Curriculum Vitae (CV) Samples
Job Overview
What is a CV?
A curriculum vitae (CV) provides a summary of your experience, academic background including teaching experience, degrees, research, awards, publications, presentations, and other achievements, skills and credentials.1 CVs are typically used for academic, medical, research, and scientific applications in the U.S.
Review curriculum vitae samples, learn about the difference between a CV and a resume, and glean tips and advice on how to write a CV.
When to Use a CV Instead of a Resume
In the United States, a curriculum vitae is used when applying for academic, education, scientific, or research positions. A curriculum vitae can also be used to apply for fellowships or grants. In Europe, the Middle East, Africa, or Asia, employers may expect to receive a curriculum vitae rather than a resume.
A curriculum vitae, commonly referred to as a “CV,” is a longer (two or more pages), more detailed synopsis than a resume. There are also differences in what is included, and when each document is used.
Note
Your CV should be clear, concise, complete, and up-to-date with current employment and educational information.
What to Include in a Curriculum Vitae
The following are examples of information that can be included in your curriculum vitae. The elements that you include will depend on what you are applying for, so be sure to incorporate the most relevant information to support your candidacy in your CV.
- Personal details and contact information. Most CVs start with contact information and personal data but take care to avoid superfluous details, such as religious affiliation, children’s names, and so on.
- Education and qualifications. Be sure to include the names of institutions and dates attended in reverse order: Ph.D., Masters, Undergraduate.
- Work experience/employment history. The most widely accepted style of employment record is the chronological curriculum vitae. Your career history is presented in reverse date order starting with the most recent appointment. More emphasis/information should be placed on your most recent jobs.
- Skills. Include computer skills, foreign language skills, and any other recent training that is relevant to the role applied for.
- Training / Graduate Fieldwork / Study Abroad
- Dissertations / Theses
- Research experience
- Teaching experience
- Publications
- Presentations, lectures, and exhibitions
- Grants, scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships
- Awards and honors
- Technical, computer, and language skills
- Professional licenses, certifications, and memberships
What Not to Include in a CV
There is no need to include your photo, your salary history, the reason you left your previous position, or references in a CV submitted for jobs in the United States. References should be listed separately and given to employers upon request.
Note
The requirements for international CVs differ, and depend upon the country to which you are applying.
In other countries, private information like your date of birth, nationality, marital status, how many children you have, and a photograph may be required.
How Long Should a CV Be?
A good, entry-level curriculum vitae should ideally cover two to three pages (CVs for mid-level professionals, especially in academia and medical research roles, may run longer).2
Aim to ensure the content is clear, structured, concise, and relevant. Using bullet points rather than full sentences can help minimize word usage.
Curriculum Vitae Sample
The following is a curriculum vitae example for an entry-level candidate for a faculty position. This CV includes employment history, education, competencies, awards, skills, and personal interests. Download the CV template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for more examples.
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Hispanic Literature, Latin American Literature, Peninsular Literature
EDUCATION
Ph.D. in Spanish (US Hispanic Literature), 2018 – University of Houston.
Dissertation: Quixote Reborn: The Wanderer in US Hispanic Literature. Sancho Rodriguez, Chair
M.A. in Spanish, June 2015 – University of Houston
B.A. in Spanish, June 2013 – University of Houston
APPOINTMENTS
Adjunct Lecturer: University of Houston, Department of Hispanic Studies, September 2018 to Present.
PUBLICATIONS
Book
Gonzalez, Gloria. Quixote Reborn: The Wanderer in US Hispanic Literature. New Haven: Yale University Press (forthcoming)
Peer-reviewed Journals
Gonzalez, Gloria. “Mexican Immigrant Stories from the Central Valley,” Lady Liberty Journal, 6(1): 24-41.
Gonzalez, Gloria. “Comparing the Hispanic and European Immigrant Experience through Story,” Hispanic Literature Today 12(3): 25-35.
Gonzalez, Gloria. “Yearning to Be Free: 3 Hispanic Women’s Diaries,” Hispanic Literature Today: 11(2): 18-31.
CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS
2020. Gonzalez, Gloria. “Storytelling Methods in the Central Valley.” Hispanic Storytelling Association Annual Conference, San Francisco, CA
2019. Gonzalez, Gloria. “When Cultures Merge: Themes of Exclusion in Mexican-American Literature.” US Hispanic Literature Annual Conference, Tucson, AZ.
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Adjunct Lecturer, University of Houston
Mexican-American Literature, Spanish 3331
Women in Hispanic Literature, Spanish 3350
Spanish-American Short Story, Spanish 4339
Graduate Teaching Assistant, Northwestern University
Elementary Spanish 1501, 1502, 1505
Intermediate Spanish 2301, 2302, 2610
HONORS / AWARDS
Mexico Study Abroad Summer Grant, 2018
UH Teaching Awards, 2017, 2018, 2020
Dissertation Fellowship, 2017
LANGUAGES
English (native)
Spanish (bilingual oral and written fluency)
Classical Latin (written)
MEMBERSHIPS / AFFILIATIONS
National Association of Latino Arts and Cultures
Asociación Internacional de Literatura y Cultura Femenina Hispánica
Modern Languages Association
More Curriculum Vitae Examples and Templates
Here are additional resources and CV examples to review to get ideas and inspiration for writing your own CV.
