Curriculum Vitae (CV) Examples, Samples, And Format

While writing a resume is commonplace when it comes to applying for a new job, there are certain roles that may call for a curriculum vitae (CV). Though this document does serve a similar purpose as a standard resume, its overall composition will differ. You will also find that the content of a CV will focus less on traditional work history and more on education, published works, special honors, and other achievements.

Knowing how to write a CV is necessary for gaining employment in certain industries, which is why we have compiled a few tips for writing yours. Learn more about what a CV is, key differences from resumes, and see easily customizable templates that you can use on your job search.

What is a CV?

To better understand what a CV is, we can start with the definition. Curriculum vitae is a Latin phrase meaning “course of life”, giving its first indication that the document is highly detailed. A CV is a credential-based document, meaning that it will include your research, certifications, and any affiliations with professional memberships.

For perspective, a resume is competency-based and will focus more on skills and prior job roles. In short, a CV is a document that gives an overview of your accomplishments with a focus on academics.

When to Use a CV Instead of a Resume

Unsure of whether to submit a resume or a CV? The good news is that you typically will not have to guess–it will be directly expressed in the job posting. If you do happen to run across a job listing that gives you the option to submit one or the other, there are a few factors to help you determine which is best for your job market.

CVs are typically relevant to recruiters when applying for jobs in academia, science, law, and/or medicine. Essentially, any field in or outside of academics that requires heavy research may need a curriculum vitae. When you consider how much time graduates spend researching and presenting for these career paths, it becomes clear why there is a document focused on these areas. Getting published is also an accomplishment that many graduate students focus on, and its also something that recruiters are interested to see.

You may also want to opt for a CV versus a resume when applying for fellowships and grants. These application packets will require more extensive details on awardees and the criteria is often based on merits or academic success. A CV is also more common when applying for international positions, with most countries preferring this document over an American resume.

What to Include in a Curriculum Vitae

When you start writing your curriculum vitae, there are a few points that you want to make sure to include. Similarly to a resume, you will include basic contact information, skills, and professional experience. You can also customize your CV to the position that you are applying for by writing a summary statement tailored to the job. Your CV should outline all of the following as they relate to your professional accomplishments:

• Contact information

• Education experience

• Work experience

• Research experience

• Teaching experience

• Honors and awards

• Presentations

• Volunteer experience

• Conference attendance

• Publications

• Grants or funding

• Memberships/Affiliations

This is a comprehensive list of the types of information that can be included in your curriculum vitae. You may find that certain sections can be combined or forgone altogether. For example, some candidates may have dedicated sections for “teaching experience” and “research experience” but not include a “work experience” section. Determining which sections to showcase on your CV will depend on your unique experiences but use this list as a starting point.

What Not to Include

Being that a CV is often longer than a standard one-page resume, it is easier for job seekers to get carried away with what they include. While you want to keep your curriculum vitae focused on the aforementioned points, you should also be actively avoiding certain components.

Starting from the top of your document, make sure you do not include personal or sensitive information. That means no date of birth or social security number. You also do not want to include a contact email address that is unprofessional.

In your statement, avoid mentioning your desired salary or any information regarding your last position. This short statement should be tailored to who you are as a candidate and what you have done.

The body sections of your curriculum will vary, but here are tips for what can generally be left off of your CV:

• Don’t include unrelated skills.

• Don’t address gaps in work history.

• Don’t discuss hobbies that are not relevant to the position.

• Don’t use the present tense for previous experiences.

• Don’t use hard to read fonts.

• Don’t include intricate design elements such as charts, tables, or images.

• Don’t include a photograph unless specified in the posting.

• Don’t include short-term employment unless your work history is limited overall.

How Long Should a CV Be?

We all know how tough it can be to write a one or even two-page resume, especially if you have an extensive work history. One of the distinguishing features of a curriculum vitae versus a resume is that there is not a strict length requirement.

Instead, aim to make sure that your document accurately depicts your entire professional experience while still being as concise as possible. Keep the CV do’s and don’ts in mind, and you should have an effective letter. That being said, most entry-level job seekers can accomplish this within two to three pages, with one survey finding that 91% of recruiters prefer two. Of course, more established job seekers with numerous publications or additional accolades may easily surpass this benchmark.

Curriculum Vitae Sample Template

ROBIN LEE

345 Maple Road
Charlotte, NC 28277
[email protected]
123.456.7890 (Cell)

Curriculum Vitae

Award-winning researcher and lecturer focused primarily on abnormal psychology studies. Published twice in the Psychology Today Journal and received multiple honors for early childhood education methodologies.

Education

Ph.D. in Psychology, June 2019 — FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY, Tallahassee, FL

MA in Psychology, June 2015 — FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY, Tallahassee, FL

BA in English (Emphasis: Literature), May 2013 — UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, College Park, MD

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Adjunct Lecturer, Department of English, FSU

, June 2019 — June 2020

Literature Tutor, Department of English, FSU

, August 2015 — June 2019

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Adjunct Lecturer, Florida State University

Psychology of Motivation, Psychology 2311

Research Methods, Psychology 3341

Abnormal Psychology, Psychology 3500

PUBLICATIONS

Lee, Robin. “Abnormal Psychology Methods on Young Adults.” Dissertation.

