Curriculum Vitaes
A curriculum vitae (Latin for "course of life") is a job search tool used in place of a resume for persons seeking academic positions, some administrative positions in higher education, and the professions (medical doctors, psychologists). Resumes, in contrast, are used by practically everyone else.
Commonly referred to as a "vitae" or a "C.V.," a curriculum vitae is a comprehensive biography of educational and professional experiences. C.V.s for recent Ph.D.s are usually two to three pages long, and C.V.s for Ph.D.s with professional experience can be up to six pages (or more) in length.
It is important to include all relevant information that would support your candidacy for a position, but it is not necessary to use all of the following categories:
- Identifying Information
- Career Objective
- Educational Background
- Dissertation Summary
- Academic Honors
- Professional Experience:
- Teaching
- Research
- Administrative
- Academic or Professional
- Service
- Professional Associations
- Credentials
- Publications
- Presentations
- Areas of Expertise
- Teaching or Research
- Interests
- Committee Assignments
As with resumes, there is a great deal of freedom in the categories which can be used to present information.
Name
Home Address, Office Address
Telephone Number and Email Address
CAREER OBJECTIVE:
Identify the position you seek and summarize two or three of your greatest strengths.
EDUCATION:
List degrees including years awarded (put most advanced degree first and continue in reverse chronological order), institutions, major field of study and dissertation topic with a brief synopsis.
HONORS:
List academic honors, awards, and scholarships.
TEACHING EXPERIENCES:
List dates, institutions, and courses taught; provide two or three sentences describing what you did.
TEACHING INTERESTS:
List subjects you have taught and/or wish to teach.
RELATED EXPERIENCES:
List related professional employment experiences; provide two or three phrases describing what you did.
RESEARCH INTERESTS:
List subjects you are researching and/or wish to research.
PUBLICATIONS:
List published work (books, journal articles, etc.) and dates; use standard citation.
MEMBERSHIPS:
List professional associations to which you belong and indicate offices held (if applicable).
SERVICE:
List related volunteer experience including academic committees.
or
REFERENCES:
List faculty members/employers who can address your background and qualifications
For additional information, speak to a career specialist or check out these books/websites:
Tips on creating an academic vita.
Everything that you need to know about a CV
The CV Doctor (great examples and advice)
The Curriculum Vitae Handbook
by Rebecca Anthony & Gerald Roe (Career Resource Center, Math/Psych 212)
The Global Resume and CV Guide
by Mary Anne Thompson
(Career Resource Center, Math/Psych 212)
