A curriculum vitae allows you to showcase more of your skills and abilities when applying for that perfect position. A CV can be especially useful for someone applying for a job in the arts; the added sections can be used to demonstrate more than just strict academics. When done right, this document helps you put your best foot forward and land that position you want, whether it is a job, internship, fellowship, or any other endeavor. Scan through our detailed poet CV example for ideas about what to include when creating your own CV. We also provide tips and guidelines that help make your document flawless.
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927 Elm Street, Santa Cruz, California 11111
E: jasonkline@anymail P: 555-282-6497
Poet laureate with 10 years of experience in both the literary and academic realms. Full manuscript published by Pepper Press and distinguished in Poets Journal. Number 1 bestseller on Amazon in contemporary, experimental poetry section. MFA Creative Writing graduate; workshop lecturer for private programs. Received poetry distinction from mentor and bestselling author Hugh Smith.
- -Extensive knowledge of poetry conventions -Strong background teaching poetry courses to undergraduate students -Thorough understanding of grammar and syntax -Finely-tuned editing skills -Fluent in Microsoft Office, Google Drive, WordPress, and Scrivener -Working knowledge of Spanish -Strong leadership skills for motivating others -Meticulous organization skills
- Taught graduate creative writing courses at Northanger College.
- Created syllabi, assignments, and reading lists.
- Led discussion groups and critique groups while fostering constructive conversation.
- Taught poetry principles such as meter, blank verse, characterization, point of view, free verse, and open form.
- Aided students in creating comprehensive bodies of work.
- Held biweekly office hours to meet with students and address concerns.
- Wrote letters of recommendation for students pursuing other programs.
- Facilitated community immersion through guiding students in attending events such as readings and performances.
- Performed scholarly research, and attended lectures and conferences.
- Visited local schools to develop poetry events and increase understanding of and enthusiasm for poetry.
- Gave readings at a number of events, including literary festivals and nonprofit awards benefits.
- Led poetry workshops for incarcerated women, guiding them through examining their pain, joy, and sadness through creative expression.
- Organized monthly reading series at local library for newly published authors from small presses.
- Participated in national poet laureate events, including in New Hampshire, Wyoming, Washington, D.C., and North Carolina.
- Published 120-page manuscript through Pepper Press.
- Revised material before publication to meet the high-quality standards of the publisher.
- Toured five states in promotion of book and performed readings at each location.
- Promoted book on social media, in literary magazines, and at local events.
- Book reached top spot on Amazon under contemporary, experimental poetry.
- Won New Poet award, Poet of Santa Cruz award, and New Voices of the West award.
Participate in local Scrabble competitions. Enjoy public speaking and karaoke. Avid nature enthusiast.
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Poet Job Overview and Tips
What do Poets Do?
What you will want to focus on in your CV depends largely on the type of poetry position you are looking for. However, there are some similarities between these varying options. Poets often have a thorough understanding of grammar and writing conventions. They use this understanding to be able to break conventions at will in a manner that resonates with the reader. They are often highly creative and enjoy thinking outside the box to tell powerful stories. Poetry often takes discipline to complete, and while writing your CV, you will want to make sure this comes across. Our poetry CV example includes different types of positions one may hold as a poet. Use this example as a guideline for what to include in your document.
Tips for Creating a Great Poet CV
The tips and guidelines below provide quick guidance for creating a flawless poet CV:
– In a CV, it is appropriate to include personal information, including age, gender, nationality, and marital status.
– Headshots are also relevant for CVs.
– Proofread your document twice, preferably reading aloud.
– Avoid including anything political, religious, or controversial, unless it is applicable to the position for which you are applying.
– Spell out numbers below 10; use numerals for a mixture of numbers above and below 10.
– Do a quick scan of your document in a PDF before printing to make sure there aren’t any formatting errors.
– Include additional information whenever relevant, including memberships, honors, awards, and projects.
– Use bullet points to break up text to make it easier to read quickly.
– Fragments are appropriate to use for a CV, and they can eliminate excess words.
– List your most recent work experience first.
– List your most important job duties and skills first in each section.
– Don’t include information about why you left a previous position.