Curriculum Vitae (CV) Samples, Templates, and Writing Tips (2024)

When applying for certain positions in the U.S., as well as jobs internationally, you may be required to submit a curriculum vitae rather than a resume. This is particularly true for the fields in which CVs are typically used, such as academia, research, medicine, and science.

A curriculum vitae, or CV, includes more information than your typical resume, including details of your education and academic achievements, research, publications, awards, affiliations, and more. Here's everything you need to know about writing a CV, with sample templates to use and even tips on what not to include.

What Is a CV?

Acurriculum vitae(CV) provides a summary of your experience and academic background, including teaching experience, degrees, research, awards, publications, presentations, skills, and credentials. This more exhaustive list of qualifications is one of the keydifferences between a CV and a resume.

When to Use a CV Instead of a Resume

In the U.S., a curriculum vitae is used when applying for academic, educational, scientific, or research positions. A curriculum vitae can also be used to apply for fellowships or grants. In Europe, the Middle East, Africa, or Asia, employers may expect to receive a curriculum vitae rather than a resume.

A curriculum vitae, commonly referred to as a “CV,” is a longer (two or more pages), more detailed synopsis than a resume. There are also other differences in what is included, and when each document is used.

What to Include in a Curriculum Vitae

The following are examples of information you should generally include in your curriculum vitae. Note that the elements you include will vary a bit depending on what you are applying for, so be sure to incorporate the most relevant information to support your candidacy in your CV.

• Personal details and contact information.Most CVs start with contact information and personal data but take care to avoid superfluous details, such as religious affiliation, children's names, and so on.
• Education and qualifications. Be sure to include the names of institutions and dates attended in reverseorder: Ph.D., master's, and undergraduate.
• Work experience/employment history. The most widely accepted style of employment record is thechronological curriculum vitae. Yourcareer historyis presented in reverse date order starting with the most recent appointment. More emphasis and information should be placed on your most recent jobs.
• Skills. Include computer skills, foreign language skills, and any other recent training that is relevant to the role applied for.

In addition to the above, you'll also generally want to include:

• Training, graduate fieldwork, or study abroad
• Dissertations or theses
• Research experience
• Teaching experience
• Publications
• Presentations, lectures, and exhibitions
• Grants, scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships
• Awards and honors
• Technical, computer, and language skills
• Professional licenses, certifications, and memberships

What Not to Include in a CV

There is no need to include your photo, yoursalary history, the reason you left your previous position, or references in a CV submitted for jobs in the United States. References should be listed separately and given to employers upon request.

In other countries, private information like your date of birth, nationality, marital status, how many children you have, and a photograph may be required.

How Long Should a CV Be?

A good entry-level curriculum vitae should ideally cover two to three pages (CVs for mid-level professionals, especially in academia and medical research roles, may run longer).

Aim to ensure the content is clear, structured, concise, and relevant.Using bullet pointsrather than full sentences can help minimize word usage.

Curriculum Vitae Sample

The following is a curriculum vitae example for an entry-level candidate for a faculty position in the U.S. This CV includes employment history, education, competencies, awards, skills, and personal interests. Download the CV template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online), or see below for more examples.

More Curriculum Vitae Examples and Templates

Here are additional resources and CV examples to review to get ideas and inspiration for writing your own CV.

• CV Format
• CV Template
• Free Microsoft CV Templates for Word
• Academic CV
• Information Technology CV
• International CV with a Profile

Curriculum Vitae Writing Tips

Have Several Versions of Your CV

Don't just write one CV and use it for every position you apply for.

Keep It Concise

When possible, try to keep your CV concise. Include summaries of your employment and education, rather than lots of details. Use formal (no slang or abbreviations) language, writing simply and clearly.

Tell the Truth

It can be tempting to over-polish a CV and make your educational qualifications or work history sound a little better than they are. If you're tempted to stretch the truth about yourwork history, don't. It will come back to haunt you.

Most employers conductreference and background checks, and if your curriculum vitae doesn't match your actual work history or education, you will most likely get caught at some point. Either you will be cut as a candidate or you will get fired if you have already been hired.

Check the Format

Look at the format of your curriculum vitae. Is there plenty of white space? Is it cluttered? Is your formatting consistent (bold, italic, spacing, etc.) and is the overall picture that your CV provides a professional and polished one?

Proofread Your Curriculum Vitae

Double-check your curriculum vitae for typos and grammatical errors. Then, ask someone else to review it for you—it's often hard to catch our mistakes.

Choose an Appropriate Curriculum Vitae Format

Make sure you choose a curriculum vitae format that is appropriate for the position you are applying for. If you are applying for a fellowship, for example, you won't need to include the personal information that may be included in an international CV.

Want additional guidance? Here are more details on when to use a CV, what to include, and how to write it