Career Planning Finding a Job Resumes Curriculum Vitae (CV) Template and Writing Tips By Alison Doyle Alison Doyle Alison Doyle is one of the nation’s foremost career experts. learn about our editorial policies Updated on December 8, 2022 Reviewed by Amy Soricelli In This Article View All In This Article What to Include in a CV United States Information Academic Information Medical/Scientific Research Information International Information Curriculum Vitae Outline Curriculum Vitae Template Sample Curriculum Vitae More CV Examples Photo: Maritsa Patrinos / The Balance When applying for certain types of positions in the United States, and for most international employment and educational opportunities, you will need a curriculum vitae, commonly referred to as a CV. The term “curriculum vitae” translates literally as “course of life.” Unlike traditional resumes used in most industries in the United States, they are more credential-based than qualifications-based. They place as much (if not more) emphasis upon presenting one’s educational / training history and certifications as they do upon professional experience and specific job skills. Note In the United States, CVs are commonly requested within the academic, medical, and scientific / research professions. By using a CV template, you'll be able to create your own curriculum vitae quickly. It will need to include a summary of your educational and academic background, as well as teaching and research experience, publications, presentations, awards, honors, and affiliations. However, keep in mind that your CV will vary based on your industry, as well as whether you are writing a CV for an international position or a position in the United States. Be sure you tailor your curriculum vitae for the job or program to which you're applying. What to Include in a CV A CV is both longer and far more detailed than a resume. It contains a comprehensive list of your academic and employment accomplishments rather than a brief summary. While a resume is often targeted toward a specific position, a CV offers a comprehensive look at your experience. However, that does not mean that you need to list (or that you should list) every single job you have ever held. Instead, it means that you can include every piece of information about you that is relevant to the job. While CVs are very common outside of the United States, within the U.S. they are primarily reserved for academics and those in medicine or scientific research. If you are applying for a job within the U.S., send a resume unless a CV is specifically requested in the job posting. Know what type of information you should include in your CV based on both your industry and where in the world you are sending your CV. United States Information to List In the U.S., you do not need to include the detailed personal information that you would include on an international CV. The only personal information you need is your name, address, and contact information. Some job candidates will include hobbies and other interests, but for the most part, it’s better to focus on your skills, qualifications, and experience. Academic Information to List If you are applying for a job in academia, you will include any information related to your education, teaching, and research, including any publications and presentations.You may also include any fellowships or grants you have received, honors and awards, and professional memberships.Also include any relevant employment experiences. Medicine/Scientific Research Information to List If you are applying for a job in medicine, you will include a lot of the same information as you would in an academic CV (including your education, publications, presentations, fellowships, etc.).You will also likely include more detailed descriptions of your research experience and research projects.Also include any relevant employment experiences. International Information to List International employers often expect to read the type of personal information on a curriculum vitae that would not be included on an American resume or CV. For example, date of birth, marital status, and citizenship information may be expected on an international curriculum vitae.Some international CVs include an “interests” section in which you can show your personality a bit. However, if you choose to include this, be sure that your interests relate at least tangentially to the job. For example, if you are applying for a job in publishing, you might mention that you run a book club. Curriculum Vitae Outline A CV template gives you an example of what you might include in your own CV. It also shows you the appropriate format for a curriculum vitae. Note When using a CV template to write your own curriculum vitae, be sure to only include the information that is relevant to your industry and occupation, and to the country you want to work in. CONTACT INFORMATIONNameAddressCity, State, CountryTelephoneCell PhoneEmailPERSONAL INFORMATION (depending on country)Date of BirthPlace of BirthCitizenshipVisa StatusGenderOptional Personal Information (depending on country)Marital StatusSpouse's NameChildrenEMPLOYMENT HISTORY List in reverse chronological order (most recent