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 What is a CV?
How is a CV different from a resume?
What should a CV look like?
What do I put in my CV?
What about References?
What are other uses for a vita?
Additional resources
What is a CV?
A curriculum vita (CV) is similar to a resume, but it is most often used in the academic community as a job search tool. It is rarely used in industry or manufacturing settings. While it is normal to keep a resume to a one or two page maximum, there is no such rule for a vita. Usually, the bigger, the better.
How is a CV different from a resume?
In addition to traditional resume headings, CVs also include greater detail on degrees earned, research and teaching experience, presentations, conferences, publications, and similar activities. Because a vita includes this additional information, its format is not as limited in length as a resume.
What should a CV look like?
You can best get a sense of what a vita looks like by looking at examples. Ask faculty in your department to let you look at their vitas, to get a sense for how your discipline typically formats a CV. Remember: The easier the information is to read, the better the impression you will make. Try never to use a font smaller than 12 point, and use headings to order the information.
What do I put in my CV?
Use networking to find out what skills employers are looking for, and place emphasis on these areas. For example, if they are looking for someone with research experience, then play your research skills up and downplay your teaching experience. Often employers will look for a research statement--a short statement of your research philosophy. This is usually separate from your CV.
The following tips are suggestions to help with your layout.
Name and Complete Address
Professional Objective: review the job description and write the objective accordingly. You may also want to use a summary statement.
Education (degrees earned or in progress): List your most recent first. Usually thesis titles are included.
Professional Experience: List your most recent first. Emphasize the duties that would be useful in the positions for which you are applying.
Teaching Experience: Give full details of the type of class taught, and your role.
Publications: Give full details of publisher and dates. Be prepared to submit writing samples.
Presentations: List presentations relevant to your field of interest or position applied for.
Professional Memberships: Include positions held.
Research Awards: any grants you have been awarded; indicate your role (PI, etc.)
Professional Activities: professional society memberships and any roles you held in the organization. Definitely volunteer to moderate symposia and other activities!
Awards, Honors and Accomplishments: Don't forget honor society memberships, departmental recognition(s), scholarships, community awards, and organizational offices held in college.
What about references?
You should customize your references to the positions you apply for. Have a separate reference sheet and to state on the vita that references are available upon request.
Give your references a copy of your resume and information about the position applied for, if the interviewer requests your references.
What are other uses for a vita?
Vitae are also used for purposes in addition to a job search. It is the vita that is requested when a person is to speak at a conference, seminar, luncheon, or a variety of other functions and occasions. It is important, therefore, to keep your vita up-to-date, as it will be useful to you throughout your career. A vita used for publicity or speaking engagements would not mention references at all.
Additional Resources:
The Curriculum Vitae Handbook, by Rebecca Anthony and Gerald Roe, is at CDC.
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