Home » Resume Writing Format » Curriculum Vitae vs. Resume
Who needs a curriculum vitae?
Many CVs don't include Job Objective statements, especially if the applicant intends to stay in the same field. Between the college degree and the work history, it's usually obvious what type of position is being sought. However, if you're planning to change careers (for example, from research to teaching), a Job Objective statement at the top of your CV would be helpful to the potential employer.
Job-Hunt Hint
To portray a sense of personality in your CV, get a friend to help you write it. Ask your buddy to jot down the exact phrases you use to spontaneously describe your accomplishments. Then polish those carefree expressions into business-speak that captures a hint of your character.
The Person Behind the Paper Mask
Even though the language of your curriculum vitae will be low-key compared to, say, a salesperson's resume, your CV doesn't have to be devoid of personality. I suggest having a section near the top of your CV that tells the reader a little bit about who you are and what you're looking for (similar to the Summary of Qualifications section in a resume). Give this section a title such as Profile, Professional Statement, Summary of Qualifications, or Career Summary.
Use three to six bullet points to describe attributes such as
These statements should not be dramatic; they should simply summarize the pages of lists to follow and give the CV reader a sense of who you are (for instance, what your career passions are and what constitutes your work ethic).
Terms of Employment
Vitae is the possessive form of vita which means life. Therefore "life's course" is curriculum vitae. Life is just plain vita.
Freedom of Format
Because the CV usually addresses a conservative reader, many people assume that it needs to follow a standard, rigid format. Not so! You can be creative in presenting your strengths while respecting the expectations of the academic, scientific, or institutional employer. That means you can consider using any one of the five formats I've suggested so far:
- Chronological
- Functional
- Achievement
- Chronological hybrid
- Functional hybrid