Curriculum vitae (CV)
A curriculum vitae, usually shortened to CV, presents your experience, education and qualifications for an application.
In the UK, CV commonly means the document used for ordinary job applications. It gives an employer a concise account of relevant work, skills and achievements. Clear headings, accurate dates and specific descriptions help the reader find evidence. Adjust the emphasis for the role while keeping the underlying facts consistent across versions.
The term has a different emphasis in U.S. academic hiring. There, a CV often records research, teaching, publications and presentations in greater detail, while a resume is usual for many other jobs. Harvard's careers guidance distinguishes these uses. Check the employer's instructions before deciding on length or sections, particularly when applying across countries. A document suitable for a university research appointment may need substantial editing for a commercial role.
Example
A researcher preparing two applications keeps publications and teaching detail in an academic CV, then creates a shorter document focused on relevant project work for an industry operations role.
What to check
- Does this employer mean a general job CV or a detailed academic record?
- Can a reader quickly find the experience relevant to the stated requirements?
- Are your dates, qualification names and contact details accurate?