Guide to Writing a CURRICULUM VITAE (CV)

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Guide to Writing a
CURRICULUM VITAE (CV)

What IS a CV, anyway?
A curriculum vitae (CV) is a document that outlines your entire academic history. It is used most
often to apply for faculty positions at colleges and universities, for research-intensive positions at
national labs or research institutes, and for fellowships, grants, or awards.

What categories should I include in my CV?
At the very least, a CV should include contact information, education, research experience,
teaching experience (if applicable), publications, presentations, and references. Other potential
categories are listed below and may include awards, professional affiliations, community or
university service, and others.

What is the appropriate length for a CV?
Length is less important in a CV than completeness. Your CV should include your complete
academic history and is not typically limited by length, as is a resume.

Should I include job descriptions for every position listed on my CV?
Not necessarily. Most academic search committees may focus solely on your institution and your
advisor. Given this focus, listing your title, institution, advisor, location, and dates you attended or
were employed there are required. Additionally, most faculty reviewers expect to see dates listed
on the left-hand side of the page.

Does order matter on a CV?
Yes. It is critical for you to consider the position you are applying for and/or the audience you are
writing for when compiling a CV. For example, if you are applying for a faculty position at a small
college, you will want to list your teaching experience on the first page of your CV and your
research experience and publications later in your document. The reverse would be true if you
were applying to a research-intensive university or institute.

I’m in the process of drafting my CV, but am not sure about format and style.
It is a good idea to ask your advisor or a mentor in your field for a copy of his/her CV, as each
discipline has its own standards for content, style, and format.

Do you have any samples?
The CV samples found on the OITE website will help you to draft and/or edit your own CV. While
the names have been changed, these are CVs from actual trainees who found employment in their
respective areas of interest. You may use these as a guide, but your words must be your own—do
NOT copy these samples word for word!

Sample category headings

Education
Dissertation
Master’s Project
Thesis

Professional Competencies
Areas of Expertise
Areas of Concentration in Graduate Study
Internships

Teaching Interests
Teaching Experience

Research Interests
Research Assistantships
Postdoctoral Experience
Research Appointments
Research Experience

Professional Experience
Academic Appointments
Professional Summary
Related Experience
Administrative Experience
Consulting Experience

Academic Service
Advising
University Involvement
Outreach
Leadership
University Assignments

Professional Development
Professional Association Advisory Boards
Advisory Committees
National Boards
Professional Activities

Conference Participation
Conference Presentations
Conference Leadership
Workshop Presentations
Invited Lectures
Lectures and Colloquia

Publications
Abstracts
Scholarly Works
Books
Chapters
Editorial Boards
Professional Papers
Technical Papers
Refereed Journal Articles
Editorial Appointments
Articles/Monographs
Book Reviews

Research Grants
Funded Projects
Grants and Contracts
Patents

Awards
Scholarships
Fellowships
Honors
Activities and Distinctions
Professional Recognition
Prizes

Professional Memberships
Affiliations
Memberships in Scholarly Societies
Professional Organizations
Honorary Societies
Professional Societies

Professional Certification
Certification
Licensure
Endorsements
Special Training

Foreign Study
Study Abroad
Travel Abroad
International Projects
Languages
Language Competencies