Prepare a résumé with a cover letter

If you haven't already put together a résumé or curriculum vitae (CV), there is no time like the present. You'll find many uses for the résumé as you go through chiropractic school:

• Applying for scholarships;
• Applying for special programs or positions;
• Talking with DCs about employment or buying practices; and
• Applying for a business loan.

Here are some common questions and answers about résumés:

What's the purpose of a résumé?
A résumé is a sales tool to get the reader to grant you an interview (or scholarship). Along with the cover letter, your résumé is the reader's first impression of you, so you want it to be as perfect and complete and professional as possible.

What's the difference between a résumé and a CV?
Although the terms are often used interchangeably, the two documents are different — in purpose as well as format.

A résumé is used in business situations for the purpose of obtaining job interviews; a CV is used in academic situations for academic applications (promotions and tenure) and publicity.

The résumé often lists education and experience in reverse chronological order (most recent first) and usually includes only the information needed to persuade an employer to call you for an interview.

The CV (which literally means "a running of the life") is a detailed listing of academic, professional, consulting, and publication experience.

Since you are preparing a business document, it's more likely that you are preparing a résumé. It doesn't matter what it's called, as long as it contains the pertinent information.

Should I include only my chiropractic experience and education?
The more information you provide will help to better assess your work ethic and background. Include colleges and schools you've attended after high school, and all job experiences within the last 10 years — even that summer job at the local fast food place. All of this shows your work habits and abilities.

Someone told me my résumé must be one page. Is that true?
Your résumé should be as long as it needs to be. It doesn't have to be limited to just one page, but the most important information (your education and professional skills and training) should be on the first page.

If you can to limit your résumé to one page and still be effective, great. Many résumés, especially for people who have had a number of professional positions, cannot be limited in this way. Quantity is not as important as quality.

What other information should I include in my résumé?
Include information about your education and work background. Highlight special training and chiropractic techniques in which you have taken classes. Don't forget to mention any practice-management training or seminars you have attended.

Should I include references in my résumé? What should I exclude from the résumé?
Most experts suggest that you not include:

• A photo;
• Personal information (hobbies, marital status, children, religious affiliations); or
• References. (Provide these when requested on a separate sheet, and don't forget to ask the referrer first.)

Do I have to print my résumé and cover letter on fancy paper? Should I go to a copy place and have the résumé professionally printed?
What is printed on the page is important, not the paper or printing. Everything needs to be neat, error-free, and professional-looking, but you don't need expensive paper or to spend money on printing.

Should I include a cover letter with my résumé? What should it say?
You should always include a cover letter with any important correspondence, including a résumé. The cover letter draws the reader into the résumé, explains why you are sending it, and is part of the selling device. The cover letter should be laid out in four parts (each with a separate paragraph):

1. Describe why you are writing (to apply for a scholarship, to respond to an ad for an associate position, etc.).

2. Point out how your experience and education fit the position. Your main purpose in this cover letter is to get the person to read your résumé.

3. Discuss any personal characteristics that can't be included in a résumé, such as your social skills or your background working with children. Include any personal information the reader might need to know, such as your availability or willingness to relocate.

4. Finally, close with a statement expressing interest in the position or scholarship, and indicate the best way to contact you. Even if you have included your contact information at the top of the letter, include it again (e-mail address, phone, and cell phone) here. Go to the Resource section on studentDC.com to see sample résumés and cover letters.

Can I send résumés to search for a position that's not advertised?
Certainly. Many students have found positions in specific areas by sending out résumés to DCs and following up with a phone call.

One final note: Before you send your résumé and cover letter, proofread them carefully. Ask someone else to look them over, too. Be sure they are absolutely perfect — no typos, no misspellings, nothing out of alignment, or in different fonts. One mistake can destroy your great effort!