Writing the Curriculum Vitae

This handout provides an overview of strategies for writing an effective curriculum vitae. This topic is particularly important for graduate students who are entering the academic job market for the first time. Although there is some overlap between the two resources, this handout should serve as a supplement to the suggestions available from Purdue’s Center for Career Opportunities.

What is a CV?

A Curriculum Vitae (CV) resembles a resume in many ways, but is more specifically focused on academic achievements. A CV summarizes educational and academic history, and may include details about teaching experience, publications (books, articles, research papers, unpublished manuscripts, or book chapters), and academic honors and awards. Use a CV rather than a resume for teaching or research opportunities, applying for fellowships or for further academic training. Some research positions in industry may also prefer a CV rather than a resume.

Curriculum Vitae

A curriculum vitae (singular form, noun), meaning “course of (one’s) life, (vee-tie or vi-tee) is a document that gives much more detail than does a resume about your academic and professional accomplishments.

Curricula vitae (plural form, noun) are most often used for academic or research positions, whereas resumes are the preferred documents in business and industry.

The informal shortened form, “vita” standing alone, meaning a brief biographical sketch, is singular, while “vitae,” is plural.

The abbreviation is often used: CV or CVs.

Note about pronunciation:

If you prefer a variation different than those provided by Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary, that’s fine. Or feel free to consult your favorite Latin teacher.

Writing an Impressive Curriculum Vita(e) (CV)

Curriculum vita or vitae (CV) literally means “course of your life.” A CV is a comprehensive, formal, professional summary of your educational and academic background, employment, accomplishments, and activities. In addition, it serves as an important job-hunting tool. A CV should capture and stress your strengths; market you, the product; be honest; make a good first impression; and be convincing that you deserve a job interview.

All information included in a CV must be defensible and may be a topic of conversation in an interview.

Not sure what to include in your CV?

Your personal details

You should include your name, address and contact details. It’s up to you whether you include your age, marital status and nationality – recruiters should be able to make a decision about your skills and abilities without this information.

Your personal profile

Your ‘Personal Profile’ should summarise your:

• skills and qualities
• work background and achievements
• career aims

Writing your Curriculum Vitae

A Curriculum Vitae (CV) is a summary of your educational and academic background. Its purpose is to outline your credentials for an academic position, fellowship, or grant. Its length can range from 2-4 pages. Please keep in mind each field has a different standard. Ask the faculty in your department for feedback on your CV.

In applying for an academic position, an applicant is asked to submit a CV along with a Dissertation Abstract, a Statement of Research Interests, and a Statement of Teaching Interests. It is important to present a clear and well-organized application. Your goal is to make the search committee want to interview you.