A curriculum vitae (CV) is an in-depth document that outlines an individual’s professional and academic history.

In the United States, a CV is typically used for academic, scientific or research positions and is more detailed than a resume. However, in many other parts of the world, a CV is the standard document for any job application and is equivalent to what Americans know as a resume.

This guide focuses on the specialized CV as used in the United States for scholarly, scientific, medical or legal positions, detailing how to outline your achievements, research, publications and other scholarly activities.

To start, fill out the clearly defined sections of the CV template with your professional details.

• Contact information: Start with your full name, phone number and email address. If applicable, include links to your academic website or LinkedIn profile.
• Professional summary: Write a brief overview that represents your academic pursuits, key research interests and notable achievements in your field. Early in your career, write a resume objective instead.
• Educational background: Detail your academic history in reverse-chronological order, beginning by listing your degrees. Include the institution, degree obtained and your area of study or dissertation title.
• Academic and professional experience: List your teaching, research or professional experience related to your field. Describe your roles, responsibilities and any significant contributions or accomplishments.
• Publications and presentations: Include a comprehensive list of your published works and presentations. Organize this section by type, such as books, journal articles, conference presentations and invited talks.
• Grants and awards: Detail any grants, scholarships or awards you have received, indicating the granting institutions and the purpose or project they supported.
• Professional affiliations: List memberships in academic or professional organizations, highlighting any active roles or contributions.
• Research interests: Clearly articulate your areas of research interest and any ongoing or future projects.
• Skills: For scientific or technical fields, detail specific laboratory skills, methodologies or techniques you are proficient in.
• Languages: Include language proficiencies if relevant to your work.
• References: Academic CVs often end with a list of references. Include the names and contact information of professors or academic colleagues who can vouch for your qualifications and research potential.

Excellent! Now, if you’re interested in learning about the other kind of CV — the type more akin to a resume in the United States and commonly used for a wide range of job applications outside the academic world — please see our guide on how to write a resume.

Reading about the three primary CV formats available in 2024 is key to presenting your career in the best light. Your options include:

• Chronological CV: Ideal for showcasing a steady career progression.
• Skills-based CV: Focuses on specific skills, perfect for those with diverse experiences or gaps in their employment history.
• Combination CV: Blends elements of chronological and skills-based formats, great for highlighting your employment history and key skills.

Selecting the right format depends largely on your career stage and goals. Each type offers unique advantages, so choose the one that aligns best with where you are in your professional journey.

There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all CV design. When you want to download CV templates, the one you choose should align with your employment history, industry and the job you want.

The following tips will help you choose the most effective CV template for you:

• Align your CV template to your industry: If you’re applying in a creative industry, feel free to choose a flashy template. However, for roles in conservative industries, choose a more refined design.
• Go for an understated layout: Your CV format must be easy for an ATS to scan and a hiring manager to read. Look for clean lines, clear organization and standard fonts.
• Make sure it’s easy to use: A CV template should simplify the process of making a standout CV. If it causes confusion or takes up extra time, browse our CV templates to find a better one.
• Pick a template you can modify: You will need a new CV for every job you apply for. Our customizable CV templates allow you to move quickly and easily from one application to another.

Creating a unique CV for each job application is crucial. As you write your CV, you’ll want to choose a customizable CV design that allows you to change the text for different roles. Below, we’ll explain how to customize a CV on your own — and with the help of a builder.

Here’s how to customize a CV manually:

1. Download a free CV template that can be edited in Microsoft Word or Google Docs.
2. The template will come with instructions for editing. Generally, replace the existing text with details specific to your experience and qualifications.
3. Save your edited CV under a new file name. You can revisit this file (or the original template) to modify and save new versions for different job applications.

Here’s how to customize a template with a resume builder:

1. Access our CV Builder and decide whether to upload an existing CV or start a new one.
2. Select the level of your professional experience.
3. The builder will suggest templates based on your experience, including premium options exclusive to the builder.
4. The builder guides you through each section of the CV, offering advice and auto-generated text to help you craft a compelling summary, work experience, skills section and more.
5. Download your personalized CV in the file format you prefer. Your template will be saved in your account, allowing you to return and create as many versions as necessary.

A resume is a job application document typically used in various industries and fields. It’s usually one or two pages long and provides a concise overview of your career.

If you’re working outside of highly specialized fields in the U.S., you might prefer a resume template over a CV template. Our Resume Generator makes it easy to customize your resume. Additionally, we have a wide array of resume examples that can help you understand how they differ from CVs.

You can learn more about CVs vs resumes in our guide.

Cover letters are an excellent way to set yourself apart when you’re submitting a CV. Writing a cover letter that is compelling, personalized and highlights your key strengths can significantly increase your chances of landing an interview.

But there’s an important detail to remember: Your cover letter should complement your CV. Selecting a cover letter template that matches or closely resembles your CV design is crucial for appearing professional and well-organized.

You can find matching cover letter templates in our builder, which also offers the convenience of auto-generating content based on your work experience. If you prefer to write it yourself, using cover letter examples can be an excellent source of inspiration, ensuring your letter aligns well with your CV.

You can find more insights in our career advice blog.

Creating a CV template involves understanding the standard sections and formatting requirements that make a CV effective and easy to read. Here’s how to create a CV template:

• Identify the key sections: These typically include contact information, professional summary, educational background, work experience, skills, publications, awards and references.
• Choose a format: Decide whether you want a chronological, functional or combination format based on your career stage and goals.
• Design the layout: Use clear headings, bullet points and ample white space to ensure readability. Choose a standard font like Arial or Times New Roman.
• Create placeholders: Add placeholders for each section, which can be easily filled in with personal information.
• Test for ATS compatibility: Ensure your design is simple enough to be parsed by applicant tracking systems (ATS) by avoiding complex graphics and tables.

By following these steps, you can create a CV template that is both professional and easy to customize for different job applications.