Most students and job seekers are familiar with the term "resume," but when they're asked to produce a curriculum vitae, the structure, format and contents may not be as familiar. Whether you are compiling a CV for a college application or to study abroad, learn how to impress the application committee with a clear overview of your strengths, skills and career goals.
Length and Format Are Important
While job seekers usually try to condense their resumes to just one page, a curriculum vitae can actually extend up to two pages. Avoid exceeding this length, though, to show that you can briefly and concisely summarize your experience and academic career. The format should be consistent from start to finish. If you choose to bold headings, make sure all headings are bold. Select a font that is easy to read, too, and avoid any type of script font, symbols or graphics that may not transfer well into various file formats.
Focus on Your Educational Career
A curriculum vitae focuses more on your educational career than your job experience. Although both are included, the CV should primarily list any awards and honors you have received as a student and highlight any teaching or research experience you possess. Highlight published work, presentations and affiliations with professional organizations to show that you have the know-how and the willingness to involve yourself in the field. Especially when completing a study-abroad application, your experience volunteering in community events and organizations is helpful for the committee to evaluate how you plan to immerse yourself in the new culture.
Highlight Your Professional Experience
A focus on education is crucial on a curriculum vitae, but you can also detail job experience that relates to your educational or career goals. For instance, if you are seeking a position abroad to teach elementary school children, you can spotlight positions you have held in daycares, at afterschool programs or even in student teaching. Highlight your transferable skills when noting job experience. For example, if you worked in retail, detail how you are accustomed to satisfying customer needs and offering assistance, which could ultimately transfer into the career you are seeking.
Sell Your Cross-Cultural Skills
In a separate section on your curriculum vitae, provide evidence of how you would succeed as a student studying abroad. This narrative can be included toward the end of the CV or incorporated into the objective section. Approach this section as you would a cover letter by selling your strengths and highlighting how you plan to embrace cultural differences in other countries.
Applications for abroad opportunities must clearly identify your personal, professional and academic successes. Highlight how this experience impacts your professional and academic career, and detail how you hope to positively impact the community and diversify your own cultural awareness.
Photo courtesy of tiniroma at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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