Resumes & CVs 

A resume is a succinct outline of your education, experience, activities, accomplishments and skills as they pertain to your career goals. 

Learn the differences between a CV and a resume, how to start building a CV and how to transform your CV to a resume.   

Cover letters & diversity statements

A well-written cover letter can set you apart from other candidates. Learn how to develop a cover letter that complements your resume and communicates your value to potential employers. 

In recent years, many colleges and universities started prioritizing diversifying their faculty, staff and student bodies. Writing a diversity statement will allow you to outline how you can contribute to an institution's approach to diversity, equity and inclusion.

Networking

Networking is the activity of connecting with others to gather and share information. It is a critical skill for your career exploration process during your time in Princeton and beyond. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 70% of people find their jobs through personal or professional connections.

Networking can provide insight into career fields that interest you, others' career journeys, details about employers, job search resources and more. 

Our resources covering common networking topics include:

• Five-Step Guide to Networking
• Informational Interviews
• Tools to Connect with Alumni
• Developing Your Elevator Pitch
• LinkedIn Tips and Resources

Interviews

General interview guide

Case interview preparation: Case interviews test an applicant’s ability to solve business problems and demonstrate skills valued in consulting. 

Management Consulted: Library of resources includes more than 500 cases, nine video courses, 10,000 case drills, 11 industry primers and 12 chatbot cases to help students prepare for consulting interviews. 

Exploration & planning

Ph.D. Transferable Skills Self-Assessment: As a Ph.D. student, you develop a diverse array of skills that build upon and expand beyond your research and teaching. Assessing your current strengths and weaknesses helps you identify areas that you need to work on during your graduate journey.

Individual Development Plan Guide: An IDP is a dynamic, on-going graduate student career management tool to help you

• Develop mutually-agreed upon academic and career objectives with your mentor(s) and/or adviser(s)
• Stay on track and make progress toward these ever-evolving goals

Career Compass: Explore career paths and connect with alumni who can help you along the way.

Career Exploration for Humanities Ph.D.'s: As a Ph.D. student, you have diverse transferable skills and strengths beyond your research and teaching that are highly valued in many different career fields. With your advanced training and the depth of your strengths, you can find a wide range of rewarding career opportunities outside of academia.

MyIDP: A free career-planning tool for Ph.D. students and postdocs in the sciences.

ChemIDP: A free career-planning tool for Ph.D. students and postdocs in chemical sciences.

ImaginePhD: A free online career exploration and planning tool for Ph.D. students and postdoctoral scholars in the humanities and social sciences.

Career research and posting sites

Handshake: All graduate students receive a free Handshake account which they can use to schedule appointments with career advisers, find the Center for Career Development's upcoming programs and events, and search for jobs/internships across multiple industries.

CareerShift: All undergraduates, graduate students and alumni can create a free CareerShift account to access in-depth information about contacts, get up-to-date information including email addresses for millions of companies and find related job postings.

Firsthand: A website featuring career guides and profiles; industry and company research; internship information; and career advice. Access is free for Princeton students, courtesy of the University Library. Students must create an account using their Princeton email address before being able to access the resources. 

Job search

Job Search Resources for International Students

International Graduate Student Employers: An interactive chart featuring information about employers that offered international graduate students OPT and CPT between 2018-2022.

Funding

PIVOT: An online tool from the Graduate School matching research interests to potential external funding sources for research support, fellowships, equipment, travel funds and other related research and educational endeavors from federal, state, and private sponsors.

Princeton Research Funding Gateway: The Office of the Dean for Research hosts the Gateway, a database of funding opportunities, to help faculty, postdocs, graduate students and staff discover possible support for research.

Student Activity Funding Engine: Princeton-sponsored funding opportunities for students.

GrantForward: Funding opportunity database and recommendation for researchers

Additional resources

Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS): Supports the psychological well-being of current Princeton University students and their eligible depends at no cost. Additional support for graduate students is provided by CPS/TigerWell Outreach Counselor, Sue Kim, LCSW, who offers confidential weekly virtual drop-in hours, mental health/well-being outreach events and consultations.

Davis International Center: Offers specialized support for international students and scholars, offering assistance with questions about your immigration status, work eligibility and practical adjustment to the United States.