What is a Curriculum Vitae?
A curriculum vitae (CV) is a detailed, lengthy, and structured listing of education, publications, projects, awards, and work history. The CV should address your aptitude, experience, and skills and display your education related to a specific position. A CV is mostly utilized in academia, the medical sciences, and research-related careers.
When is a CV Appropriate?
- Application for positions in academia or research
- Applications for some fellowships, scholarships, or grants
- Application for graduate and professional school
Possible Sections to Include in a CV
- Name and Address
- Education
- Academic, Research, and
Appointments
- Professional Presentations
- Publications
- Professional Affiliations
- Special Skills/Interest Areas
- Work Experience
- Grants Received
- Honors/Awards
- Memberships
- Language Skills
- Educational Travel
- Special Training
- Certifications
Formatting Your CV
- Prioritize the information on your CV, and provide it in chronological order.
- Devote more space to the most important aspects of your background.
- Consider developing more than one CV if you are applying for different positions.
Visual Aspects of Your CV
Similar to a résumé, a CV should be well structured, concise, and easy to read and follow. A CV differs from a résumé in the sense that a CV can be as long as it needs to be. When developing your CV, consider the following.
- Set 1-inch margins all around.
- Font and font size should be consistent throughout the CV.
- Use 12-inch font size.
- Adequate white space is essential.
- Be consistent with where you place your information.
- Utilize accessible headings and hanging indents.
- Use formatting techniques such as bolding or italics to highlight important pieces of information.
- Use appropriate use of present and past tense.
- Use paper that will enhance the visual impression (i.e., professional résumé paper).
- Do not include your references on your CV; create a separate reference list.