Interviewing Woes: Do You Need a Resume or a VITA?

Have you considered whether you need a resume or a VITA? Have you ever thought about the differences between a resume and VITA? Did you have any idea that there was such a big difference between the two? Many assume that a VITA is just what educators call their resumes. It is not so! A VITA is very different in form and function from a resume. While both credentials, resume and VITA, allow you to list educational and previous work experiences, a VITA allows you the opportunity to highlight individual accomplishments, particularly with regard to things you have had published.

If you present workshops, community education sessions, have materials published, assist with any research projects, or teach any classes, a VITA is a far better choice than a resume. Most resume formats don't facilitate listing presentations and publications. The word resume does not alert the reader a list of literary or educational accomplishments are to follow, however, the word VITA does.

Instead of merely listing what jobs you have held and for how long you have held them, a VITA allows you to showcase specific literary or educational contributions, without relying on chronology. Of course, a VITA is not the best format for non-writing or non-teaching jobs, although it can work well for project management.

There is no rule of thumb for how many publications one must have before converting from a resume to a VITA, however, published items listed on a VITA should showcase your best work. If you are a prolific writer, your VITA page numbers could be in the double digits, whereas a resume has a two-page rule in general.

Since a VITA is updated as frequently as you publish, and a resume only when you change employment positions, a VITA is more likely than a resume to be current. So, before you send out the next resume, consider if a VITA presents a better picture of your accomplishments. It may be just the thing to get you a better response from the job market. You may even want keep a version of both a resume and a VITA handy as you decide which to send for specific employment prospects. It is important to consider carefully the job you are applying for when deciding if your VITA or resume will draw more positive attention. Your resume or VITA represents you where you cannot be present, so the information each contains should give a clear picture of your knowledge, skills, abilities and accomplishments.

Follow the listed link to a great website for step-by-step instructions on how to create your very first or improve on your existing VITA.