"To Whom It May Concern"...no, that's not right...."Dear Sir/Madam"....ugh, that's so outdated...."Dear I-Don't-Know-Your-Name-and-I'd-Rather-Be-Playing-Scramble-Right-Now..." Where to start? Many of us still struggle when it comes to crafting a cover letter for a job of interest. I thought it might be valuable to review some of the basics, as job hunting may be new to some of us, while others of us may know that we need to strengthen our letters, based on a lack of positive feedback.

Did you see this week's episode of "CHOPPED?" It contained one of the most ridiculous combinations of foods I've seen yet. The chefs had to incorporate the following into an appetizer: kabocha squash, sardines, banana chips, and rice paper. WHAT? Tough basket for this week's chefs, for sure. On to our version of CHOPPED... So, what is a CV, anyway? That is a question I often hear from trainees. A more common question is: "What (on earth) is the difference between a CV and a résumé?" A curriculum vitae (CV) is a document that outlines your entire academic history.

Yesterday, I was fortunate to have spent some time on the Bethesda campus of the NIH, meeting with focus groups of trainees to discuss the new OITE website. While the trainees shared some ideas for improving the site, the feedback was overwhelmingly positive--so I encourage you to check out the site if you haven't done so already! While there, one of the postdocs I met (a brave soul) volunteered to have his resume CHOPPED today.

As with last week's post, I will continue every Wednesday to invite you to send me your CV, résumé, or cover letter via email to msinche@gmail.com. I will choose one document each Wednesday to put up on the chopping block--that is, to review on this blog. I will remove identifying information, and will offer not only critiques, but also praise when warranted. Send me your document soon, and I will post the first I receive--with my comments--on this site.

Ima Champion, Ph.D.

12345 Fakeplace Ave., NW #550

Washington, DC 20008

ima_champion@abced.com

(xxx) xxx-xxxx

My favorite new reality TV show is "Chopped," which airs on the Food Network. The show isn't new, but I am new to it, and I can't get enough of it. Chefs are given baskets containing secret ingredients and must create an appetizer, entrée, or dessert using everything they find in the basket. I love to cook, but I am more a recipe-follower than an improviser in the kitchen, so the chefs who compete on this show completely impress me. What I would like to propose now is an online version of CHOPPED--well, with a slightly different premise.

As we get closer to July, vacations loom, and our thoughts run to the beach. Or to the mountains. Or to the World Cup. Or to anywhere but the lab. If you are enjoying a slower pace now, you can use this time to get in shape for a job search this fall.

Years ago, as I was training a career development staff, I created this list of questions I frequently heard from trainees. If you have a question about resume writing that you don't see represented here, send it along and I'll post an answer here! Q: An employer requested a CV in a job ad I found, but it is not a faculty opening. Should I send a resume or a CV? A:  Resume. The term “CV” is sometimes generically used to refer to any kind of personal qualifications document, but what employers are actually seeking is a resume.

Last week, I was privileged to share some time with trainees at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences' Biomedical Career Fair in Durham, North Carolina. The goal of this conference was to:

Guest Writer: Elaine Diggs, NCC, Career Counselor in OITE’s Career Center