Curriculum Vitae

A Curriculum Vitae [CV] is a record of academic experiences and accomplishments. The CV is typically used when applying to academic positions  (e.g. research or educational positions within universities) as well as for certain types of work outside of academia  (e.g. research positions for government, think tanks, and research institutes). For students, it is commonly used in the application for roles such as teaching assistants, research assistants, or for graduate schools. For graduate students, it is the foundational document you'll use to apply for positions in academia.

Note that you will hear or see people use the terms 'CV' and 'resume' interchangeably, but in Canada there is a differentiation! 

While a resume focuses on experiences, skills, and accomplishments, a CV focuses on academic achievements, one’s scholastic profile, and:

1. does not typically include a summary section, or a “what” + “so what” description of experiences. 

2. does include lists of experiences and statements about research topics, and courses taught. 

3. heading names and order are specific to particular disciplines, and formatting is typically more traditional than the design elements that can be applied to resumes. 

4. includes publications, presentations, teaching, courses, grants, and fellowships. 

5. can be very long, especially as your body of work increases over time. As you start out, it will be more like 3-5+ pages in length.

6. Typically, references are included in a CV.

Similar to the resume, a CV should be tailored to the position one is applying for. If the position applied for has a teaching focus, teaching experiences and credentials should be emphasized; if it is a research position, research experiences and credentials should be emphasized.

A CV should be tailored to the application position and include the following:

Contact Information

• Name

• Mailing Address

• Telephone Number

• Fax

• Email Address

• URL

• Citizenship (Optional)

Education

• Institutions Attended

• Degrees (obtained and in progress)

• Dates

• Thesis/Dissertation Title & Brief Description

• Name(s) of chair, supervisor, advisor or committee members

• Relevant course work – graduate level

Experience

Teaching

• List courses (include FT, PT, TA); consider including a brief description

• Nature of teaching role (course development; supervising student research, etc); include job title and dates

Research

• Undergraduate and internship research, postdoctoral research, dissertation 

• Include a brief description position held/project, location, dates, affiliated professor

Teaching/Research Interests

• List teaching interests, areas of specialization and general interest and competence

• List current research interests 

Honors/Academic Awards

• List all relevant academic distinctions

• Scholarships

• Research Grants

• Teaching Awards

• List relevant undergraduate awards/honor

• Recognition for exceptional academic achievement

Publications and Presentations

Publications

• Articles, books, chapters of books

• Research reports, book/article reviews

• Papers

Presentations

• Papers, lectures, posters from conferences

Other Professional Experience

Relevant to the position

• Academic

• Administrative

• Paid/Volunteer

Professional Development and Other Skills and Qualifications

Professional Training

• Special courses on pedagogy/teaching techniques

• Professional seminars

• Technical or computer training

Other Skills and Qualifications

•   Languages spoken, read, written

•   Computer Skills

Academic/Community Service

• Service on Committees

• Organizing Workshops, Panel Presentations, Guest Lectures

• Service to Community

Professional Affiliations/Memberships

• Current, major, and relevant associations

Hybrid Curriculum Vitae

If you are newer to academia or an undergraduate student with little to no research experience, a hybrid CV may be a better option. A hybrid CV focuses on the value of experiences through targeted demonstration statements that focus on transferable skills. The most compelling way to write this is to show HOW the skill is demonstrated, beyond simply listing the skill. Here is a module that can help.