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Curriculum Vitae

A Curriculum Vitae [CV] is a record of academic experiences and accomplishments. The CV is described as a document 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 for the application of teaching assistants, research assistants, and graduate schools.

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

  1. A CV does not include a summary or highlights section. 

  2. It does not include “what” + “so what” descriptions for experiences; rather, it includes an exhaustive list of experiences with one statement about the research topics/ courses that one taught 

  3. Heading names and order are specific to particular disciplines; formats are typically more traditional

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

  5. It can be very long, although you will typically be helping clients with CVs 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. However, as an example, a typical template of a CV usually includes 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 one is newer to academia or an undergraduate student with no research experience, a hybrid CV is probably a better option. A hybrid CV focuses on the value of seemingly unrelated experiences through targeted demonstration statements that focus on transferable skills. The most compelling hybrid CVs show HOW one demonstrates a specific skill, not simply telling the employer that one possesses a specific skill. For more information, here is a module that could help.