As a CBS student, you are developing your educational background in the biological sciences, learning technical skills in labs, and strengthening your ability to think critically, communicate complex information, and work collaboratively with your peers. The CBS career readiness team is here to help you integrate your experiences into your career journey. We've built and designed the following resources on crafting standout resumes/CVs, writing compelling cover letters, and mastering the interview process – all designed with your interests as a CBS student in mind.
What it is: A resume is a 1-2 page persuasive document that showcases your experiences, skills, competencies, and abilities relevant to the position or program you are applying for.
What it’s for: A well-written and compelling resume will convince a hiring manager to interview you.
When you need it: Resumes are commonly used for applications to jobs, internships, research opportunities, scholarships, and graduate/professional schools.
CBS Resume Guide - Tips on building, editing, and updating your resume.
What it is: A cover letter is a one-page introductory document that you write to an employer for a specific job.
What it’s for: An effective cover letter will allow you to introduce yourself, articulate your top skills and qualifications, and connect your past experiences and transferable skills to the position you are applying for. The cover letter is also your chance to express why you’re interested in the position and the company. A well-written cover letter will strengthen your application by providing concrete examples of your past work to provide evidence of what you have accomplished and your potential for success in your future career.
When you need it: Many, but not all, job applications require a cover letter. Carefully review the job application directions to determine if you need to submit one. If a cover letter is optional, plan to include one with your application if you can enhance your application by expanding on specific experiences or if you have a direct connection to the company/organization.
CBS Cover Letter Guide - Learn how to craft an effective cover letter.
What it is: A curriculum vitae or CV is similar to a resume but is a comprehensive document that includes all of your experiences throughout your entire career.
What it’s for: CVs are typically used in academia to apply for faculty or research positions. Common sections of a CV typically include your education, teaching experience, research, publications, honors/awards, grants awarded, and conference/professional presentations. For early professionals, the resume and CV may look very similar. However, an updated resume will be continually revised and remain 1-2 pages, whereas a CV will eventually span several pages to detail one’s entire career.
When you need it: CVs are typically required for academic, research, or scientific job applications. It could also be needed when applying for fellowships or grants.
Note: We recommend that CBS undergrads prioritize building a resume first since most opportunities for current students and recent alumni will only need a resume. You likely will not need a CV until several years into your career.
CBS CV Guide - Learn how to build and maintain your CV.
What it is: An interview is a structured conversation between you and an interviewer. They will ask you questions to learn more about you and to determine your fit for the position or program you’re applying for.
What it’s for: Interviews are typically used as a final assessment during the application process for jobs, internships, graduate school, and health professional school. The interview is your chance to articulate why you are a great applicant.
How to prepare: Spend additional time researching the organization or school by learning about their mission, values, and culture. Consider which of your qualifications, competencies, and skills will help you to stand out. Practice answering common interview questions and be prepared to share specific examples from your previous experiences that will show the interviewer you have what it takes to be successful in the role.
Mock interviews: CBS Career Coaches are available to help you prepare for an upcoming interview. We conduct mock interviews for jobs/internships, graduate school, and health professional school. During these 30-minute sessions, we will ask you standard interview questions and provide you with feedback on your performance. Mock interviews are one of the most effective ways to prepare and to gain confidence ahead of your interview! Schedule a mock interview online, or contact CBS Student Services at 612-624-9717 or [email protected].
CBS Interview Guide - Learn about the interview process and tips for prep.