Before you start writing a CV, you need to know how to properly format it. In this article, we’ll show you what to include in your CV, how to properly format it, and give you several CV examples to draw inspiration from.
What is a CV?
A curriculum vitae (CV) is a detailed document that provides a comprehensive overview of your academic and professional achievements. Unlike a standard resume, which is typically limited to one or two pages, a CV can be much longer, especially if you’re in academia or a research-intensive field.
CV format example
Academic CVs follow a formal, detailed structure that emphasizes education, research, and publications.
Differences between a CV and a resume
The distinction between a CV vs. resume often confuses job seekers. A resume is a brief, skills-focused document tailored to a specific job, while a CV is more detailed and structured, covering your full professional history.
CVs are commonly used for academic, research, and medical positions, whereas resumes are preferred for most other job applications, from customer service jobs to corporate roles.
Sections of a CV
CVs are highly customizable and can be adjusted depending on your field, experience level, and career goals. Below are the most common sections to include in a CV, as well as optional sections you can add if applicable.
Common CV sections
Most academic CVs include the following sections:
- Header with your name and contact information
- CV summary or personal statement
- Education
- Research experience
- Teaching experience
- Relevant skills
- Publications
Additional CV sections
Depending on your field and experience, adding extra sections gives employers a fuller picture of your qualifications and expertise.
Include any of the following that apply:
- Fellowships
- Awards & honors
- Presentations
- Patents
- Professional memberships
- Research interests
- Current research projects
- Languages
- References
How to format a CV
A CV should be clean, structured, and easy to read to make a strong impression. Since CVs have no set page limit, it’s important to format them so that key information is easy to find.
Follow these best practices to make an effective CV:
1. Choose a professional font
Choose a clean, legible font like Times New Roman, Calibri, or Arial in a 10–12 pt size. Avoid decorative or overly stylized fonts that make your CV difficult to read and may not be compatible with applicant tracking systems (ATS).
2. Draw the reader’s eye to key information
Use bold text for section headings and job titles to make them stand out. Consider using italics for publications, project titles, or research topics to subtly differentiate them from the rest of the content.
Keep bullet points concise and use white space strategically to create an organized and visually appealing layout.
3. Keep your formatting consistent throughout
Keeping your formatting uniform makes your CV look polished and professional.
Be consistent with:
- Font type and size across all sections
- Bullet point style (e.g., use dashes, asterisks, or dots consistently)
- Date formatting (e.g., MM/YYYY or Month YYYY, but not a mix of both)
- Spacing and margins to maintain a clean and readable structure
4. Don’t overcrowd your CV
Cluttered CVs are difficult to parse. Add enough spacing between sections, bullet points, and headings to create an easy-to-follow layout.
Unlike a resume, CVs don’t have a strict length limit, so don’t feel pressured to fit everything onto one page. Focus on presenting your qualifications clearly and comprehensively.
5. Avoid graphics or other distracting elements
Academic CVs should be text-based and free from unnecessary design elements. Avoid using images, fancy borders, colored backgrounds, or graphics that distract from the content.
CV format samples for different types of job seekers
To make sure your CV follows proper formatting, use any of the templates below to get started and adjust the content to fit your situation.
Undergraduate CV format sample
Use this example as a guide if you’re an undergraduate student applying to graduate school or a research position.
Teaching-focused CV format sample
The sample is adapted from the original 24-page CV of Dr. G. Richard Scott, a Professor of Physical Anthropology at the University of Nevada with nearly five decades of experience. (Contact information and other details have been changed.)
Research-focused CV format sample
This sample rearranges Dr. Scott’s information to emphasize his research experience. Follow this CV example to apply for an academic or scientific position:
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