Career Resources and Tools: Curriculum Vitae

Curriculum Vitae is Latin for "course of one's life" and is a history of your career and life.  A CV is different from a resume ("summary") in both length and content.

• Length

           A resume is 2 pages or less while a CV will be 2 or more pages in length.

• Content

           A resume includes your full name, contact information, education and work experience and any work-related skills.  In addition to these parts, a CV may contain information such as awards, teaching experience, fellowships, hobbies and interests and references.  Things not to include are photos, salary history, why you left a job or references (these should be made available upon request).

 A CV is used to apply for academic, educational, scientific, and research positions or for a fellowship or grant in the United States or Canada.  Outside of the United States or Canada, an employer expects to receive a CV when you apply for a job while in the United States and Canada, a resume is used with job applications.

Points to keep in mind when writing your CV:

• Keep it truthful
• Keep it concise
• Be sure to proof read
• List events in chronological order
• Choose an appropriate format and font