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I.

INTRODUCTION
A.

Nature of a Curriculum Vitae

A curriculum vitae is the passport for any jobseekers in the world It contains all
the experience, educational background and achievements of an applicant however it
does not contain other personal information besides the name and address of the
applicant. Unlike a resume, it does not only contain specific background for a specific
position but it is a complete report about a jobseekers experiences and educational
background.
CVs are almost exclusively used in the United States only. Countries in Europe,
Middle East, Africa, and Asia does not necessarily require CVs. In the US, people in the
educational and medicinal background usually use CVs rather than resumes.
B.

Definition of a Curriculum Vitae

A curriculum vitae, commonly referred to as a CV, is a summary of your


educational and academic backgrounds, which is used primarily in academic and medical
science (Hoffman 2010:548). Like a resume, a curriculum vitae (CV) provides a
summary of ones experience and skills. Typically, CVs are longer than resumes - at least
two or three pages.
CVs include information on ones academic background, including teaching
experience, degrees, research, awards, publications, presentations, and other
achievements. CVs are thus much longer than resumes, and include more information,
particularly related to academic background.
A curriculum vitae summary is a one-to-two-page, condensed version of a full
curriculum vitae. A CV summary is a way to quickly and concisely convey ones skills
and qualifications. Sometimes large organizations will ask for a one-page CV summary
when they expect a large pool of applicants.

II.

CONTENT
A.

Purposes of a Curriculum Vitae

1.

CVs are commonly used for application letters in the educational and

medical field.
2.

It provide needed information about an applicant.

3.

It also provides not only specific information but a general overview on


the background of the applicant.

B.

Errors in a Curriculum Vitae

1.

The parts of the CV are not in its proper order.

2.

Adding unnecessary information on the CV.

3.

Adding fake information to improve the chances of being hired.

4.

Violating the rules of technical writing. Since a curriculum vitae is a


technical report, make sure to avoid spelling, grammar, punctuation, or
typographical errors.

C.

Parts of a Curriculum Vitae

CVs differ widely on personal preference, where you are applying to, and
your experience. The following list will give you an idea of what to include and
its specific order
:
Name & address (no personal information)
Education, with degrees & dates (most recent dates first)
Clinical certifications, with dates
Employment history, brief description & dates; most recent dates first (&
brief description)-may also be placed in first position
Honors and awards (predoctoral and postdoctoral)
Grant funding
Leadership and service
Teaching experience
Laboratory skills
Publications-name bold faced, co-first authors easily identified
Invited presentations and seminars
Professional qualifications
Certifications and accreditations
Computer skills

Language proficiency
Unique technical abilities
Professional membership (Hoffman 2010:546-547)
D.

Tips/Guidelines in Writing a Curriculum Vitae

1.

For your CV or resume, use a common font such as Times, Palatino or


Arial in 12 point. Use underlines, boldface, and italics sparingly, avoid
fancy bullets and other ornaments, and keep left indents to a minimum
(Hoffman 2010:546).

2.

Follow the basic format of technical writing. Dont use complicated words
to avoid confusions and dont attempt to appeal to the emotion of the
evaluator.

3.

Never exaggerate or understate. Do not put something that you are not
capable of but always make sure to write all your abilities.

4.

Potential employers will only take a glance or two on your CV so make


sure to highlight abilities that will capture the interest of the employer.
Highlighting your abilities can be achieved by being able to condense it all
in about one to two pages.

5.

Facts about your personal life are not parts of a CV. You dont need to
include your marital status, age, height, weight, photographs, etc. (unless
youre entering an industry that require aesthetics such as modelling).

E.

Sample
JANET MILLER
Address
Telephone and e-mail

EDUCATION
PhD Chemistry; University of Utah

2009

B.S Chemistry, cum laude; Washington University of California

2006

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Assistant Professor Yale University, Department of Biological Chemistry
2008present

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Postdoctoral Fellow: University of Pennsylvania; laboratory of Dr. Enzo
Russo
2006-2008

PUBLICATIONS
Books
Miller, J.H. Chemical synthesis-the new era, oxford University Press,
accepted for publication in 2008
Articles and Book Chapters
Schulz, P.A., Miller J.H., Hartmann, E. (2008). Title. Journal of Chemistry
126: 1-8
ABSTRACTS
Miller, J.H and Kobe, C.G. (2008). Title. Protein Society abstracts.
COURSES

TALKS

REFERENCES
Available upon request.

III.

CONCLUSION
A.

Review of Essential Points

A curriculum vitae or CV in short is like a resume but is much shorter. A CV is


maybe about two to three pages long. CVs are not usually used around the world but it is
commonly used in the United States of America when applying in the educational and
medical field/
A curriculum vitae reflects the attitude of its writer. An organized and systematic
CV is a clear indication that the writer himself is an organized person. In making CVs,

always remember the basic rules of grammar and technical writing. Remember how the
parts are arranged and always be honest in whatever you write.

B.

Remarkable Statement

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