Definition of the Curriculum vitae
The terms résumé and curriculum vitae (CV, vitae) are commonly used interchangeably, but they are different types of documents. Résumé is a French word meaning "summarized" and curriculum vitae is a Latin term meaning "course of one's life." While both documents represent you as a professional, they differ in several ways. A CV acts as a record of scholarly activities and accomplishments and is used by health care professionals and academicians. A résumé is a snapshot, designed to sell your relevant skills and experiences to a specific employer. The goal of a CV is to present a complete picture of the breadth and depth of academic experiences. It is an all-encompassing intellectual portrait and should include academic history from the beginning of veterinary school with the inclusion of select, career-related undergraduate experiences.
A CV can be any length, but a résumé is never more than two pages. A CV may include a list of professional work experiences, externships, elective coursework, publications, presentations, honors, grants, and professional activities. A CV typically includes a list of three to five references, a résumé does not. If résumé format is used, a reference list is prepared to be available upon request.
The CV format should be used when applying for an internship, research position, or a job in veterinary practice. As a veterinary professional, the CV is appropriate for most circumstances. A résumé may be sufficient for a summer job or externship, however, veterinary students should begin to document their professional experiences in CV format during the 1st year of veterinary school. The exception for veterinarians may be corporate practice, which may (or may not) require a résumé application.
A CV should be legible, concise, consistent, and easy to scan. Information should be listed in categories with consistent style, format, and language, within and among categories. Bold and italic typeface should be used wisely and consistently, but sparingly. Employers will make their first decision regarding an application by scan reading a CV. They are initially searching for just a few keywords relevant to their practice or position. The presentation and quality of a CV provides a critical first impression.
Guidelines for a Professional CV
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DO make the vita a clear and concise summary. Every word should count.
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DO try to obtain copies of several vitae from individuals who are at a similar stage of professional development or slightly ahead to use as examples.
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DO take time to create an elegant and inviting format, and laser print the final product on high quality paper. Style matters. A vita should appear professional and uncluttered.
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DO check carefully for mistakes and typographical errors. Without exception, it must be absolutely error-free. Proofread, use spell-check, have someone else review it, and proofread it again. Proofread every new version.
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DO have a faculty adviser, colleague, family, or friend review the vita before distribution. They will spot weaknesses, style inconsistencies, and typographical errors, and may have style trend suggestions specific to an area of interest.
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DON’T use an objective statement. Using an objective statement or short paragraph summarizing strengths/experiences is a dated practice that limits the credibility of the document. It is difficult to write a professional sounding objective without sounding desperate or arrogant. Use a cover letter to describe career interests.
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DON’T give the appearance of padding a vita by including minor accomplishments, high school awards and activities, and non-professional work experiences.
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DON’T give excessive detail about professional experiences (e.g., most veterinary assistant activities are similar; avoid “restraint, observed, cleaned”). Don’t reiterate every task. Avoid repetitive content.
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DON’T list irrelevant personal information such as height, weight, health, military status, age, date of birth, marital status, religion, nationality, race, social security number, or children in a résumé, CV, or cover letter. Hobbies and personal interests are not important.
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DON’T use category subheadings that are more ambitious than their content (e.g., "Articles, Publications, and Grant Proposals" followed by one grant proposal). Use "Professional Activities" as a broad category, with the intent of adding specific categories as needed.
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DON’T print a CV on colored, busy, or textured paper.
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DON’T include the reasons for leaving a position. “Left to pursue education" and "left to make more money" will be self-evident.
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DON’T list all previous employment. Focus on the most recent and relevant career experiences. List positions held in the last 5 years plus positions that are directly applicable to the prospective position.
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DON’T include a photo. It is unprofessional and provides an opportunity for discrimination.
