What Is A CV? Examples And Definition Of Curriculum Vitae

A Curriculum Vitae (CV) is a detailed document that outlines your professional history and qualifications for potential employers. While resumes are commonly used for most jobs in the U.S., a CV is essential for positions outside the U.S. and in fields such as academia, science, or research.

In this article, we’ll explain what a CV is, who should use one, and the standard format to follow. Additionally, we’ll provide an example CV to give you a clearer idea of this document.

Key Takeaways:

• A CV offers a comprehensive overview of your career, including work experience, education, and notable accomplishments.

• Unlike a resume, a CV includes a complete history of your professional background.

• Typically, a CV ranges from two to five pages long.

• CVs are particularly important for international job applications and academic or research roles in the U.S.

• Each CV should be customized and formatted based on the specific job application.

What is a CV?

A CV, short for Curriculum Vitae, is a Latin term meaning “course of my life.” It offers a detailed account of your career, encompassing:

• Professional work history

• Educational background

• Publications

• Research projects

• Awards

• Memberships in professional societies

• Volunteer work

• Presentations

• Accomplishments

• Relevant coursework

• Fieldwork

• Interests

• Personal profile

• Certifications

• Skills

Many individuals confuse the term “curriculum” with education; however, a CV encompasses far more than just educational details.

Who needs a CV?

CVs are widely used outside the United States, so if you’re applying for a job in another country, a CV is likely required.

However, within the U.S., high-level technical, scientific, and academic positions often necessitate a CV as well.

Individuals who should consider a CV instead of a resume include applicants for:

• International positions

• Academic roles

• Fellowship grants

• Research positions

• Medical jobs

• Specific legal roles, often those involving research and publication

• Any role that explicitly requests a CV

What is the difference between a CV and a resume?

The primary distinction between a CV and a resume lies in length and detail: a resume is succinct, while a CV is comprehensive, often bordering on exhaustive. A CV provides a deep dive into your professional journey.

Think of a CV as a seven-course meal that offers a thorough look at your experiences, rather than just an appetizer.

A resume and a CV both include the following:

• Your contact information

• Work experience

• Education

• Skills/Certifications/Additional training

In a resume, you might conclude after these sections, with optional additions like volunteer work or projects. However, a CV demands a more exhaustive approach.

A CV additionally includes:

• Awards

• Publications

• Certifications/Licenses

• Memberships in professional organizations

• Continuing education

• Extracurricular activities (interests, hobbies, travel experience)

• Presentations

• Grants/Scholarships

• Detailed coursework

• Research projects

• Presentations

This illustrates why a curriculum vitae is particularly relevant for specialized and senior positions in the U.S., providing employers with an in-depth view of the candidate beyond just key skills and experiences.

How do I write a CV?

To craft a CV, select a suitable format, list the experiences relevant to your desired job, and include additional experiences that distinguish you.

While a CV should showcase your professional highlights, it also needs to present a polished appearance. Although there is no strict format, the following tips can help you structure your CV effectively:

1. Choose an easy-to-read format. Consider font choice, margins, and white space to create a document that is comfortable to read.

   Many high-quality CV templates are available online to kickstart your design.

2. Highlight relevant job essentials. If applying for an academic position, your education should take precedence. Conversely, if you’re targeting a research scientist role, prioritize your research experience at the top of your CV. You may need multiple versions of your CV tailored to different roles.

3. Include additional experience and accomplishments. The goal of a CV is to make you stand out, so ensure you detail every relevant accomplishment, from papers to volunteer work, to enhance your professional profile.

   Charts, graphs, and images can also enrich your CV.

Common CV mistakes to avoid

Writing a CV can lead to several common mistakes. Here’s a list to help you minimize errors:

• Spelling and grammatical errors

• Failing to tailor it to the job

• Using a generic template without customization

• Neglecting to highlight your unique skills/talents/accomplishments

• Using passive voice

• Poor visual layout

• Focusing on duties rather than achievements

• Incorporating clichés

• Not addressing employment gaps or career changes

• Exaggerating or fabricating information

• Lack of supporting evidence for claims

• Not having an external proofreader review it

Tips for writing a CV

Here are several tips to ensure your CV is polished and impactful:

• Tailor your CV for the opportunity. Many understand that a resume should be customized for each application, yet there’s a misconception that a CV remains static. Strengthen your application by tailoring your CV to match what the hiring manager seeks.

