Curriculum Vitae

[Enda Goodwin]

A Curriculum Vitae is typically much more detailed and longer than a resume. A CV was once standard in most countries other than the U.S. and Canada, but globalization has made this less common. In most industrial nations, a two page resume is now expected. However, for many technical and academic fields in both the U.S. and abroad, a CV is requested.

Your CV should list personal, academic and professional skills, qualifications and achievements and should be tailored for each target organization to which you apply. Emphasize your achievements and skills which match the specific area of the company's requirements.

Just like a resume, the average hiring manager spends only 20-30 seconds looking at a CV. It should convey your accomplishments, be concise, accurate, and easy to scan.

The content, order and format should be customized to the potential employer's priorities, your own career experience, and your objectives. Just like a resume, skills and achievements must be specific, measurable, and action-oriented. Be sure your most important information is on the first page. Check spelling and be consistent in the layout.

Elements of a CV

A traditional CV will include the following sections:

• Identity and contact information: Name, Address, Phone, Email, Age, Marital Status (optional), Nationality, National Service Obligations (for men), and Visa/Work Permit where applicable.
• Objective: A brief description of your job search focus and professional goals.
• Education: Degree(s) title, university name and location, starting date and graduation date (actual or anticipated). List GPAs (if notable) and academic awards. Highlight courses or research relevant to your objective. List post graduate courses or continuing education.
• Fellowships: If applicable, list field of research, place, title, dates.
• Internships/Residency: If applicable, list location, specialty, dates.
• Licensure/Certifications: If applicable, list type of license or certification, date received.
• Presentations and Publications: For academic and scientific professions, list publications, publisher and date or presentations, event and date.
• Work Experience: This section is similar to that of a resume and should include the following for each job: the position title, company name and location, start and end dates, and a short, specific description of tasks and responsibilities. If the company is not well known, briefly describe the company.
• Grants and Awards: If applicable, list any research grants and special awards.
• Professional Affiliations: List all professional memberships.
• Foreign Language: List language skills and level of fluency.
• Personal and Volunteer: List any relevant community involvement, volunteer work, special skills, hobbies, sports, travel, etc.
• References: For references create a separate page using your contact information as the heading.