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.
A CV does not include a summary or highlights section.
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
Heading names and order are specific to particular disciplines; formats are typically more traditional
It includes publications, presentations, teaching, courses, grants, and fellowships
It can be very long, although you will typically be helping clients with CVs 3-5+ pages in length
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.