Most U.S. employers prefer a resume. But some fields in the U.S., such as medicine, law, education, science and media, might require a curriculum vitae. The same goes for some advanced-degree programs.

Below are curriculum vitae writing tips, along with samples that serve as format examples.

Curriculum Vitae and Resume Differences

A curriculum vitae is typically more comprehensive to some degree than a resume. This is especially true if it is to be distributed overseas to countries outside of the U.S., where employers require the inclusion of much personal and background information. A resume rarely exceeds two pages. But it's not uncommon for a curriculum vitae to be up to ten or more, especially one for a job overseas.

Curriculum Vitae Contents

In the U.S., it's unlawful discrimination for employers to deny you employment and schools to deny you an education, solely on the basis of your age (if 40 or over), race, color, creed, gender, disability, religion, marital status or number of children. Subsequently, you do not need to provide such personal information in your U.S. curriculum vitae.

In fact, it's not a good idea to provide it even voluntarily. It might make employers or schools feel uncomfortable, because of the potential discriminatory implications.

However, because the laws are different in other countries, employers or schools might legally require you to provide personal information in your curriculum vitae, such as your date and country of birth, marital status, number of children, religious affiliation and nationality.

Below is a list of elements that a curriculum vitae might include. Which you'd include depends on the purpose of your curriculum vitae, employer or school requirements, your qualifications, and the country in which you are submitting it.

For example, in your U.S. curriculum vitae, you would not include those marked by an asterisk (*). Those marked by double asterisks (**) are optional in the U.S., depending on employer or school requirements.

Complete contact information
Photo*
Brief biography with personal details, such as age*, date and country of birth*, marital status*, number of children*, religious affiliation*, nationality*, and where you work or hold licenses
Professional, career or research objective
Education
Study abroad
Thesis or dissertation title and advisor
Graduate fieldwork
Awards, honors and patents
Grants and fellowships
Research experience
Work experience
Skills
Publications and presentations
Professional licenses and certifications
Language skills
Professional memberships
Related extracurricular activities**
Interests**
References**

If you're not sure what you should include in your CV, contact the hiring authority or school's admissions office and ask.

Curriculum Vitae Samples and Format Examples

Linked below are several curriculum vitae samples that also serve as CV format examples. All are appropriate for the U.S., but employer or school requirements might differ.

Sample Curriculum Vitae One
Research Fellow
Sample Curriculum Vitae Two
Social Work PhD Program Admission
Sample Curriculum Vitae Three
MD Endocrinology Fellowship
Sample Curriculum Vitae Four
Registered Nurse
Sample Curriculum Vitae Five
Lawyer

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