A curriculum vitae, commonly referred to as CV, is a longer (two or more pages), more detailed synopsis than a resume. It includes a summary of your educational and academic backgrounds as well as teaching and research experience, publications, presentations, awards, honors, affiliations and other details.

When to Use Curriculum Vitae
When should job seekers use a curriculum vitae, commonly referred to as CV, rather than a resume? In the United States, a curriculum vitae is used primarily when applying for academic, education, scientific or research positions. It is also applicable when applying for fellowships or grants.

When asking for a job in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, or Asia, expect to submit a CV rather than a resume. Keep in mind that overseas employers often expect to read the type of personal information on a curriculum vitae that would never be included on an American resume, such as date of birth, nationality and place of birth. United States law on what information job applicants can be asked to provide does not apply outside the country.

The Differences between a Resume and a CV
There are several differences between a curriculum vitae and a resume. A curriculum vitae is a longer (two or more pages), more detailed synopsis of your background and skills. A CV includes a summary of your educational and academic backgrounds as well as teaching and research experience, publications, presentations, awards, honors, affiliations and other details. As with a resume, you may need different versions of a CV for different types of positions.

Like a resume, a curriculum vitae should include your name, contact information, education, skills and experience. In addition to the basics, a CV includes research and teaching experience, publications, grants and fellowships, professional associations and licenses, awards and other information relevant to the position you are applying for. Start by making a list of all your background information, then organize it into categories. Make sure you include dates on all the publications you include.

A Curriculum Vitae, commonly referred to as CV, includes a summary of your educational and academic backgrounds as well as teaching and research experience, publications, presentations, awards, honors, and affiliations.

International employers often expect to read the type of personal information on a curriculum vitae that would not be included on an American resume. When writing a CV for graduate school or academia the personal information included in this curriculum vitae template would be omitted.

The following curriculum vitae template will give you an example of what to include in your CV and shows the appropriate format for a curriculum vitae.

Sample Curriculum Vitae Template

CONTACT INFORMATION
Name
Address
Telephone
Cell Phone
Email
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Date of Birth
Place of Birth
Citizenship
Visa Status
Sex
Optional Personal information:
Marital Status
Spouse's Name
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
High School
University
Graduate School
Post-Doctoral Training
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
Certifications and Accreditations
Computer Skills
AWARDS
PUBLICATIONS
BOOKS
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
INTERESTS

The following curriculum vitae sample will give you an example of what to include in your academic CV and shows the appropriate format for a curriculum vitae.

Sample Academic Curriculum Vitae
CONTACT INFORMATION
Name
Address
City, State, Zip
Telephone
Cell Phone
Email
SUMMARY STATEMENT (Optional)
Include a brief list of the highlights of your candidacy.
EDUCATION
List your academic background, including undergraduate and graduate institutions attended.
Graduate Institution, City, State
Degree, Major
Date of Graduation
Dissertation
Graduate Institution, City, State
Degree, Major
Date of Graduation
Thesis
Undergraduate Institution, City, State
Degree, Major
Date of Graduation
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
List in chronological order, include position details and dates.
POSTDOCTORAL TRAINING
List your postdoctoral experiences, if applicable.
FELLOWSHIPS
List internships and fellowships, including organization, title and dates.
LICENSES / CERTIFICATION
List type of license, certification or accreditation and date received.
PUBLICATIONS / BOOKS
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
SKILLS / INTERESTS