  Carefully read the job description and incorporate key terms and phrases that stand out.

• Consider applicant tracking systems. Applicant tracking systems (ATS) filter applications for relevant information and assign scores based on keywords and experience. Many CVs are not seen by human eyes due to ATS filtering. To ensure your CV is ATS-friendly, incorporate relevant keywords naturally, avoid elaborate formatting, and save your file in the requested format. If no format is specified, use .doc or .docx, as these are easier for ATS to read compared to PDFs.

• Maintain a chronological order. List your experiences in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent. This approach highlights your latest and most relevant achievements.

• Contextualize your accomplishments. Provide examples of your best achievements rather than merely listing job duties. Hiring managers are familiar with the responsibilities associated with your job title; your goal is to showcase how you utilized your skills to achieve measurable results. Include quantifiable details like scale (“Managed a team of 5”), frequency (“Handled 20 client emails daily”), growth (“Increased sales by 15% year-over-year”), and cost savings (“Saved $3,000 on office supplies”).

• Use parallel construction. Maintain consistency in your format; if you use bullet points in one section, do so throughout. This coherence aids readability.

• Include your contact information at the top of every page. This ensures that if the pages of your CV become separated, the hiring manager can easily identify them.

• If applying internationally, research CV norms. Different countries have varying expectations for CVs. If the employer does not provide a template or formatting guidelines, take time to research the local norms to ensure your CV meets expectations.

  This diligence can help create a stronger first impression.

• Include a cover letter with your CV. While it’s debated whether cover letters are necessary, some hiring managers place significant value on them. A well-crafted cover letter complements your CV by explaining the “how” and “why” behind your qualifications. It allows you to express your passion for the field and your approach to the job.

CV examples

Your CV will be unique in content and length, but here are some example CVs to reference as you begin your own:

1. Example Academia CV

   William Bunter

   New York, NY | 555-555-5555 | w.bunter@email.com

   Education

   Ph.D in Literature of the Americas | 2012
   University of Connecticut

   Dissertation: Poetry of Place: Reading New Englandly: An exploration of the unique cultural perspective of post-WWII New England poets, including Elizabeth Bishop, Wallace Stevens, and Robert Lowell.

   M.Phil in Early American Literature | 2007
   Trinity College Dublin
   B.A. in English | 2005
   University of Connecticut

   Publications

   Books

   • Bunter, William. Protestantism and Culture: The Birth of a New Language: Big City Press (2008)

   • Else, Julie. Dances With Demons: Stories of Hardship and Perseverance in the New World: Happy Publishing; Chapter 7: “Witchy Women.” (2010)

   Peer-reviewed Journals

   • “Puritan Lies and the Foundation of Emerging Literature,” New Ideas Quarterly 12(3), 27-34.

   • “Unmasking the Literary Heroes of Apocrypha,” New England Press 5(6), 90-112.

   • “Old Stories, New Meanings,” Sarasota Journal 8(9), 11-23.

   Professional Experience

   University of Connecticut
   Adjunct Lecturer | 2007-2009

   • New England Literature, English 2102

   • Intro to Literary Theory 1102

   • Short Stories From Canada 2230

   Graduate Teaching Assistant | 2009-2012

   • Intro to Reconstruction Era Literature 1231

   • Intermediate English Literature 2003

   Honors and Awards

   • Latin American Literature Study Grant 2018

   • Teaching awards from UCONN: 2009, 2011

   • Emerging Writer Award, E.O.L, 2007

   Memberships

   • New England Poetry Society

   • New England Press Contributor

   • Authorly Insights Organization

   Skills

   • Writing: technical, persuasive, literary, historical, poetry, research

   • Curriculum development

   • WordPress

   • Microsoft Office and Google Suites

   • Adobe Photoshop

   • Video editing

2. Example Science Research Position CV

   Haley Morrison

   St. Louis, MO | 777-777-7777 | hayley.morrison@email.com

   Education

   Ph.D in Materials Science and Engineering | 2012
   Oklahoma State University

   Dissertation: Analysis of the use of repaired carbon fiber composites in turbojet engines
   Advisor: Dr. Mark Hall

   Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering | 2007
   Oklahoma State University
   B.S. in Mechanical Engineering | 2005
   Oklahoma State University

   Work Experience

   Pratt and Whitney
   Materials Engineer | 2022-Present

   • Developed repair processes for carbon fiber composite parts, saving $250,000 in parts from being scrapped.

