Curriculum Vitae (CV) Format Guidelines

Do you need to write a curriculum vitae? A curriculum vitae, commonly

known as a CV, is an alternative to writing a resume to apply for a job. CVs are
most commonly used in academia, research, and medicine—not to mention for
most jobs outside of the United States.1

While a resume is typically only a page or two in length, a CV is more

detailed and therefore longer, often containing more information about
academic achievements than a resume

CVs vary depending on your field and experience, but there are a number of
general format and style guidelines you can follow when creating a CV.

There are also certain sections most people include in their CVs, as well as
optional sections.

Learn how to format your curriculum vitae and what to include. Review CV
tips and use the format example as a template for your own CV.

Curriculum Vitae Formatting Tips

CV Length: While resumes are generally one page long, most CVs are at least
two pages long, and often much longer.

Font Choice and Font Size: There's no need to use ornate fonts that are
difficult to read; Times New Roman, Arial, Calibri, or fonts like these are best.
Your font size should be between 10 and 12 points, although your name and
the section headings can be a little larger and/or bolded.

Format: However, you decide to organize the sections of your CV, be sure to
keep each section uniform. For example, if you put the name of one
organization in italics, every organization name must be in italics. If you
include a sentence or two about your accomplishments in a particular position,
fellowship, etc., make a bulleted list of each accomplishment. This will keep
your CV organized and easy to read.

Accuracy: Be sure to edit your CV before sending it. Check spelling,

grammar, tenses, names of companies and people, etc.

What to Include in Your CV

Not all CVs look the same. You may choose to include only some of these
sections because others do not apply to your background or your industry.
Include what seems appropriate for your area of specialty. Here's an overview
of what to include in a CV:1

Your CV should vary in style and content based on the position and the
organization you are applying to.

Contact Information: At the top of your CV, include your name and contact
information (address, phone number, email address, etc.). Outside of the US,
many CVs include even more personal information, such as gender, date of
birth, marital status, and even the names of children. Unless you are applying to
a job outside of the United States, there's no need to include that information.

Education: This may include college and graduate studies. Include the school
attended, dates of study, and degree received.

Honors and Awards: Feel free to list your dean's list standings, departmental
awards, scholarships, fellowships, and membership in any honors associations.

Thesis/Dissertation: Include your thesis or dissertation title. You may also

include a brief sentence or two on your paper, and/or the name of your advisor.

Research Experience: List any research experience you have, including where
you worked, when, and with whom. Include any publications resulting from
your research.

Work Experience: List relevant work experience, including non-academic

work that you feel is related. List the employer, position, and dates of
employment. Include a brief list of your duties and/or accomplishments.

Teaching Experience: List any teaching positions you have held. Include the
school, course name, and semester. You may also include any other relevant
tutoring or group leadership experience.

Skills: List any relevant skills you have not yet mentioned so far, like language
skills, computer skills, administrative skills, etc.

Publications and Presentations: List any publications you have written, co-
written, or contributed to. Include all necessary bibliographic information. You
should also include any pieces you are currently working on. Include papers
you presented at conferences and/or associations: list the name of the paper, the
conference name and location, and the date.

Professional Memberships: List any professional associations to which you

belong. If you are a board member of the association, list your title.

Extracurricular Activities: Include any volunteer or service work you have

done, as well as any clubs or organizations to which you have belonged.
You can also include any study abroad experiences here if you have not already
mentioned them.

Curriculum Vitae Format

Your Contact Information
Name
Address
Telephone
Cell Phone
Email

Optional Personal Information

This information is not included in U.S. CVs. It may be requested in other
countries.
Date and Place of Birth, Citizenship, Visa Status, Gender, Marital Status,
Spouse's Name and Children

Employment History
List in chronological order, include position details and dates.
Work History- Academic Positions - Research and Training

Education
Include dates, majors, and details of degrees, training, and certification.
Post-Doctoral Training
Graduate School
University
High School (Depending on the country)

Professional Qualifications
Certifications and Accreditations

Computer Skills, Awards, Publications, Books, Professional Memberships

and Interests

Tips for Writing Your CV

Be Sure a CV Is the Right Choice for You: Depending on the job opening
and your work history, a CV may or may not be the best way to highlight your
skills and experience. For example, if your experience fits on one page, a
resume may be a better choice.2

Review Sample Curriculum Vitae Before Writing: If you're starting your

CV from scratch, review curriculum vitae samples first and use a template to
structure your writing. Be sure to personalize your CV to reflect your unique
experience and qualifications.
 Write a Custom Curriculum Vitae for Every Job Opening: Yes, it takes
more time than simply sending a generic CV – but it’s worth it. Write a custom
CV highlighting the skills and work experience that make you an ideal fit for
the role, and you’ll improve your chances of getting the interview.

Printing Your CV: If you plan on using a paper copy of your CV, be sure to
print it on a high-quality resume paper. Using paper that is of better quality
helps to portray your professionalism.

Types of CV

There are mainly three types of CVs:

1. Chronological CV
2. Functional or Skills-Based CV
3. Combination CV

Chronological CV

A chronological style CV is the most common format and is preferred by employers. With a
chronological style CV your work history and education entries are sorted by date in order of
most recent first. A chronological CV contains detail of education and qualifications, together
with interests. Some chronological CVs also contain a brief personal statement at the front
which sets out the key skills and strengths of the candidate.

