Curriculum Vitae (CV) Examples, Samples, And Format
While crafting a resume is standard practice when applying for most jobs, there are specific roles that require a curriculum vitae (CV). Although both documents serve similar purposes, a CV differs significantly in structure and content. A CV emphasizes your educational background, research, publications, honors, and various accomplishments rather than just traditional work history.
Understanding how to create an effective CV is essential for securing positions in certain fields. This guide provides insights into what constitutes a CV, highlights the key differences from resumes, and offers customizable templates to support your job search.
Key Takeaways:
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While there is no strict length requirement for a CV, it should comprehensively represent your professional experience while remaining concise.
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Exclude any unrelated skills or gaps in your work history for clarity.
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Consider adding a summary statement tailored to the specific job you are applying for to enhance relevance.
What is a CV?
The term curriculum vitae is derived from Latin, meaning “course of life,” indicating that this document is highly detailed. A CV is a credential-based document that includes your research, certifications, and professional memberships. In contrast, a resume is typically competency-based and focuses more on skills and previous job roles. Essentially, a CV provides a comprehensive overview of your academic and professional achievements.
When to Use a CV Instead of a Resume
Wondering whether to submit a resume or a CV? Most job postings will specify the preferred document. However, if you’re given a choice, consider the following criteria to determine the best fit for your job market.
CVs are particularly relevant for positions in academia, research, law, and medicine, where extensive documentation of research and accomplishments is essential. Graduates in these fields often focus on publishing their work, which is a key aspect that recruiters look for.
Additionally, a CV is beneficial when applying for fellowships and grants, where detailed descriptions of qualifications and achievements are often required. International applications also frequently favor CVs over traditional American resumes.
What to Include in a Curriculum Vitae
When crafting your CV, ensure you include essential elements. Similar to a resume, your CV should feature contact information, skills, and professional experience. You can tailor your CV to the specific job by including a focused summary statement. Your CV should encompass the following components related to your professional journey:
- Contact information
- Educational background
- Work experience
- Research experience
- Teaching experience
- Honors and awards
- Presentations
- Volunteer experience
- Conference participation
- Publications
- Grants or funding
- Memberships/Affiliations
This comprehensive list provides guidance on what to include in your CV. You may choose to combine sections or omit certain parts depending on your unique experiences, but use this as a foundational reference.
What Not to Include
Since a CV tends to be longer than a standard one-page resume, it can be tempting to include excessive information. Focus on the relevant details and avoid certain elements.
Starting with personal information, do not include sensitive data such as your date of birth or social security number, and ensure your email address is professional.
In your summary statement, refrain from discussing salary expectations or specifics about your last position. This statement should succinctly represent who you are as a candidate and your achievements.
While the contents of your CV may vary, consider leaving out the following:
- Unrelated skills
- Discussion of gaps in employment
- Irrelevant hobbies
- Present tense for past experiences
- Difficult-to-read fonts
- Complex design elements such as charts or images
- Photographs, unless specifically requested
- Short-term jobs, unless overall experience is limited
How Long Should a CV Be?
Writing a concise one or two-page resume can be challenging, especially with extensive work history. Unlike resumes, CVs do not have a strict length requirement.
Focus on creating a document that accurately reflects your professional experience while maintaining conciseness. Keep in mind the dos and don’ts of CV writing, and you should have an effective document. Generally, entry-level candidates can achieve this within two to three pages, with research indicating that most recruiters prefer a two-page format. Established professionals with numerous publications or accolades may exceed this length comfortably.
Curriculum Vitae Examples
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CV example:
ROBIN LEE 345 Maple Road Charlotte, NC 28277 | rlee@email.com | 123.456.7890 (Cell) Award-winning researcher and lecturer focused primarily on studies in abnormal psychology. Published twice in the Psychology Today Journal and recognized for innovative 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 EXPERIENCEAdjunct Lecturer, Department of English, FSU
June 2019 — June 2020Literature Tutor, Department of English, FSU
August 2015 — June 2019TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Adjunct Lecturer, Florida State University- Psychology of Motivation, Psychology 2311
- Research Methods, Psychology 334
- 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
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Medical CV example:
DONALD TILL M.D 134 Lattice Drive Frederick, MD 21701 | dtill@email.com | 123.456.7890 (Cell)
EDUCATION
Doctor of Medicine (M.D.), June 2016 — Perelman School of Medicine, University of PennsylvaniaB.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 their transition to university life.
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
Volunteer
American Medical Student Association, UPENN (September 2014 — June 2016)-
Vice President, May 2015 — June 2016
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Organized Dermatology Today summit, September 2015
Hospital Volunteer
Langston Dermatology Outreach Clinic (June 2014 — June 2016)Participated in community outreach initiatives 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
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Academic CV example:
TYLER SMITH 3435 Elevation Street Tampa, FL 33606 | tsmith@email.com | 123.456.7890 (Cell)
RESEARCH INTERESTSAfrican 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 & 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 formatting of your curriculum vitae is just as crucial as that of your resume or cover letter. Ensure your CV maintains a consistent font and size, with headers slightly larger and bolded for emphasis. Commonly used fonts include Times New Roman, Calibri, and Arial due to their readability. Proper margins (between 1-1.5 inches) enhance overall clarity.
Structure your CV so that sections are aligned and similar in length. For instance, avoid having five bullet points under one work experience section and only one under another. Organize all sections chronologically to provide a clear timeline of your accomplishments to the reader. Lastly, make it a priority to proofread your CV thoroughly, seeking feedback from others to ensure it is polished.
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
Expert
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.
