BC Environmental and Occupational Health Research Network

A curriculum vitae (CV) is a detailed synopsis of achievements, background and skills. It is primarily used when applying for academic, scientific or research positions, as well as applying for fellowships, grants, or other funding. A CV generally follows the following basic format:

Basic Personal Information:• Name, Address, Phone Number, Fax Number, E-mail address Education: • Start with the most recent degree • Can include thesis title and advisor’s name • Special designations (cum laude) or certifications are also under this section

Awards and Grants: • Include any awards or grants received in this section • Can include those currently under application depending on number of entries and CV audience Experience and Publications: • Journal articles, conference proceedings, reports or presentations • May also include work in progress or manuscripts pending publication Professional Memberships: • Any professional memberships, including the joining date

References: • 3-5 references who are familiar with you academically or professionally, depending on the recipients of the CV, it can be tailored accordingly.

CV Resources How-to Guides and Sample CVs: • http://www.quintcareers.com/curriculum_vitae.html “You need to walk the line between providing a good quality of depth to showcase your qualifications and attract potential employer interest and providing too much information” • http://psych.hanover.edu/handbook/vita2.html “There are two aspects to a vita: doing and telling. That is, both form and substance are important. This article will describe what kinds of things go into a vita and how to present them.” • http://www.dartmouth.edu/~gradstdy/careers/services/vita.html “In applying for an academic position, an applicant is asked to submit a CV along with a Dissertation Abstract, a Statement of Research Interests, and a Statement of Teaching Interests. It is important to present a clear and well-organized application. Your goal is to make the search committee want to interview you.” • http://careers.unc.edu/yourjobsearch/resumes_letters/cv.pdf “Also, depending on the position to which you are applying, it may make more sense to rearrange categories. For instance, if you are applying for a college teaching position where teaching is the focus, it is recommended to focus on that general area early in the CV. If research is the primary focus of the institution to which you are applying, listing research-related categories near the beginning of the CV will be most effective.” • http://www.grad.uiuc.edu/CareerServices/academic/cvs/CVhandout.pdf “Stress your personal accomplishments and contributions. These types of explanations are certainly optional, and your CV can be complete without them. However, concise, thoughtful explanations of your skills and accomplishments may distinguish you from others in the applicant pool and persuade the reader of your competence.”

Additional Sample CVs: http://jobsearch.about.com/od/cvsamples/Sample_Curriculum_Vitae.htm http://my.gcu.edu/STUDENTS/SERVICES/CAREERSERVICES/Pages/CurriculumVitaeExamples.aspx