A curriculum vitae (CV), Latin for “the course of one’s life,” provides a comprehensive overview of your academic and professional history. Primarily used in academic and research settings, CVs highlight education, scholarly achievements, research, teaching, and relevant professional activities. CVs are typically required for academic job applications, fellowship or research opportunities, and graduate school portfolios in place of a resume. While resumes are usually limited to one to two pages, CVs often extend to several pages and expand throughout your career. This handout is a general resource, so always tailor your work to your specific audience, discipline, or position.
Note: Outside the U.S. and for government CVs (also called federal resumes), the term “CV” may refer to a resume or different type of document.
Since CVs cover the course of your academic career, it is important to keep detailed records. Consider creating a comprehensive document where you track all your academic history, experience, and skills. You can then pull from that document as you draft, update, and tailor your CV for specific positions and opportunities. Expect to expand your CV regularly as you gain more experience and qualifications.
Your CV should be organized into clear, concise sections that highlight your relevant qualifications. The order and content will vary by discipline and experience, so arrange your sections strategically. For example, you might emphasize research experience and publications when applying for a position at a research institution, whereas you might list teaching experience first when applying to a teaching institution. To understand your discipline’s content expectations, seek information and feedback from trusted colleagues, mentors, or advisors in your field. Regardless of discipline or field, your contact information and education are typically included at the beginning of a CV.
Note: Be mindful of including content that may signal that you are a part of a protected class.
Place your name at the top of your CV as a header. Near your name, include your phone number and professional email address. Consider including other contact details such as your city and state, professional social media information, or website, if relevant.
The education section typically follows your contact information. List your most recent degree first, whether you have completed that degree or are in the process of doing so. Do not include information about your high school education or experience unless directly relevant. As applicable, include the following details:
Typically, CVs will also include the following categories, with the order tailored to the audience and purpose:
Depending on your experience and goals, you may also include the following categories:
CVs are essentially a series of detailed lists with entries organized into intentional categories (see above). Since the style and format of those lists may vary by discipline, to understand the conventions of CVs in your field, talk to professors or professionals and review examples online. The length of your CV will depend on the breadth and depth of your experience. For example, an undergraduate student's CV might be 1–3 pages, whereas a professor’s CV could easily reach 10+ pages. When formatting, consider the following:
