don’t forget to indicate your level of proficiency.

Additional Topics

CVs offer a nearly limitless supply of possible sections. Although you may include whatever sections you want on your CV,  it’s best to select sections in which you have noteworthy strengths . For an even longer list of potential CV topics, refer to  page 2 of this handy PDF created by Rice University .

Other popular choices for CV sections include the following:

• Fellowships & Grants:  This section lists any fellowships or grants you’ve received, for what purpose you received them, when you used them, and how much money you received.
• Presentations: For this section, include any major presentations or speeches you’ve given (in your field) as well as when (month and year) and where you gave each presentation (institution, city, and state). Presentations may include presentations of papers or theses.
• Memberships/Affiliations: Here you can list academic, professional, or extracurricular groups of which you’re a current member. Include the name of each group or organization.
• Extracurricular Activities:  If there are any additional activities in which you’ve participated that you believe to be relevant to your field, list those here. Include any positions you held, the location (organization, city, and state), and the dates (month and year). Use bullet points to describe your responsibilities and accomplishments.
• Community Service:  This section is similar to the “Extracurricular Activities” section. Here, you can discuss any (relevant) volunteer work you’ve done. Include the title of your position, the name of the organization, its location (city and state), and the dates (month and year) you volunteered your services. Use bullet points to describe your duties and achievements.

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So far, we’ve given you specific tips on what to include on your graduate school resume or CV. Now, let’s begin the process of making one! In this section, we offer you four free resume and CV templates for graduate school . All of our templates are available for download as .docx files to make customization simple, fast, and fun for you.

Once you’ve finished customizing your template (see the following section for tips!), we strongly recommend saving your resume or CV as a PDF . Most graduate programs prefer PDFs over .doc or .docx files because they’re less likely to produce formatting errors.

Resume Templates for Graduate School

• Graduate School Resume Template 1
• Graduate School Resume Template 2

CV Templates for Graduate School

• Graduate School CV Template 1
• Graduate School CV Template 2

Once you’ve chosen a graduate school resume template you like, it’s time to flex your creativity muscles! Remember, your resume or CV should emphasize your personal strengths . Below, we give you four tips on how to customize your graduate school resume template or graduate school CV template.

#1: Delete Irrelevant Sections

Our templates include all of the most common sections and headings used for graduate school resumes and CVs; however, you likely won’t need every section listed .

We recommend you first go about deleting any obviously irrelevant sections. For example, if you’ve never contributed to any publication before, it makes sense to delete the “Publications” section.

On a related note, don’t feel guilty if you’re deleting a lot of the sections we’ve included on our templates . In reality, graduate school applicants can differ significantly in their backgrounds, experiences, and achievements. Remember the goal of a graduate school resume/CV: to play up your personal strengths, whatever they may be!

#2: Insert Relevant Sections

Next, I recommend  you insert any relevant sections not included on our templates . These are sections you believe will ultimately enhance the content and flow of your resume/CV. For example, those applying to master’s degree programs in international relations could insert a section centering on their experiences abroad.

As a reminder, the sections on our templates are not an exhaustive list of all possible resume/CV sections . If you have any additional activities, experiences, skills, or a ccomplishments you can weave together in a unique or clearer way, you’re welcome to add a section and do so.

Just be sure the section you insert either directly relates to your field of study or emphasizes an important part of who you are.

#3: Rearrange Sections to Highlight Your Strengths

Additionally,  there’s no need to stick with the order of sections we’ve given you on our templates . In other words, we encourage you to rearrange sections so that they better reflect your  experiences and successes.

That said, there are a few sections you’re better off leaving as is:

• Header: Always place your header (with your name and contact information) at the top of your resume/CV. This is not the time to get creative — simplicity and clarity are key to appearing professional.
• Education: Always place your education section at the beginning of your resume/CV directly after your header. The only exception is if you have a “Research/Teaching Interests” section (for a CV), in which case you may place it before your education section.
• Employment: On a resume, always follow your education section with your employment history. On a CV, follow your education section with any research, academic, or professional experiences related to your field of study.
• Less Important Sections:  Always place less important or less relevant sections, such as “Skills & Certifications” and “Memberships,” near or at the end of your resume/CV.

