An Outline for Preparing a Chronological Curriculum Vitae

Adapted from: Reile DM and Nickols JL. Survival Strategies for Your New Career. 2006; 25–26.

Create a Heading

Your name should stand out and be quickly visible at the top center or left side of the CV. List a phone number or email address for which you can be easily reached.  Ensure that your voicemail uses a professional tone and your email address is a basic email such as your_name@aol.com.  Avoid cutesy, personal email addresses.  Also include your name and page numbers in each subsequent page as a header or footer.  Pages sometimes get misplaced in a pile and having your name visible will make it easy to find.

Career Summary or Qualifications Summary

This isn’t a critical or essential section, but it can capture an employers attention, especially if it's relevant and unique.  If you include this section, it will contain:

• A brief, clearly worded statement of what you do, where you do it, and which of your skills are relevant for the desired position.
  
• Only those skills supported by fact in the body of the CV.

Education and Training

In reverse chronological order, list specialized training programs, colleges, degrees, and dates of attendance. Internships, fellowships, honors, major research, significant courses, and workstudy may be listed here or under separate headings.

Experience (full-time, part-time, summer, volunteer, internships)

Categorize in reverse chronological order. List dates of employment, name  of work place, and your job title. Describe your accomplishments and specific tasks rather than responsibilities. Emphasize transferable skills, especially as they relate to the new employer. Begin phrases with action verbs such as organized, planned, led, and advised. Omit personal pronouns. Be positive and concise.

Military Service

Describe in detail if the experience enhances your application.

Affiliations (memberships, certifications)

Include membership in professional organizations or fraternities (if you aren’t a member, join). Mention offices, titles, special duties, achievements, and awards.

Research and Publications

You may want to include this information under the Education and Training section if you have limited research experience or have been listed in only one or two publications. However, if your research experience is extensive and/or you have been published several times (including being listed as first author), then a separate section is advised.

Additional Skills/Information (computer skills, travel, foreign language proficiency)

Describe this information if it is unique or includes required relevant skills or experience.

Extracurricular Activities (only if relevant to work)

Describe your activities in the same style as work experience only. Include examples of leadership, offices held, program planning involvement, etc.