If you’re applying for a job, internship, scholarship, or academic program, you’ve probably come across the term curriculum vitae (AKA: CV).
In this guide, we will:
- explain the meaning of a CV
- show you how to write a curriculum vitae
- share curriculum vitae (CV) examples and templates you can use—whether you’re a student, professional, or academic.
What’s the Difference between a Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a Resume
While often used interchangeably, a CV and resume are not the same.
- A curriculum vitae is a comprehensive document that includes your education, experience, publications, and achievements. It’s typically used in academia, research, or international job applications.
- A resume is a shorter, one-page summary tailored for a specific job.
So, if you’re wondering when to use each:
- Use a resume for most corporate jobs.
- Use a curriculum vitae for academic, scientific, or research positions—or where it’s specifically requested.
How to Write a Curriculum Vitae (CV) That Stands Out
Writing a compelling CV starts with knowing what to include in a curriculum vitae. Here’s a breakdown:
- Contact Information – Full name, phone, email, LinkedIn, and optionally a website.
- Professional Summary – 2–3 lines describing your goals, background, and top skills.
- Education – List your degrees, institutions, and dates of attendance.
- Work Experience – Include job title, employer, dates, and key achievements.
- Skills – Focus on hard and soft skills relevant to the position.
- Certifications, Publications, Awards – Especially important for academic CVs.
- References – Available upon request (unless otherwise stated).
Want help formatting it? Use HelloI to help you create custom CVs/resumes, cover letters, and much more. HelloI is your career AI Tool that helps with all aspects of your career journey.
Curriculum Vitae Format: What Should a CV Look Like?
You may be asking, “What does a curriculum vitae look like?” or “What should a CV look like?” The answer depends on your industry and purpose, but good formatting always follows these best practices:
- Clean, consistent font (e.g., Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman)
- Organized headings and bullet points
- Reverse-chronological order for work and education
- One to three pages, depending on experience
How Long Should a CV Be?
We recommend the following based on your job field/experience:
- Students / entry-level: 1 page
- Professionals: 2 pages
- Academics / researchers: 2–4 pages (including publications)
Curriculum Vitae Examples for Every Career Stage
Whether you’re a student, graduate, or seasoned executive, here are tailored examples to help guide your CV writing:
Curriculum Vitae for High School and College Students
If you’re just starting out, focus on academics, extracurriculars, volunteer work, and part-time jobs. These are important for curriculum vitae for high school students, college application CVs, CVs for scholarship applications, etc. These help demonstrate your potential even without formal work experience.
Professional Curriculum Vitae Examples
For working professionals or career changers, showcase relevant experience, skills, and impact that are not necessarily mentioned in your cover letter or resume.
Academic and Executive Curriculum Vitae
For senior professionals or those in research or education, the format of your CV becomes more in-depth if you need an Academic CV format, Scientific curriculum vitae, or an Executive CV. Be sure to include grants, research, conferences, publications, and teaching roles to build credibility.
Look for Curriculum Vitae Templates You Can Customize
We recommend starting a template for you to use each time you need a CV. Templates ensure you follow best practices and save time. Choose based on your industry—whether it’s a functional CV template for skill-based applications or a chronological CV template for traditional career paths.
Need something fast? Try a CV maker online such as HelloI for real-time suggestions.
Conclusion: Create a Curriculum Vitae That Opens Doors
Your curriculum vitae is more than just a list of your experience—it’s a personal brand statement. With the right format, keywords, and attention to detail, your CV can help you stand out in a competitive job market.
Whether you’re a high school student applying for scholarships, a college graduate searching for internships, or a professional aiming for a leadership role, the resources and examples above will help you succeed.
Ready to create your best CV yet? Let your credentials shine on the page—and open doors to your future.