#4: Get Creative

Lastly, we want you to have a little fun with our templates! Now, while we don’t recommend adding a bunch of colors or clip art, we do encourage you to consider changing the following:

• Headings: Don’t feel obligated to stick with the headings we’ve given you! You’re allowed to swap these out for any headings you think flow better with the rest of your resume/CV. My only word of caution is to  make sure your headings match the content of their sections . For example, if you’ve chosen the heading “Skills” but are also listing certifications, it makes more sense to change the heading to “Skills & Certifications.”
• Fonts: If you’re downright sick of Times New Roman, go ahead and change it! But don’t go overboard. We recommend sticking with simple, professional-looking fonts , such as Calibri, Tahoma, and Arial, and avoiding any fancy or overtly unprofessional fonts, such as Chiller and Comic Sans.

Here’s what we  don’t  suggest changing on our templates:

• Sizes: Resumes and CVs always look at least a little bit cramped, but this is so you can fit all of the information you need in as little space as possible. Increasing any of the font sizes ultimately increases your risk of running out of space or exceeding your program’s page limit. If you for whatever reason must change a font size, reduce the sizes of the headings and your name only  — not  the size of the main text!
• Margins:  Our margins are your basic one-inch margins and are what most people use for their resumes and CVs. We do not recommend reducing the margins, as doing so can increase your risk of cutting something off should you or the admissions committee print out your resume/CV.

Most graduate school applicants will need to submit either a resume or a CV along with their applications. Which one you submit ultimately depends on what your program requires and your own preferences.

Although resumes and CVs are used for similar purposes — to get you the position you want! — the two documents differ in a few key ways. Resumes are more succinct and work-centered, whereas  CVs are longer and more academically oriented. 

That said, resumes and CVs often include many of the same sections and headings, such as “Education,” “Employment,” “Honors & Awards,” and “Skills & Certifications.” Because CVs are longer, they offer more room for additional sections, such as “Fellowships & Grants,” “Presentations,” and “Memberships.”

To customize your resume or CV template for graduate school, you may delete irrelevant sections and insert any additional sections that either relate to your field of study or illuminate any personal successes you’ve had. You may also rearrange our templates’ sections in order to highlight your strengths.

Additionally, we encourage you to play around with the headings and fonts (though we recommend leaving the font sizes and margins as is).

Even though your resume/CV is just a single part of your graduate school application, it’s important to put in an adequate amount of time and effort in order to make it both professional and unique. After all, a compelling resume/CV can only strengthen your application !

What’s Next?

Need step-by-step help with your graduate school resume or CV? Check out our guides on how to write a graduate school resume and how to write a graduate school CV today !

Looking for samples, instead?  Then take a peek at   our compilation of graduate school resume and CV samples !

Got questions about graduate school?  Read our guides to learn  what graduate school really entails  and what the basic graduate school application requirements are .

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Author: Hannah Muniz

Hannah graduated summa cum laude from the University of Southern California with a bachelor’s degree in English and East Asian languages and cultures. After graduation, she taught English in Japan for two years via the JET Program. She is passionate about education, writing, and travel. View all posts by Hannah Muniz

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3 Grad School Academic Resume Examples for 2024

Grad School Academic Resume

Formal grad school academic resume, elegant grad school academic resume.

• Grad School Academic Resume Writing 101

While your career is only just getting started, as a grad school academic you already have years of experience with rigorous research, report writing, and teaching. By now, you have likely made contributions to scholarly journals in your field. 

Your resume serves as a gateway to the academic world and more opportunities for publication, but it’s not easy to transfer years of research and lecturing onto a one page resume template . 

With our meticulously designed grad school academic resume examples and cover letter writing tips in this article, however, you can confidently present your academic journey and find your next research position.

or download as PDF

Related resume examples

• Academic advisor
• High school academic
• College academic

What Matters Most: Your Research Skills & Academic Experience

Though you are a subject matter expert in a certain field, it’s normal for academics to apply their skills to new areas—meaning your experience won’t always be a perfect match for the position you’re applying for. 

In this case, an effective strategy is to focus on your foundational skills as an academic. Try to keep things as technical as possible by listing specific tools, software, and methodologies you use in your work.

