Curriculum Vitae
Differences Between a Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Resume
A CV (also known as a vita) is a comprehensive biographical statement, usually three or more pages in length. It emphasizes an individual’s qualifications and activities. Unless a CV is requested, you should send a resume. Organize your CV so that your strongest qualifications stand out when skimmed. A CV is often used in the field of higher education and concentrates on academic pursuits, omitting material not directly related to educational background and achievement. It is appropriate for Ph.D.’s, M.F.A.’s and M.A.’s seeking teaching or research positions. A CV should address faculty roles such as courses taught and developed, research and service as well as professional associations and presentations.
A resume is usually one or two pages and summarizes an individual’s personal, education, and work related experience that demonstrates why this person is qualified for a particular position. An individual’s strengths and qualifications are the focus of a resume. Basically, it summarizes the education preparation and any experience relevant to one’s career objective.
Purposes of a CV
A CV has many purposes:
In addition to serving as a job search tool, your CV is useful in other ways:
Begin your CV preparation by brainstorming. List everything that you imagine could be included—both your educational and professional history—being careful not to overlook anything. Once you feel you have covered everything, you will decide what to include and what to exclude. Write a draft and experiment with format and relevant information.
Depending on your reader, your CV will change somewhat. It is important to keep up-to-date information on hand so you may adapt your CV to fit various needs. It is suggested that you update your information at least once a year, preferably monthly.
Essential when creating your resume or CV:
Although there are no set rules or prescribed formats for a CV, below are some simple guidelines to follow when creating a CV:
Outside Readers/Critics
It is an excellent idea to ask several people to proof your CV. Personnel reviewers may spend less than one minute reviewing a CV or resume and impressions are formed quickly. Here are a few second pairs of eyes you should ask to review your CV:
Additional Resources
Demystifying the Vita by R. Anthony and G. Roe
Developing a Professional Vita or Resume by C. McDaniels
The Academic Job Search Handbook by M. Heiberger and J. Vick
Writing a Vita by Rector and Visitors, University of Virginia
Sources of Handout Information
University of South Carolina Career Center
University of Wisconsin – River Falls Career Services
A CV (also known as a vita) is a comprehensive biographical statement, usually three or more pages in length. It emphasizes an individual’s qualifications and activities. Unless a CV is requested, you should send a resume. Organize your CV so that your strongest qualifications stand out when skimmed. A CV is often used in the field of higher education and concentrates on academic pursuits, omitting material not directly related to educational background and achievement. It is appropriate for Ph.D.’s, M.F.A.’s and M.A.’s seeking teaching or research positions. A CV should address faculty roles such as courses taught and developed, research and service as well as professional associations and presentations.
A resume is usually one or two pages and summarizes an individual’s personal, education, and work related experience that demonstrates why this person is qualified for a particular position. An individual’s strengths and qualifications are the focus of a resume. Basically, it summarizes the education preparation and any experience relevant to one’s career objective.
Purposes of a CV
A CV has many purposes:
- Locate or change positions
- Update personnel records
- Respond to public announcements
- Re-enter the labor market
- Provide information for professional activities
In addition to serving as a job search tool, your CV is useful in other ways:
- A supporting document with a grant or contract funding proposal
- Requirement for annual review by your employer
- Requirement during application process for graduate school programs or membership in a professional organization
- Background statement for an introduction to an important convention presentation
- May accompany a portfolio
Begin your CV preparation by brainstorming. List everything that you imagine could be included—both your educational and professional history—being careful not to overlook anything. Once you feel you have covered everything, you will decide what to include and what to exclude. Write a draft and experiment with format and relevant information.
Depending on your reader, your CV will change somewhat. It is important to keep up-to-date information on hand so you may adapt your CV to fit various needs. It is suggested that you update your information at least once a year, preferably monthly.
Essential when creating your resume or CV:
- Clarity: make your presentation clear and concise
- Consistency: do not mix categories and dates
- Conciseness: summarize and highlight; do not pad
- Should not include: photos, sex, age, height, weight, marital status, dependents, race, ethnic background, or religion
Although there are no set rules or prescribed formats for a CV, below are some simple guidelines to follow when creating a CV:
- Style: short phrases, action verbs, succinct word choices
- Paper: 8.5 x 11 inch, 20 lb weight and 25% rag content, white or light-colored
- Margins: 1 x 1.5 inches
- Ink: black
- Name and page number on each page (page number is not needed on first page)
- One paper per page; do not print double-sided
- Typing: error free
Outside Readers/Critics
It is an excellent idea to ask several people to proof your CV. Personnel reviewers may spend less than one minute reviewing a CV or resume and impressions are formed quickly. Here are a few second pairs of eyes you should ask to review your CV:
- A professional who knows you well enough to spot any significant information you have left out.
- A professional who does not know you well and will read critically (important choice since most of your readers will be of this nature). Career Advisors in the Career Center office are one example.
- A hiring personnel officer you know.
| Academic Accomplishments | Credentials | Principal Teachers |
| Academic Awards | Dissertation or Thesis | Professional Competencies |
| Academic Preparation | Education | Professional Organizations |
| Administrative Experience | Educational Interests | Professional Services |
| Affiliations/Memeberships | Fellowships | Programs and Workshops |
| Areas of Knowledge | Foreign Study | Publications |
| Articles/Books | Grants Awarded | Related Experience |
| Certificates | Honors and Awards | Research Interests |
| College Activities | Internships | Scholarly Works |
| Committee Leadership | Languages | Special Honors |
| Conference Workshops | Licensure | Special Training |
| Consulting Experience | Master's Project | Teaching Experience |
Additional Resources
Demystifying the Vita by R. Anthony and G. Roe
Developing a Professional Vita or Resume by C. McDaniels
The Academic Job Search Handbook by M. Heiberger and J. Vick
Writing a Vita by Rector and Visitors, University of Virginia
Sources of Handout Information
University of South Carolina Career Center
University of Wisconsin – River Falls Career Services