   • Analyzed and set acceptable limits for carbon fiber composite and cast metal parts, saving over $1 million in parts from being scrapped.

   Research Experience

   Oklahoma State University
   Doctoral and Master’s Research | 2018-2022

   • Analyzed the use of repaired carbon fiber composites in various engine stages.

   • Collaborated with Pratt and Whitney Materials Engineering team.

   Undergraduate Research | 2017-2018

   • Designed, built, and raced an unmanned aerial vehicle.

   • Secured third place in a statewide competition.

   Publications

   • Brown, M., and Morris, H. 2021. Use of fiber composites in unmanned aerial vehicles. Science Journal. 24: 112

   • Brown, M., Schneider, S., and Morris, H. 2020. Analysis of fuel sources for unmanned aerial vehicles. Student Science Journal. 56: 83

   Abstracts and Presentations

   Brown, M., and Morris, H. The design of an unmanned aerial vehicle: Challenges and solutions. Presented to engineering faculty and engineering student body.

   Research Grants

   • Co-authored proposal for NASA with Dr. James Gray for carbon fiber research project. Funded $30,000. 2022.

   • Wrote proposal for Pratt and Whitney. Funded $15,000 for UAV project. 2017.

   Honors and Awards

   • Outstanding Senior Award, Oklahoma State University College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology. 2018.

   • Outstanding Senior Capstone Award, Oklahoma State University College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology. 2018.

   • Summa Cum Laude, Oklahoma State University. 2018.

   Professional Affiliations

   • ASME – American Society of Mechanical Engineers

   • Pi Tau Sigma – Mechanical Engineering Honor Society

   • Society of Women Engineers

   • AIAA – American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics

CV FAQ

1. How long is a CV?

   CVs have no strict length limit, but they typically span two to five pages. The length depends on your relevant experience; avoid inflating your CV with irrelevant information. Focus on showcasing your qualifications and history while including all pertinent information.

2. Can I send a CV instead of a resume?

   Only submit a CV if specifically requested in the application. In the U.S., most employers expect a resume, which should be concise and tailored to the job. CVs are generally sought after for academic and research positions within the United States, while international job applications often require a CV.

3. Should I write a CV?

   Craft a CV if you aim to work in academia, research, or abroad. Keeping an updated draft CV is advisable, as it is a living document that should evolve with your experiences, skills, and achievements.

4. What is the purpose of a CV?

   The purpose of a CV is to provide a detailed overview of your professional journey. CVs are generally more comprehensive than resumes, covering experiences such as volunteer work, publications, awards, coursework, presentations, and more.

   If you’re pursuing a job outside of the U.S. or in a specialized field, a CV is essential.

References

1. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign – Curriculum Vitae Tips and Samples

2. Purdue Online Writing Lab – Writing the Curriculum Vitae

3. Corporate Finance Institute – Curriculum Vitae | Definition, What to Include, and How to Format

4. Prospects – Top 7 CV Mistakes

5. CV-Template – CV vs Resume and the Differences Between Countries

Author

Kristin Kizer

Kristin Kizer is an award-winning writer, television and documentary producer, and content specialist who has worked on a wide variety of written, broadcast, and electronic publications. A former writer/producer for The Discovery Channel, she is now a freelance writer and delighted to be sharing her talents and time with the wonderful Zippia audience.

Expert

Don Pippin, MHRM, CPRW, CDCS

Don Pippin is an executive and HR leader for Fortune 50 and 500 companies and startups. In 2008, Don launched area|Talent with a focus on helping clients identify their brand. As a Certified Professional Resume Writer, Certified Digital Career Strategist, and Certified Personal Branding Strategist, Don guides clients through career transitions.