With less tangible skills like “teaching” or “collaboration,”  make sure to expand on the subject in your work experience points, backing up your claims with specific examples. Better yet, just forego them entirely and pick something more specific that can stand on its own.

9 best grad school academic skills

• Research Methodology
• Academic Writing
• Microsoft Office
• Project Management
• Public Speaking

Sample grad school academic work experience bullet points

When describing your past roles, including metrics enhances the impact and credibility of your accomplishments. They provide concrete evidence of your achievements, showcasing the value you brought to your research projects.

If you have carried out previous work on the same topic as the role you’re applying for, make sure to include it in your bullet points. Otherwise, any examples of teaching excellence, conference presentations, studies, reports, or research endeavors will be effective. 

Try to envision the skills and experience you would draw from to tackle the role in question and use this to inform your experience bullet points.

Here are a few examples:

• Co-authored a research paper published in a peer-reviewed journal, which has been cited by 8 other scholars in subsequent works
• Developed and delivered engaging lectures to undergraduate classes of up to 100 students 
• Conducted complex statistical analyses using SPSS, uncovering 13 key findings for future research 
• Managed a comprehensive database of research participants, ensuring accurate and secure data storage for a cohort of over 100 individuals for two years 

Top 5 Tips for Your Grad School Academic Resume

• Teaching or lecturing is an integral element of most academic positions, so it’s important to display your experience in this area as well as your personal work. Include details about the instructional methods you use or the feedback your class received to make an impression.
• As an academic, your education and coursework will remain relevant to your resume for longer, so don’t be afraid to highlight modules you’ve studied or workshops and academic events you’ve attended. 
• Show your active participation in the academic community by listing relevant academic associations you might be a part of. For example, science researchers might be members of the American Institute of Psychics. 
• Your work as an academic can lead to participation in multiple projects, meaning you may not be able to include them all on a single page. If this is the case, make sure to review your resume for each application and make changes to include your most relevant work. A single-page resume is typically more effective.
• When you spend your days researching niche subjects, it becomes a natural instinct to simplify the topic when you talk about your work to non-colleagues. Don’t fall into this trap on your resume! The depth of your knowledge is precisely what you should be conveying, so don’t be afraid to geek out.

If applicable, you can simply list the software or methodology in your skills list . If you think some amount of explanation or context is necessary, you can describe a specific example in your work experience bullet points.

Breaking into new areas is common in academia, so there’s no need to shy away from this fact. Just include work experience points that focus on your foundational skills as a researcher, writer, and teacher, such as your background in data analysis or tutoring.

As an academic, your education and study are an area of interest. It’s absolutely acceptable to list both your bachelor’s and your master’s as well as a couple of particularly relevant modules or electives.

/images/cornell/logo35pt_cornell_white.svg" alt="sample resume for grad school application"> Cornell University --> Graduate School

Resumes and cvs.

Depending on the type of job, you will need to create a curriculum vitae (CV) or a resume. Both documents put your qualification in writing, but they are used for different audiences and use a different format.

When to use a Resume

In the United States, most employers use resumes for non-academic positions, which are one or two page summaries of your experience, education, and skills.  Employers rarely spend more than a few minutes reviewing a resume, and successful resumes are concise with enough white space on the page to make it easy to scan. 

For more information on developing your resume, please visit Cornell Career Services’ Career Development Toolkit . Students often find it helpful to review resumes from graduate students who got their first job outside of academe.

When to use a Curriculum Vitae (CV)

A CV is a longer synopsis of your educational and academic background as well as teaching and research experience, publications, awards, presentations, honors, and additional details. CVs are used when applying for academic, scientific, or research positions. International employers often use CVs as well.

A CV is a comprehensive statement emphasizing:

• professional qualifications
• accomplishments
• special qualifications

A CV can vary from two pages to several pages. Professionals seeking academic positions and non-academic positions in science, higher education, research, and health care typically use a CV. It is also used to seek a fellowship or grant and is expected for some positions overseas. Consult with faculty members in your field to determine what is expected and appropriate for your field.

