- How to Write a Curriculum Vitae - Michelle Meiklejohn
We have all written resumes at one point or another when applying for a job. In theory, the application process for every job requires the submission of the resume, or, a written account of your qualifications, skills, and experiences that, in essence, prove you are a good candidate for the position for which you are applying.
One of the only exceptions to this rule is in the case whereby you are applying to a scientific, professional, or academic position. In these cases, you will likely be required to submit a CV. The CV is, in essence, a resume with a specific focus on academic and professional achievements, whereas in a resume, an applicant would include all work and volunteer experiences; it would not have the same focus as a CV which would eliminate much of the content you would include in a resume.
What is a Curriculum Vitae (CV)?
Despite this deliberate exclusion, however, a CV is expected to be longer than a resume. The more academic and professional achievements and activities, the better! Academics and professionals work consistently throughout their careers to add to their CVs and to keep them current. It is not enough to have a plethora of achievements if they were all accomplished in the distant past. In these professions, individuals are expected to continually grow, to stay current, and to be continuous, contributing members of their particular professions.
When Should You Submit a CV?
Resumes are typically submitted when applying only for paid jobs and volunteer positions. CVs, however, have a much broader purpose. With this in mind, a CV should be chosen over a resume in the following circumstances. Bear in mind, however, that this is not an exhaustive list. Always determine whether a CV or a resume is required for your purposes:
A CV Should be Submitted in the Following Circumstances:
1. When applying for any academic or scientific faculty, professional, or research position.
2. When applying to a graduate, post-graduate, or professional school.
3. When applying for research funding, fellowships, bursaries, scholarships, or grants.
4. When applying for membership in a professional association.
5. When applying to speak at a professional or academic conference.
What Should You Include in a CV?
The contents of a CV will typically include the following. In terms of format, people use many different formats to present and organize the information contained in a CV. It is often beneficial for an applicant to ask an acquaintance or an associate if they can view their CV to get a sense of possible presentations and formats. Because a CV is a focused piece of work, and a written account of an entire academic or professional career, all points must be detailed and complete. Remember, resumes are ideally short; however, CVs are more impressive when they hold some weight! Again, this list is not exhaustive:
1. Education: All degrees, certificates, and diplomas, in great detail. Include a list of all majors and minors, thesis titles and school location, for example.
2. Teaching Experience: List all courses taught, along with dates, and anything you have contributed to teaching or advancements in teaching.
3. Completed and in-process research, committee work, special projects, and scholarly activities.
4. Awards, grants, and fellowships.
5. Publications and Conference Presentations.
6. All professional or academic associations or organizations of which you a member or an executive member, and your role in the association or organization.
7. Language Proficiency.
8. References.
This was very brief introduction to the CV or Curriculum Vitae, and some of the major differences between it and a traditional resume. There are plenty of resources on the internet that will give you a more detailed sense of the organization and presentation of a CV. Hopefully, this article answered some initial questions and provided a place to begin. Good luck!
See also How to Write a Resume Cover Letter
Amanda Tiller - Amanda Tiller is a Librarian residing in St. John's, Newfoundland. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree and a Master of Arts ...
