When it comes to putting together a document for sending
with an application, many students have difficulty deciding
between a Resume and a Curriculum Vita. In most academic
positions, you will write a curriculum vita (CV) which
is longer and more detailed than a resume.
What is the difference between a Resume and
a Curriculum Vitae?
This question rings down the academic hallways on campuses
across the country. The flip answer, “the Resume
is shorter,” is probably offered as often as a
more thorough and more correct one. Basically,
- A Resume is a short document that
summarizes your qualifications including education,
experience, skills, and other items related to your
job search objective.
- A Curriculum Vitae is a special
type of resume traditionally used within the academic
community featuring earned degrees, teaching, research
experience, publications, presentations, and related
activities.
As noted above, the CV highlights items specifically
related to academics. While most people advise resume
writers to keep their document short, CVs tend to be
longer and more detailed. Your CV can be used in the
job search for job inquiries, advertised openings, interviews,
application forms, or can be provided to your references
so that they may provide more detailed information about
your candidacy. In addition, you can use your CV for
merit or tenure reviews, publishing, grant applications,
professional engagements, consulting, awards or special
recognitions, sabbaticals, or fellowship opportunities.
There are many businesses that provide resume services
for a fee. Few of these professionals, however, will
be familiar with your specific field within academics
or able to tailor your credentials to the institution’s
needs. Save yourself money, and ultimately time, by
crafting your own CV. This way you will have control
over content and will be able to update your CV often
with little effort. Make sure that you frequently update
your CV, it should grow along with you. By doing so,
you will have a personal document that reflects your
professional personality.
As with any good writing, your CV should be tailored
to the reader. For example, if you are seeking a research
position, highlight specific skills and experience in
research. On the other hand, if you are using your CV
for a campus community award, highlight your committee
activities and volunteer service. This is another reason
for creating your own CV. Remember that the most important
and pertinent information should always come first.
Having an active and flexible CV will allow you to make
quick changes to accentuate different credentials.
Although you need not be as careful with the length
of your CV as you would be the length of your Resume,
you still want to be relevant and concise. Whether you
use an Objective Statement or Summary of Qualifications
(see Resume Handout), every entry on your CV should
be relevant. Take the time to be brief. People on search
committees read many applications in one sitting. Providing
all of your information in short, relevant bursts helps
people to concentrate on the content rather than wading
through useless prose.
Remember that your CV will probably be photocopied
and distributed to many members of a search committee.
Use high quality paper with a light background and dark
ink. Make sure to include a running header with your
last name and the page number (skipping the first page),
much as you would on a research paper (e.g., in the
upper right-hand corner: “Sarah Student, Curriulum
Vita, Page #). Finally, be creative in your formatting
so that the last page is full rather than just having
one or two items.
CV Common Section Headers
| Objective |
Summary of Qualifications |
Education |
| Professional Experience |
Technical Skills |
Language Skills |
| Teaching Experience |
Research Experience |
Grants |
| Research Grants |
Summary of Qualifications |
Education |
| Academic Accomplishments |
Professional Achievements |
Service to the Community |
| Service to the University |
Presentations |
Publications |
| Convention Addresses |
Invited Addresses |
Invited Lectures |
| Scholarships |
Fellowships |
Certification |
| Licensure |
Foreign Study |
International Projects |
| Academic Background |
Dissertation |
Formal Training |
| Thesis |
Professional Competencies |
Computer Skills |
| Course Highlights |
Advanced Training |
Proficiencies |
| Areas of Expertise |
Graduate Fieldwork |
Graduate Practica |
| Specialized Training |
Internships |
Academic Interests |
| Research Interests |
Postdoctoral Experience |
Clinical Experience |
| General Experience |
Academic Appointments |
Research Appointments |
| Administrative Experience |
Supervisory Experience |
Consulting Experience |
| Continuing Education |
Academic Service |
Advising |
| Professional Development |
Outreach |
Faculty Leadership Committees |
| Committee Leadership |
Department Leadership |
Professional Associations |
| Affiliations |
Advisory Committees |
National Boards |
| Conference Participation |
Workshop Presentations |
Lectures and Colloquia |
| Scholarly Presentations |
Programs & Workshops |
Abstracts |
| Bibliography |
Editorial Boards |
Technical Papers |
| Refereed Journal Articles |
Editorial Appointments |
Articles/ Monographs |
| Reviews |
Research Awards |
Funded Projects |
| Patents |
Exhibits |
Academic Awards |
| Honors |
Distinctions |
Professional Recognition |
| Activities |
Memberships |
Professional Memberships |
| Professional Organizations |
For more information on the Curriculum Vita, please
visit the Career Resource Library at the Career Resource
Center on the first floor of the Reitz Union. If you
would like to have someone look over your CV, please
check the walk-in hours listed on our home page
or contact us by telephone
(352) 392-1601.
Sample CV (link to pdf of sample of
a CV)
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