Guidelines for Preparing a CV

• The order of topics in a CV format is flexible.
• Arrange sections to highlight strengths for the position you are seeking.
• Elaborate on accomplishments and skills within categories.
• List items within each category chronologically, the most recent appearing first.
• Include additional headings when appropriate to reflect certifications/licensures, workshops/training, languages, book reviews, etc.
• Present information in an easily accessible and attractive style.
• Faculty advisors are the most knowledgeable resource for determining what constitutes effective content in your discipline.
• For formatting assistance and to see more examples of  CVs, visit the Cornell Career Services Library in 103 Barnes Hall. The following books also may help:  How to Prepare Your Curriculum Vitae  and  The Curriculum Vitae Handbook .
• Non-academic samples from the University of California, San Francisco
• Academic samples from the University of California, San Francisco
• Samples from Columbia University
• Samples from University of Pennsylvania
• Chronicle of Higher Education’s CV Doctor

Electronic Version of CV

When sending electronic versions, attach a file or cut and paste the CV into the text of the email message. State your objectives and career interests in the first few lines since they may be the only items seen on a screen. Other tips:

• Use language and acronyms recognized in your field.
• Avoid using bold, italics, underlining, lines, or graphics. Use all caps for emphasis.
• Put your name at the top followed by address and each phone number on a separate line.

Many employers use websites for applicants to apply for positions. Although each form may be different, some elements may be similar. Save parts of your CV in a format that can be cut and pasted for each individual web-based form, such as saving a bulleted list of work experience.

Transforming Your CV into a Resume

You may need both a CV and a resume for your job search. Sending the appropriate document (CV or resume) tells employers that you can distinguish the differences between the academic and non-academic environments and that you can adapt your skills to either environment. Most employers in industry prefer a resume. When rearranging your CV to make it a resume:

• Do not exceed two pages.
• Re-evaluate your experience. Think creatively about how your academic experience can be translated into the necessary skills for a non-academic environment. Consider skills of project management, leadership, teamwork, effective communication, and meeting deadlines. 
• Choose action verbs to describe your experience.
• Put your strengths first. List your professional experience or your degree first, depending on which is most important for a specific position.  
• Include a well-written job objective; state the type of position and work setting you are seeking, skills or abilities you possess, and long-term goals. Be sure that your resume supports your job objective.
• Emphasize skills and accomplishments.
• List relevant presentations, publications, and papers, but not all. 
• Have someone proofread it.

Assessing your application

How your application is assessed, after you submit, shortlisting and interviews, selection process, tracking your departmental decision, potential outcomes of your application.

Your application will be assessed purely on your proven and potential academic excellence and other entry requirements described under that heading on the course page.

References and supporting documents submitted as part of your application, and your performance at interview (if interviews are held) will be considered as part of the assessment process. Whether or not you have secured funding will not be taken into consideration when your application is assessed.

An overview of the shortlisting and selection process is provided below. You can also find a timeline overview of the assessment process in our  Decision Timeline.  

When you submit your application, it is checked by a member of staff in Graduate Admissions to make sure that it is complete and meets the application requirements for your chosen course. If your application is complete, the Graduate Admissions team will let the academic department know that they can start assessing your application.

The academic department that offers the course you have applied to will assess the academic quality and suitability of your application. After this is complete, the department will send you formal notification of their decision by email.

The average waiting time for a decision is around 8 to 10 weeks after the deadline you apply to.

For the January deadlines, for example, you would usually hear around late March to early April. Unfortunately it is not possible to give more specific dates in advance. 

If the course you have applied to has remained open to applications after the last standard University deadline in March, there is no formal timetable for the assessment process, but you can usually expect to be notified of the outcome around 6 to 8 weeks after completing your application.

After you apply, and before the department makes a final decision on your application, you may be called for interview and/or asked to send further documents. This could include a third reference if there are only two in your application.

Some courses will interview applicants during the selection process, but many do not conduct interviews. You can check whether shortlisted applicants will be interviewed, and the usual length and structure of interviews, in the 'Entry requirements' section of the  course page . 

Your academic department may want to hold interviews by video call, by phone or in person. They will contact you directly to arrange this, if necessary.

Applications are academically assessed against the entry requirements for the course and relatively in terms of the quality of previous academic excellence and future potential, in comparison with the applications received from other candidates for the course.

The University seeks to admit the very best candidates who apply for the courses it offers. The entry requirements for each course and the number of applications and places available are provided on our course pages .

