Curriculum vitae, or CVs, as these documents are also known, have widespread use overseas, where they are preferred to resumes.

In the United States, however, resumes are most often used.  That said, CVs are warranted under the following conditions:

1. The jobseeker is in an academic field (college or university professor), and is seeking a teaching position.

2. The candidate is in employed in research, medicine, or a similar discipline and is seeking a residency, fellowship, or admission into a program (i.e. Ph.D.).

3. The candidate has been published numerous times and has made many presentations, with details of these included in the document.

Differences between CVs and Resumes

• Content:  CVs tend to be more comprehensive in the data provided to the hiring authority.  This is especially true of CVs used for distribution overseas, where the inclusion of personal information (date of birth, marital status, religious affiliation, nationality, country of birth, etc.) is required.

• Length:  Whereas resumes rarely exceed two pages in length, CVs can run from 10 to 15 pages and longer.

When to use a resume or a CV

Again, generally speaking, a resume is preferred over a CV in the United States, unless the hiring authority specifically requests a CV.

Samples

Curriculum Vitae Sample One – Research Fellow

Curriculum Vitae Sample Two – for admission into Ph.D. program in Social Work

Curriculum Vitae Sample Three – for fellowship in Endocrinology