A curriculum vitae (CV), Latin for “course of life,” is a detailed professional document highlighting one’s education, experience, and accomplishments. A CV may also include your professional references, as well as coursework, fieldwork, hobbies, and interests relevant to your profession. You might also choose to add a personal profile to your CV that lists your skills and positive attributes to ensure employers have a well-rounded view of your personality and achievements.
CV vs. Resume
In the U.S., employers in certain industries may require a CV as part of your job application instead of a resume, such as in academia, education, science, and research. A CV is typically longer than a traditional resume and includes additional sections such as for research and publications, presentations, and professional associations. CVs are commonly two or more pages while resumes are typically only one page in length. Outside the U.S., the terms are often used interchangeably, meaning your one-page resume is typically appropriate for a job application when the employer requests a CV.
Tip: In academia, a CV is used when seeking both teaching and research positions, but also when applying for a fellowship or grant.
CV Components
Your CV should include the following sections:
- Contact Information:
- Full name
- Address
- Phone number
- Email address
- Academic History:
- All schooling from high school through postdoctoral (if applicable)
- Title of the degree earned
- Year of graduation
- Name of the school
- Professional Experience:
- Organization where you worked
- Job title
- Dates of employment
- Summary of your experience and achievements
- Qualifications and Skills:
- Combination of hard and soft skills developed throughout your career
- Awards and Honors:
- Name of the award
- Year received
- Organization that gave the award
- Pertinent details
- Publications and Presentations:
- Full citation for publications including co-authors, date, summary, volume, page, DOI number
- Title, date, and venue for presentations
- Professional Associations:
- Organization’s name
- Location or chapter
- Dates of active membership
- Grants and Scholarships:
- Name of the grant or scholarship
- Date awarded
- Institution that provided the award
- Licenses and Certifications:
- Name of the license or certificate
- Date earned
- Institution that awarded it
How to Format a CV
When it comes to formatting your CV, consider these factors:
1. Choose the Right Font Type and Size
Your CV should be legible and easy to follow. Choose a sans-serif font between 10 and 11 points. Examples of good fonts include:
- Arial
- Avenir
- Calibri
- Helvetica
- Lato
- Roboto
- Proxima Nova
- Verdana
2. Check Your Margins
Keep your margins between 0.5 – 1 inch. Margins that are too large leave too much white space, while margins that are too small make the page look busy and overfilled.
Tip: While the PDF format will save your CV’s formatting, not all ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) can parse this format correctly. Choose a .docx format to ensure all information is scanned correctly.
3. Utilize Your Space Effectively
CVs can become lengthy, especially if you’ve been in your industry for several years. To use space effectively and ensure your CV is easy to read:
- Organize with Bulleted Lists: Make lists easier to consume by adding small bullets.
- Use Section Headers: Distinguish section headers from the rest of your CV content by making them bolder, larger, or underlined.
- Bold Keywords: Consider bolding important words, such as your name and job titles, to set them apart.
- Remove Irrelevant Information: Promote only the most relevant and impressive information about your background.
Tip: Check your spelling, grammar, and syntax before sending your CV. An error-free CV demonstrates professionalism.
CV Example
Here’s an example of a properly formatted CV:
Ann Kowalski
Portland, OR | 503-555-0123 | [email protected]
Education
Masters of Communication, 2017
University of Denver
Experience
University of Georgia Center for Computational Chemistry
Research Assistant, 2009–2011
- Conducted physical and chemical laboratory tests to assist research scientists in qualitative and quantitative analyses.
- Operated experimental pilots and assisted in developing new chemical engineering processes.
- Maintained all laboratory equipment to ensure a clean and safe work environment for students and faculty.
Skills
- Project management
- Curriculum planning
- Fluent in English and Mandarin
Awards and Honors
Wolf Foundation
Wolf Prize in Medicine, 2018
- Awarded to up to three individuals globally each year for achievements in medical science.
Publications and Presentations
Understanding Auditory Sensitivity Issues in Children with Autism
- 2016, World Autism Organization Conference
Professional Associations
American Society of Journalists and Authors, New York
- 2010–Present
Grants and Scholarships
The Oglesby-Snyder Grant for Equity and Cultural Diversity, 2012
- Association for Applied Sport Psychology
Licenses and Certifications
Certificate in Sociological Practice, 2004
- Association for Applied and Clinical Sociology
Tips for Writing a CV
Choose the Right Format
Consider using the combination format, which is a hybrid of the chronological and functional formats. This allows space for details about both your professional and educational history, as well as your skills and accomplishments.
Tailor Your CV for Each Application
Tailor each section of your CV to the role you’re applying for. Use the job description to identify key skills the company is looking for and highlight those skills throughout your CV.
Make Your CV ATS-Friendly
An ATS is commonly used by companies to identify qualified candidates quickly. Ensure your CV ranks higher in an ATS by:
- Incorporating ATS Keywords: Specific words or phrases that identify qualified candidates.
- Forgoing Tables, Columns, Headers, and Footers: Not all ATS can parse this information correctly.
- Labeling CV Sections Correctly: Simple labels ensure information is not scattered or lost.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Make My CV Look Professional?
Review your CV for typos, misspellings, or inaccuracies. Focus on career accomplishments and high-value information about your skills and achievements.
How Often Should I Update My CV?
Update your CV every time you apply for a new role to include relevant keywords and skills. When maintaining a general version, update it each time you take a class, finish a job, or have a major career accomplishment.
Do CVs Include Professional Summaries?
Professional summaries are optional. These brief sections detail your most relevant accomplishments, career specializations, or goals. They are useful for recent graduates or those who have made a career transition.
By following these guidelines and tips, you can create a comprehensive and professional CV that effectively highlights your qualifications and accomplishments.