Meeting the entry requirements may not be sufficient to guarantee a place and competition for places is very strong.

Departments receive many more excellent applications than they have places available, so it is important that you take care over your application to best illustrate your academic achievement and future potential.

Admissions panels and assessors

All recommendations to admit a student involve the judgement of at least two members of the academic staff with relevant experience and expertise, and must also be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies or Admissions Committee (or equivalent within the department).

Admissions panels or committees will always include at least one member of academic staff who has undertaken appropriate training.

Equal opportunities at Oxford

The University of Oxford and its colleges seek to admit students of high academic ability and potential. Students are considered for shortlisting and selected for admission without regard to age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, race (including colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins), religion or belief (including lack of belief), sex, sexual orientation, as well as other relevant circumstances including parental or caring responsibilities or social background. However, please note the following:

• socio-economic information may be taken into account in the selection of applicants and award of scholarships for courses that are part of  the University’s pilot on selection procedures  and for  scholarships aimed at under-represented groups ;
• country of ordinary residence may be taken into account in the awarding of certain scholarships; and
• protected characteristics may be taken into account during shortlisting for interview or the award of scholarships where the University has approved a positive action case under the Equality Act 2010.

Information about  processing special category data for the purposes of positive action  and  using your data to assess your eligibility for funding , can be found in our Postgraduate Applicant Privacy Policy.

Decisions on admission are based solely on the individual academic merits of each candidate and the application of selection criteria appropriate to the course. Admissions procedures will be kept under review to ensure compliance with this policy.

Both successful and unsuccessful applicants will be notified by email and the outcome will also be displayed in your Graduate Applicant Self-Service. If your application was incomplete at the deadline, you will only be contacted if the academic department chooses to assess your application.

It is not usually possible to know the outcome any earlier since applications are assessed comparatively, against all other applicants. However, if you need to know the outcome earlier so you can make a decision ahead of a deadline set by another institution, you can contact the academic department to ask if this is possible. 

If more than ten weeks have passed since your application deadline date and you have not received a decision, or if you have any questions about the progress of the academic assessment, please contact the academic department directly via the contact details on the course page.

Graduate Admissions is not authorised to disclose decisions from academic departments, colleges or funding bodies.

If you have a complaint about the admissions process, please see our page on  Complaints and appeals .

If your application was complete and eligible for academic assessment at the application deadline date, you will be notified by email of one of the following outcomes. The outcome will also be shown in your Self-Service:

Successful outcome

An offer of a place from your department constitutes an overall offer of a place at Oxford. You are then guaranteed a college place, unless you have been accepted to a non-matriculated course for which a college place is not offered.

Your certificate of offer will be available to download via Self-Service together with your Course Information Sheet, University Terms and Conditions and Student Handbook.

The certificate of offer will give full details of your offer and any academic conditions, such as achieving a specific final grade in your current degree course. The department will ask you to confirm, also via Self-Service, whether you wish to accept the offer and give you both a deadline for responding to the offer and a deadline to fulfil any conditions.

Offer holders will also be asked to complete the Criminal Convictions Declaration in Self-Service.

Please note that Self-Service will not show college outcomes or any funding you have been awarded. This will be received by email to your registered email address.

Unsuccessful outcome

If your application is unsuccessful, you will also be notified of this. Due to the high volume of applications the University receives, it is a University policy that we do not provide feedback on unsuccessful applications.

If you are unsuccessful, you will no longer be considered for college places or funding.

Re-evaluation in a later deadline

In some cases, the academic department may feel that you have performed well against the entry requirements for the course but they wish to consider your application against the applications received in the next deadline. In this case, you will receive an email to inform you that your application will be re-evaluated and you can expect a final decision around 8 to 10 weeks after the date of the deadline into which you are being re-evaluated.

If your application is re-evaluated from the January deadline into the March deadline, you will no longer be considered for funding opportunities where a departmental offer is required as part of the December of January deadline.

Waiting list

If the academic department feels that you have performed well against the entry requirements for the course but there are no more places available, you may be notified that you have been added to a waiting list in case any additional places do become available.

If your application is put on a waiting list, you will no longer be considered for funding opportunities where a departmental offer is required as part of the January deadline.

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