Study of M. La Rue, Experimental Psychology Standards for Psychology Today Journal 5 n. 6 (2017), 250-27.

Review of T. Madison, Early Childhood Methodology for Psychology Today Journal 8 n. 9 (2019), 122-15.

HONORS / AWARDS

Frank Prize, 2020

Abnormal Psychology Leadership Award, 2018

FSU Mentorship Award, 2018

Psychology Institute Study Abroad Fellowship, 2017

MEMBERSHIPS / AFFILIATIONS

Society of Clinical Psychology

American Psychological Foundation

Medical Curriculum Vitae Example

DONALD TILL M.D

134 Lattice Drive
Frederick, MD 21701
[email protected]
123.456.7890 (Cell)

EDUCATION

Doctor of Medicine (M.D.), June 2016 — Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania

B.S. in Biochemistry, magna cum laude, June 2012 — Duke University

HONORS / AWARDS

Stanley N. Cohen Biomedical Research Award, 2014

William Osler Patient-Oriented Research Award, 2013

University of Pennsylvania Dean’s List, 2008 – 2012

EXAMINATIONS

USMLE Step 1, May 2014

USMLE Step 2 CK, May 2016

WORK EXPERIENCE

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA, Department of Dermatology

Research Assistant

(2015-2016)

Assisted Mae Smith, M.D. in research and publication of “Dermatologist’s Treatment of Onychomycosis”.

DUKE UNIVERSITY

Resident Assistant

(2010-2012)

Provided guidance and resources to assist undergraduate residents with the transition to university life.

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

Volunteer

, American Medical Student Association, UPENN (September 2014 — June 2016)

Vice President, May 2015 — June 2016

Organized Dermatology Today summit, September 2015

Hospital Volunteer

, Langston Dermatology Outreach Clinic (June 2014 — June 2016)

Volunteered in community outreach rotation for uninsured patients.

LANGUAGES

English (native speaker)

Spanish (bilingual oral and written fluency)

MEMBERSHIPS / AFFILIATIONS

International Society of Dermatologic Surgery, 2016 – present

International Society of Dermatology, 2017 — present

Example Academic CV

TYLER SMITH

3435 Elevation Street
Tampa, FL 33606
[email protected]
123.456.7890 (Cell)

RESEARCH INTERESTS

African American Literature, African Literature, Diasporic Literature

EDUCATION

Ph.D. in African American studies,

2019 — University of California Berkeley.

Dissertation: Pioneering Africa: Exploring Black Culture in the 20th Century

. Ashley Ramirez, Chair

M.A. in African American Studies, June 2015 — University of California Berkeley

B.A. in African American studies, June 2013 — University of California Berkeley

WORK HISTORY

Adjunct Lecturer: University of California Berkeley, Department of African American Studies, September 2018 to Present.

PUBLICATIONS

Smith, Tyler. “Dissecting the African Experience in America,” Black Literature Today 12(3): 27-37.

Smith, Tyler. “Connecting to Black Culture,” Black Literature Today: 12(3): 21-33.

CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS

2020. Smith, Tyler. “What is the Diaspora Today?.” Black Literature Association Annual Conference, Washington, D.C.

2019. Smith, Tyler. “Recurring Themes in African-American Literature.” African Literature Annual Conference, Dallas, TX.

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Adjunct Lecturer, University of California Berkeley

African American Literature, AFRICAM 3331

Women in Black Literature, AFRICAM 3350

African American Poetry, AFRICAM 4339

Graduate Teaching Assistant, University of California Berkeley

Multicultural Communities AFRICAM 2501

Race, Identity, and Culture in Urban Schools AFRICAM 2610

HONORS / AWARDS

Leadership Award for Community Arts amp; Service, 2018

VèVè Clark Institute for Engaged Scholars Program, 2017

Black Literary Leaders award, 2017

MEMBERSHIPS / AFFILIATIONS

African American Culture Society

American Society of Journalists and Authors

American Comparative Literature Association

Appropriate Curriculum Vitae Format

The format of your curriculum vitae is just as important as your resume or cover letter. Make sure that your CV has a consistent font and font size, though headers can be bolded and slightly larger. Some of the most common fonts are Times New Roman, Calibri, and Arial for their readability. Proper margins also assist with overall readability, with the ideal measurement being between 1-1.5 inches.

You also want to structure your CV so that sections are aligned and appear relatively similar in length. For example, you would not want to have five bullet points under your first work experience and then only provide one bullet point underneath the next.

All of your sections should list your experiences in chronological order, no matter which sections you choose to include. The document should present a timeline of your accomplishments to the reader. The final step to ensure that your CV is written correctly is to proofread. Read over it yourself and also get a second or third person to provide feedback as well.