Curriculum Vitae (CVs)
How is a Curriculum Vitae (CV) different from a résumé?
- CVs are primarily used when seeking academic, research, medical and education positions.
- CVs can be longer than one page, but elaboration should still be strategic.
- CVs typically includes categories such as publications, research and committees.
- CVs always begin with education.
Basic Tips for CVs:
- Do not use a template, and keep format simple, organized, consistent and clear.
- The most important information should always be on the first page.
- Include name of principal investigator or advisor under research experience.
- Avoid unnecessary words such as “responsibilities included.”
- Use phrases, not sentences, to describe your skills and experiences; start phrases with action verbs.
- If longer than one page, include name and page number on each page after the first.
- Do not include personal information, such as marital status, gender or social security number.
Potential Sections of a CV (only relevant sections should be included):
- Education – list all degrees awarded, include study abroad institutions
- Research Experience – reverse chronological order
- Research Interests – list them
- Teaching Experience – reverse chronological order
- Work Experience – emphasize related experiences and skills gained while working
- Professional Societies – be sure to include leadership and specifics about involvement
- Honors, Awards – include years they were received
- Skills – include computer skills, language skills, lab skills or other tangible skills appropriate to the position or field
- Professional Presentations – reverse chronological order or group by topical/functional headings
- Publications – reverse chronological order in format appropriate for the field. Bold your name to emphasize.
CV Examples
