Curriculum Vitae Guide

What is a Curriculum Vitae (CV)?

A Curriculum Vitae (CV) is a detailed document that highlights your academic and professional accomplishments. Unlike a resume—which is typically one to two pages—a CV has no page limit and is most commonly used for opportunities in academic, research, medical, and scientific fields.

If you’re applying to graduate school, medical school, academic positions, or research roles, a CV may be the most appropriate document. For most industry roles, however, a resume is usually preferred. Because some employers use the terms “CV” and “resume” interchangeably, it’s a good idea to clarify which document is expected. When in doubt, talk with your Career Coach or someone in your field.

Ready to Create a CV?

If you’ve been asked to submit a CV, the University of Iowa’s CV Resources are an excellent place to start.

What’s Included in a CV?

Since a CV has no set length, it often includes detailed sections that showcase the breadth of your academic and professional experience. Common sections include:

Academic Background

  • Education and Degrees
  • Dissertation/Thesis
  • Study Abroad
  • Advanced Training or Continuing Education

Teaching & Research

  • Courses Taught
  • Research Experience
  • Clinical Experience
  • Practica or Assistantships

Scholarly Work

  • Publications (books, articles, reviews)
  • Presentations (seminars, symposia)
  • Translations
  • Grants, Fellowships, and Scholarships

Professional Experience

  • Employment
  • Consulting
  • Academic Service
  • Committees
  • Conferences Attended

Additional Skills & Activities

  • Computer or Technical Skills
  • Laboratory Skills
  • Licenses and Credentials
  • Languages
  • Volunteer Work
  • Honors and Awards
  • Professional Affiliations

Tips for Getting Started

Begin by compiling a comprehensive list of your experiences—academic, professional, and extracurricular. Be sure to include:

  • Position or title
  • Organization or institution
  • Location (city, state)
  • Dates of involvement
  • Brief descriptions or bullet points (as appropriate)

Include as much context as needed, especially for academic experiences outside of traditional jobs, such as fellowships, research, or courses taught. This helps reviewers fully understand your qualifications.

When formatting your CV, keep the design clean and professional. Use consistent fonts, avoid unnecessary graphics or color, and focus on organizing your information clearly. Content matters most.

View UIowa's CV Resource