Use the Chronological CV Format:

 If you are applying within the same industry as it will demonstrate your career progression.
 If you want to demonstrate growth and maturity throughout an organization.
 If you have a stable, solid career progression through one or, at most, two fields.
 If you do not have many achievements across your career, taking a job by job approach.
 If you want to make it easier for potential employers. It is the favorite format for most
employers, who simply want to get a feel for your career to date.

Functional or Skills-Based CV

A functional CV places the emphasis on your skills and expertise rather than the chronology of
your employment to date. It is used in situations where specific skills and accomplishments
gained through experience or academic qualifications will demonstrate your competencies.
Your skills should be listed in order of their importance. This CV format is especially suitable,
for entry level candidates, students entering the job market for the first time or recent graduates
with little work experience, who want to emphasize their transferable skills. The functional
resume is ideal for those who are looking for a career change.

Use the Functional CV Format

 If you have changed jobs frequently, if your experience comes through unrelated jobs or if
you have several career gaps.
 If you are changing industry.
 If you are a more mature applicant, a functional CV will take the spotlight away from your
age.

Combination CV

A combination CV follows both the chronological and functional format, which makes the CV
slightly longer than normal. Examples of people that can benefit from this would be someone
wanting to change careers and has some relevant skills for the new field. It can also be useful
when someone wants to demonstrate more skills than the work experience section allows for
or would not bring out adequately.

Use a combination CV format:

 If you have a strong career progression with many achievements.

 If you want to showcase your strengths as well as your experience.
 If you are a senior level applicant and have a lot of working experience and achievements to
demonstrate

Academic CV

This type of CV is most commonly used in postgraduate applications, placing more emphasis
on the subjects studied, projects undertaken, and details of research expertise and a list of all
publications. When writing a CV for academia it should include research and teaching
experience, publications, grants and fellowships, professional associations and licenses, awards
and other information relevant to the position you are applying for. It’s important to take it a
step further and tailor your CV so that the content reflects your audience - the organization that
you want to work for

What makes a good CV?

There is no single "correct" way to write and present a CV but the following general rules apply:

Provide Evidence
 Be honest: CVs are not legal documents and you can't be held liable for anything within, but if a
recruiter picks up a lie you will be rapidly rejected. An application form which you have signed to
confirm that the contents are true is however a legal document and forms part of your contract of
employment if you are recruited.
 Work out what qualifications, experience and skills are required for the jobs you are considering and
think of what you have done that matches those attributes.
 Be specific and provide details and evidence to justify your claims.

Writing Style: Tips on Presentation

 Your CV should be carefully and clearly laid out - not too cramped but not with large empty spaces
either. Use bold and italic typefaces for headings and important information .Set your margins evenly
(right and left sides). Have an even amount of space between each heading.
 Each page should be on a separate sheet of paper. Put your name in the footer area so that it appears on
each sheet.
 Make sure the spelling is correct. Have someone else to check and read your CV
 Do not use complex words and keep sentences short.People who use simple, clear language are rated as
more intelligent.
 Start every sentence with a verb or action word.
 Print to good quality plain white A4 paper only.
 Avoid using too small Fonts. A recommended font size is 11 or 12.

Length
 In general, a new graduate's CV should cover no more than two sides of A4 paper
 Try to use a maximum of 6 bullet points together, each bullet not more than one or two sentences.

Work History/ Professional Experience

 Concentrate mostly on achievements and responsibilities. Show what you achieved for the company
during your work there.
 Don't re-write your current job description. When listing your various jobs, include details which
illustrate exactly how they have given you the skills which will be useful.
 Don't include reasons for leaving.
 Only include recent jobs.
 Include any voluntary or work placement activities. The employer will be interested in the quality of
experience whether or not it was paid.

Education
 Include honors if awarded.
 Give more detail to the higher qualifications listed such as degrees and masters.
 Give full course details and dates-if needed.
 Write 'degree expected' if you have not yet graduated.

What Not To Include In Your CV

 Don't include any negatives or anything critical.
 Don't include poor grades, or unfortunate work experiences.
 Don't include references unless specifically requested - they can be requested upon interview.
 Don't include a photograph unless specifically requested
 Do not include matters about your health or any disabilities you have.
 Do not include any political affiliations.
 Don't include weight, height, marital status or children you have.
 Don't include humor.
 Don't show your existing salary or expected salary unless requested.
 Do not include 'reason for leaving' from your last job
 Do not use graphics or images.
 Do not use any abbreviations as these can be very confusing and distracting
 Do not use jargon or colloquial language.
 Do not type, 'CV', 'Curriculum vitae' as the title. You should rather put your name so the reader would
know whose Curriculum Vitae he/she is reading.

Common Mistakes
 Misspelling the name of the company or the addressee.
 Not having a reply address on the CV. Remember to add all your contact details name, telephone
number, mobile, email, and address so that the potential employer can reach you.
 Trying to be amusing
 Using lower case i for the personal pronoun: "i have excellent communication skills”
 Spelling mistakes: Use the spell-check tool, but remember that the best proofreader is another
person. Be sure that there are no spelling errors, poor word choice, or misuse of language.
These mistakes are not acceptable as it might appear that you are insufficient to do the job.
 Do not use the same verb to describe your work experience. Use a variety of action verbs to prove your
transferable and diverse skills.
 Leaving out dates: Include dates because leaving them out might seem like you are trying to hide
certain information.
 Using someone else's words .It can be obvious that what is written is not in your own words when you
do not speak like you write. Prepare your CV in your own words!
 Unprofessional email address. Use an email address that is professional. The use of email address such
as spiderman @example.com, is not likely to impress an employer!