How to Write a Curriculum Vitae (CV) (With Examples)

If your career path includes work in academic, scientific research, or medical fields in the United States, chances are good that you’ll be asked to provide a curriculum vitae rather than a typical resume. In Latin, the phrase “curriculum vitae” means “course of life.” Which is quite appropriate if, as an entry-level candidate, you feel like you’ve spent your entire life in graduate school or medical school.

What is a CV?

In modern English, the concept behind the curriculum vitae might better be translated as “the course of one’s professional education and career.” In short, institutions that request these documents are most interested in one’s well-rounded credentials for the job (as expressed through training and subsequent career experience). This differs from standard resumes, which focus more on competencies.

Here's information on why, when, and how to use a CV, when to use a resume vs. a curriculum vitae, CV writing, and formatting guidelines, the differences between U.S. and international CVs, and examples.

When to Use a Curriculum Vitae

When should job seekers use a curriculum vitae, commonly referred to as a “CV,” rather than a resume? In the United States, a curriculum vitae is used primarily when applying for academic, education, scientific, medical, or research positions. It is also applicable when applying for fellowships or grants.1

When seeking a job in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, or Asia, expect to submit a CV rather than a resume.

Keep in mind that overseas employers often expect to read the type of personal information on a curriculum vitae that would never be included on an American resume, such as date of birth, nationality, marital status, and place of birth.

United States law governing what information job applicants can be asked to provide does not apply outside the country.

What to Include in a CV

There are several differences between a curriculum vitae and a resume. A curriculum vitae is a longer (two or more pages), more detailed synopsis of your background and skills. As with a resume, you may need different versions of a CV for different types of positions.

Like a resume, a curriculum vitae should include:

• Your name
• Contact information
• Education
• Skills
• Experience

In addition to these basics, a CV also includes:2

• Research and teaching experience
• Publications
• Presentations
• Grants
• Fellowships
• Professional associations and licenses
• Awards and honors

Also list any other information relevant to the position you are applying for. You may also include a personal statement to make your CV stand out.

Start writing your CV by making a list of all your background information, then organize it into categories. Make sure you include dates on all the publications and experience you list.

Depending on the country, you may also need to provide the following in an international CV:

• Nationality
• Marital status
• Age
• Number of children (ages optional)
• Personal interests like hobbies
• All education including high school / secondary school
• Photos are also recommended (a professional headshot is best)

Date of Birth on CVs

Some countries outside the United States expect you to include your date of birth on your CV. If you are applying to a foreign job, research the particular country's protocol for job applications.

If you are using a curriculum vitae (CV) or resume to apply for a job in the United States, due to current laws regarding age discrimination, you may not be required to include your date of birth on your curriculum vitae.

Customize Your Curriculum Vitae

Once you have made a list of the information you want to include, it's a good idea to create a custom curriculum vitae that specifically highlights the experience you have that is relevant to the job you are applying for. It takes more time to write a custom CV, but it's worth the effort—especially when you are applying for jobs that are a good match for your skills and experience.

• Use accomplishment-oriented bullets that start with an action verb and include a result.
• Start with a Professional Profile (also called a Summary) that highlights the best of what you as a candidate are offering.
• Edit content to include those areas of expertise, skills, and knowledge that specifically match the job requirements; not all the details of your education and employment history (work, research, fellowships, etc.) may be relevant.
• Carefully rank and organize the sections of your CV according to what the institution you are applying for is seeking. For example, if you are applying to a university where research is emphasized, you should begin your list of publications on page one, right after your initial professional profile. If, on the other hand, you know that teaching is valued over the publication by the department, you’ll want to give your professional career history pride of place on the first page.

Curriculum Vitae Sample

This is an example of a curriculum vitae. Download the curriculum vitae template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for more examples.

The Balance 

 Download the Word Template

Curriculum Vitae Sample (Text Version)

Dorothy Doctor, M.D.
3204 Windover Way
Houston, TX 77204
dorothydoctor@email.com
000.123.4567

Curriculum Vitae

Dedicated and patient-focused M.D. positioned to excel within residency providing an opportunity to grow in knowledge and therapeutic practice of pediatric medicine.

EDUCATION

Doctor of Medicine (M.D.), May 2018 – David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA

B.S. in Biology, summa cum laude, June 2014 – Stanford University

HONORS / AWARDS

David Geffen Medical Scholarship, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
Stanford Department of Biology Award, 2013
Stanford Dean’s List, 2010-2014

EXAMINATIONS

USMLE Step 1, May 2016
USMLE Step 2 CK, May 2018

WORK EXPERIENCE

UCLA, Department of Oncology
Research Assistant (2015-2016)

• Assisted Joe Johnson, M.D. and Sue Sanderson, Ph.D. in research and submission of “Novel Immunotherapy Approach to Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS).”

STANFORD UNIVERSITY
Resident Assistant (2013-2014)

• Provided leadership, companionship, and emotional support to undergraduate residents of a university dormitory.

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

American Medical Student Association, UCLA (September 2013 – June 2018)

• President, local chapter, May 2014 – June 2018
• Coordinated well-attended Wellness on Campus Fair, September 2017

Volunteer, Venice Family Clinic (September 2014 to June 2017)

• Helped to support the needs of underserved families at the free medical clinic.

Hospital Volunteer, Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center (September 2014 – June 2015)

• Volunteered in pediatric, ER, and surgery rotation positions

Volunteer, UCLA People-Animal Connection Program (September 2013 – June 2014)

• Provided companionship to critically ill children in the animal-assisted therapy program.

LANGUAGES

English (native)
Spanish (advanced oral and written fluency)

MEMBERSHIPS / AFFILIATIONS

American Medical Student Association, 2014 - present
American Medical Association, 2017 – present

PERSONAL INTERESTS

CrossFit, surfing, photography, and oboe performance.