UK Alumni Career Q & A - Interview Follow Up Etiquette & Difference Between a Resume/CV

Q: I interviewed for a job a few weeks ago and still have not heard back from the employer? Should I follow up or is this too pushy?

A: This is a common question we receive from our alumni in career transition. Yes, you should follow up. First, try placing a phone call to the head of the search committee or the person that seemed to be the lead interviewer. Simply state that you are still very interested in the position, felt that you were a good fit, wanted to see where they are in the search process, and if you are still being considered. This will give you peace of mind to know if you are still in the running or if it’s time to move on. If you are not being considered, use this follow up call to facilitate dialogue about future openings and experience that you may have lacked for this job. This strategy is a great way of tapping the hidden job market. If you are still being considered, offer to follow up with any additional materials that may support your relevant skills. Also, ask if they have any concerns about your background or experience. Then you can clarify or share additional experience, skills or training that would strengthen your candidacy. You could even prepare a case statement on a problem the company may be facing and how you could help. Additionally, your references could go ahead and send the committee a short email of support. If you are not able to make contact by phone, the same information can be sent by email. Ideally, before leaving an interview, be sure to ask how soon the selection committee will be making their decision, will you be notified, and who will be the point of contact if you have additional questions.

Q: What is the difference between a Resume and a Curriculum Vitae (CV)?

A: If you’ve ever wondered about the difference between a resume and CV, you are not alone. Though resumes and CVs have a similar purpose, they do have distinctions. Both documents serve as a marketing tool to display your individual skills, experience, knowledge, and qualifications. However, there are a few things that clearly differentiate the two.

1.)   When to use a CV: Commonly used when applying for a position in academia, science, or research. Additionally, some graduate programs, fellowships, or grant applications may request a CV upon application. A CV aims to showcase your full academic and professional history.

2.)   Length: Resumes are typically two pages maximum. On a resume, you will choose your most recent/relevant experience and qualifications that pertain to the target position and employer. CVs have no length limit and can be as long as necessary.

3.)   Typical sections found on a CV: Teaching Experience, Research Experience, Grants, Presentations, Publications, Dissertation, References. We encourage you to organize the sections based on pertinence to your audience.

4.)   Emphasis: CVs focus on marketing academic and scholarly achievements. Resumes focus on professional experiences, job-related skills and accomplishments.

Tailor both a resume and CV towards your specific industry and audience. The ultimate goal of both documents is to prove that you are the best fit for a position of interest.