experiences first); include position details and dates.Work HistoryAcademic PositionsFellowshipsInternshipsResearch and TrainingEDUCATION List in reverse chronological order and include dates, majors, and details of degrees for each institution attended. You can also include other educational programs. You can include specifics about your dissertation in this section, if applicable. If you are a recent U.S. graduate, you should place this “Education” section above the “Employment History” section.Post-Doctoral TrainingGraduate School or ProgramUniversityHigh School (if no university education)PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS Include your certifications and accreditations, as well as the skills you have that are most relevant to the position for which you're applying.Certifications and AccreditationsComputer SkillsLanguage SkillsOther SkillsHONORS AND AWARDS Include any honors or awards you have received that are relevant to the position you want.RESEARCH AND/OR PUBLICATIONS AND/OR PRESENTATIONS List any relevant publications, research projects you have worked on, or professional presentations you have given. You might divide these into subsections.BooksArticlesConference PresentationsResearch ProjectsSERVICEIf you have done any administrative work, such as serving on a committee or chairing a department, list this. Include your title if you had one.PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPSInclude the titles of any professional organizations that you are a member of. If you held a position within an organization, list your title.INTERESTS (depending on country) This section is optional. Include any interests that are at least somewhat relevant to your professional interests. Curriculum Vitae Template This is an example of a curriculum vitae. Download the curriculum vitae template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or review the below examples. The Balance Download the Word Template Sample Curriculum Vitae Sample Curriculum Vitae (Text Version) Jennifer Garcia123 East StreetBoston, MA 02118555-555-5555email@email.comEDUCATIONPhD, History, Atlantic University, Boston MA, Spring 2022Dissertation Title: “A History of New York Tenement Architecture”MA, History, Atlantic University, Boston MA, Spring 2016BA, English, York College, New York NY, Spring 2014WORK HISTORYAcademic ExperienceVisiting Assistant Professor, Atlantic University, Boston MA, Fall 2021-presentTeaching Assistant, Atlantic University, Boston MA 2019-2021Research FellowshipsDissertation Fellow, Tenement Historical Society, New York NY, Spring 2021Summer Fellow, Atlantic University, Boston MA, Summer 2020HONORS AND AWARDSAtlantic University Award for Excellence in Teaching, Fall 2021Nominations for this honor are made by students. The Award is given twice annually to the professor who motivates students to learn with a combination of subject-matter knowledge, academic rigor, and commitment to Atlantic University’s mission.Distinguished Graduate Award, York College, Spring 2014Awarded to graduates who have shown commitment to academics, character, and leadership.College of Liberal Arts Award, York College, Spring 2014Given to the liberal arts undergraduates with the highest GPA each semester.CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS“New York Tenement Architecture in Photographs, 1891-1912,” Midwest Historical Society Annual Conference, May 2022“Tips for Surviving Graduate School,” Atlantic University Conference on Academia, December 2021“A First-Generation College Graduate Reflects on Class, Access, and Academia,” York College, February 2020PUBLICATIONS“Facades in Photography: Tenement Houses through the Lens of Female Photographers,” Photography Now, forthcoming.“A (Very) Brief History of the New York Subway,” published in New York: Then and Now (Fall 2021): 12-15.Book review of New York in Pictures, published in History Today, 7(1) (Spring 2020): 52-53.COMMUNITY SERVICEAtlantic University Gives BackLead Organizer, Spring 2017-Fall 2021York College Community Resource CenterVolunteer Tutor and Academic Coach, Core ProgramPROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPSHistorical Society of the United StatesArt History Organization of North AmericaNew York Historians’ Society (Founding Member)LANGUAGESEnglish: Native LanguageSpanish: Native LanguageGerman: Advanced Reading and WritingFrench: Novice Speaker More CV Examples Review more CV samples, templates, and writing tips for each type of curriculum vitae. Key Takeaways A CV is longer than a resume and contains a comprehensive list of your academic and employment accomplishments.In the U.S., CVs are primarily used for academic, medical, and scientific research positions.List information related to your education, teaching, and research, including any publications and presentations. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit Sources The Balance uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Pomona College. "How to Write a Curriculum Vitae." Accessed March 20, 2021. Fordham University. "Compiling an Academic Curriculum Vitae." American Medical Association. "Creating a Standout CV." TIC. "Tips for Writing an International CV."