Curriculum Vitae (CV) for Academic Job Search
This document catalogs your academic achievements,and is typically organized around three pillars of the academy: Research, Teaching and Service. It is an exhaustive list of your achievements, as opposed to a resume, which is more of a snapshot, tailored to demonstrate specific skill sets and accomplishments. CV’s are the credential asked for in academic job application processes, postdoctoral scholar application processes, and fellowship and grant applications. Because they demonstrate research expertise, they are also frequently asked for by research-intensive organizations.
Confused about the differences between a resume and a CV? Download this chart to view important differences.
CVs typically include more white space, because they focus on your accomplishments as opposed to the skills you have demonstrated. There is not a page limit for a CV, and one inch margins, double spaced with 12 point
font is appropriate. The document should be evenly spaced and easy to read. Look for examples from some of the scholars in your discipline and those who are working in positions you are interested in pursuing to create your own style.
Although there is not only one way to write a CV, below are some tips to help you get started:
- List first and last name and contact information at the top.
- Always include the date you last updated your CV.
- List accomplishments in reverse chronological order in each section: research, teaching, funding, education, honors & awards.
- Use the citation style of your discipline (e.g., APA, MLA).
- All publications should be accurate and complete: co-authors, journal, issue, title, date.
- All presentations should be accurate and complete: co-presenters, conference, date, location, title.
- “In press” indicates that your publication has already been accepted by a journal.
- Publication status should be clearly marked – under review, revised & resubmitted.
- In preparation manuscripts should be tracked on the CV, but not always used when submitting a CV.
- In preparation is a very discipline-specific title, check with your advisor whether “in preparation” manuscripts are acceptable to list in your field.