A Curriculum Vitae
Also called a CV or vita, the curriculum vitae is an overview of your life's accomplishments, most specifically those that are relevant to the academic realm. It is a living document that reflects the developments in a scholar/teacher's career and should be updated frequently.
When should job seekers use a CV, rather than a résumé? In the United States, a CV is used primarily when applying for academic, education, scientific, or research positions. It is also applicable when applying for fellowships or grants.
When asking for a job in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, or Asia, expect to submit a CV rather than a résumé. Overseas employers often expect to read the type of personal information on a curriculum vitae that would never be included on an American résumé, such as date of birth, nationality and place of birth. United States law on what information job applicants can be asked to provide does not apply outside the country.
The Differences between a Résumé and a CV
A CV is typically longer (up to two or more pages) and a more detailed synopsis of your background and skills. A CV summarizes your educational and academic backgrounds as well as teaching and research experience, publications, presentations, awards, honors, affiliations and other details. As with a résumé, you may need different versions of a CV for different types of positions.
Like a résumé, a CV has your name, contact information, education, skills and experience. In addition to the basics, a CV includes research and teaching experience, publications, grants and fellowships, professional associations and licenses, awards, and other information relevant to the position for which you are applying. Make a list of all your background information, then organize it into categories. Include dates on all the publications you list.
Curriculum Vitae Format
- Your Contact Information
- Name
- Address
- Telephone
- Email
- Personal Information
- Date of Birth
- Place of Birth
- Citizenship
- Visa Status
- Optional Personal Information
- Marital Status
- Spouse's Name
- Children
- Employment History
- List in chronological order, include position details and dates
- Work History
- Academic Positions
- Research and Training
- Education
- Include dates, majors, and details of degrees, training and certification
- High School
- University
- Graduate School
- Post-Doctoral Training
- Professional Qualifications
- Certifications and Accreditations
- Computer Skills
- Awards
- Publications
- Books
- Professional Memberships
- Interests
Review CV Samples
It's helpful to review at a sample or two before you start writing. Here is a sample, including versions for academia and for international employment, to review.