THE CURRICULUM VITAE

In the United States, the curriculum vitae (also known as CV or vita) is similar to the résumé, except much more
extensive (usually three or more pages in length), more detailed, and with more emphasis on academics and/or
research. In countries such as Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, employers often ask for CVs instead of
résumés; however, the length varies depending upon the country, and often the term CV is interchangeable with
résumé. The following provides information on CVs as they are used in the U.S.

The Basic Difference between a CV and a Résumé

The résumé is a summary. It should be brief, concise, 1-2 pages of skills, education, and experience. The CV is
much more extensive, usually longer than two pages, with more emphasis on academics and/or research. For
individuals just entering their field, “two or three pages of solid achievements” (Eyler, 2013) is a good length.

When to Use a CV
Curricula vitae (plural) are used mainly in academia and the sciences:
▪ extensively used when applying for ▪ science and medicine
academic positions ▪ consulting and research
• education administration (e.g. ▪ fellowships and grants
superintendents and principals) ▪ speaking engagements
• higher education (administration, ▪ graduate school applications
teaching, research)

Information to Include in the CV

As with the résumé, the CV could include a variety of headings. Following are a few examples:
▪ higher education ▪ professional associations or ▪ projects underway
▪ degrees memberships ▪ fieldwork experience
▪ course work ▪ awards or honors ▪ languages
▪ teaching experience ▪ fellowships ▪ overseas travel/study
▪ related experience ▪ conferences ▪ certificates/licensure
▪ research experience ▪ professional activities ▪ presentations
▪ research interest(s) ▪ publications ▪ consulting experience
▪ master’s thesis/project ▪ papers currently under ▪ other activities
▪ dissertation submission ▪ references

Information That Should Not Go into a CV

Include only relevant information, and, of course, omit information that could potentially lead to discrimination:
age, ethnicity, religion, political affiliation, sexual orientation, height, weight, health, marital status, hobbies (unless
relevant), and unrelated interests, for example.

CV Format and Appearance

There is not one standardized CV format. Because different fields have different emphases and formatting, it’s a
good idea to look at examples of CVs in your particular field.

One-inch margins on all sides are appropriate. Use a typeface that is professional, easy to read, and not decorative.
Use font sizes between 10 and 12 points for the body text. However, for some fonts, 10 pt. may appear too small.
Headings may use a larger point size than the body text. Use a header or footer to number the pages (e.g. Page 2 of
5) and include your name with the page number after page 1. You also may want to include your phone number or
email address in the header/footer.
Carrington 309 & Glass 276 • careercenter.missouristate.edu • [email protected] • 417-836-5636
Missouri State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution
Important Elements in the CV
When designing your CV, pay close attention to the following elements:
▪ Organization ▪ White space
▪ Headings ▪ Details
▪ Relevance

ORGANIZATION
As with the sections in résumés, the sections in CVs should be organized from most important to least
important. At the top should be your contact information (name, email address, phone number, and other
contact information). Make sure your email address is professional ([email protected] is
unprofessional); in addition, check that the message on your voicemail is professional. Employers have
been known not to leave a message when they hear an inappropriate or unprofessional voicemail.

HEADINGS
Section headings should be clear and specific. Format them so they are distinguishable from the body text (for
example, bold, upper case, larger point size). All of the headings should have the same format. For example, if
one heading uses all capital letters and boldface, then all headings should have this format. These headings
enable you to separate your qualifications into units that readers can find quickly and easily.

Within the sections, you may also want subsections. For example, your publications may include peer-
reviewed journal articles, book reviews, writing for local publications, and other types of publications.
However, grouping everything under the broad heading of Publications gives the same importance to peer-
reviewed journal articles as to local publications. Therefore, separating the heading into subsections
distinguishes the levels of publications.

RELEVANCE
Although the CV is organized from most important to least important, everything in the CV should be relevant.
The facts on the CV tell a story about who you are and what you’re capable of accomplishing. Consider the needs
of the employers. What facts about you will be most meaningful and relevant to the employer?

WHITE SPACE
Similar to résumés, CVs should be easy to read. Accessibility is a key point to remember. A CV that is text
heavy is more difficult to read, but a CV with a good balance of text and white space makes the text easier to
read—and to remember. Separate the sections with line spaces and use indentation for the subsections.
Use bulleted lists instead of large paragraphs. White space “allows individual accomplishments to stand out
on the page” (Clark, 2012).

DETAILS
Other important details in crafting the résumé include the following:
▪ Meticulously edit and proofread your documents. Have others review your CVs and application
letters before you submit them. One person may catch an error that other readers missed.
Remember, though, that you may receive conflicting advice, and the final decision is yours.
▪ Make sure the information is up-to-date and correct. For example, while other readers may
spot a misspelled word, they may not know if dates or proper names are accurate.
▪ Use action verbs and correct verb tense. A current experience uses present tense, while a past
experience should be in past verb tense.
▪ Write concisely. Avoid clichéd or wordy phrases and extraneous wording. More does not
necessarily equal better.
▪ Be honest. The information contained within the CV should be truthful and not exaggerated.

Resources
Clark, G.D. (2012, July 6). Fluffy CVs and cluttered ones. Chronicle of Higher Education, 58(40), A25.
Eyler, J. (2013, January 11). The rhetoric of the CV. Chronicle of Higher Education, 59(18), D6-D8.

Carrington 309 & Glass 276 • careercenter.missouristate.edu • [email protected] • 417-836-5636

Missouri State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution