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FAQs on Curricula Vitae (CVs)What is a curriculum vitae, and who should use one? A curriculum vitae (also called a "vita" or "CV") is a document detailing your academic and research credentials. If you are applying for faculty, instruction, and research positions at the college level or higher, you would ordinarily use a CV instead of a résumé. CVs are occasionally preferred as well by secondary schools; by research, legal, and medical organizations; and by some religious organizations preferring to focus on a candidate's academic credentials. In some parts of the world, a "CV" is requested where résumés would be used in the United States, such as the business sector; but typically what is being requested in these cases is a document similar to what is called a "résumé" in the U.S. Is "curriculum vitae" really singular? Yes. This question sometimes causes distress, since the term often sets off computerized grammar checkers. Rest assured that a single CV is a "curriculum vitae," despite what may appear to your computer to be a pluralized form. "Curriculum vita," which your word processor may recommend, is an error, although you may refer informally to a single CV as simply a "vita." How long should a CV be? A CV can run from 2 to around 20 pages, depending on your level of experience. A CV should include all credentials relevant to the position without being verbose. What should I know about style and tone? Always err toward the conservative in style. Use a standard bond paper and font, and a very simple, easy-to-read structure that lists sections in such a way that a reader can scan it quickly prior to looking deeply. Be consistent throughout the document. First-person subjects and objects should be dropped, but sentences otherwise filled out into narrative style. Avoid an ostentatious tone, but use advanced vocabulary as appropriate. Should professional experience be included? The CV should emphasize academic achievements. However, relevant professional experience—such as teaching—can be highly valuable and should be included. What else should be included in the CV? State the objective in the cover letter, not in the CV. Give a full heading at the top of the first page, and restate your name on each subsequent page near the page number. CVs typically have many more sections than do résumés. The titles of these sections are somewhat flexible, as is their order, so think strategically. Common sections include: Education; Dissertation (new scholars only; also give title and advisors, and enclose an abstract); Research Experience; Honors/Fellowships/Awards; Teaching Experience; Areas of Specialization or "Prepared to Teach"; Related Professional Experience; Publications; Papers Submitted for Publication; Current Research; Presentations; Languages; Travel; Professional Memberships; Certifications; Personal Interests (not too much); and References, including names, titles, institutional addresses, and contact information. What should I enclose? Always send a cover letter with your CV. Beyond this, ask someone in the field of study what should be sent. Frequently, references, writing samples, and a teaching portfolio are expected. Make sure to send thank-you letters after interviews. Where can I get more information and samples? Contact the Office of Career Services for resources, samples, and referrals for critiques. |
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