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A Curriculum Vitae (CV) is Your Personal Career Biography

The academic curriculum vitae or CV is a condensed biographical statement, which can run anywhere from 3 to 20 pages, emphasizing professional qualifications, achievements, and activities. A curriculum vitae presents lists of achievements, rather than a narrative presentation of material. CV's usually begins with "Education" and details of your doctoral dissertation, followed by academic accomplishments such as awards, presentations, teaching, lectures, publications, committees, research, and other relevant professional pursuits. CV's are academic and credentials-based, instead of being accomplishment-oriented like a traditional resume. This format is used for scientists, academics, and physicians.

If you don't have to use this format - don't.

For the sake of the reader, try to keep your cv to under 10 pages, if possible, without leaving out important details. CV's present you at your best, but it will easily alert the reader to weaknesses in any area of your professional credentials.

International Curriculum Vitae

Please note that an International cv's are not the same marketing document as an academic cv's. These documents include private information, such as your health status, age, marital status, hobbies, and work visa. Remember that candidates applying to work overseas are not protected by the Equal Employment Opportunity laws.

If you are applying to work in certain countries, you will need to use this format. If you don't include personal information, hiring authorities may discriminate against you in their hiring procedures. Why? Because they may think you are hiding something.

Some other important factors to mention:

If you are applying to a non-English-speaking country, have the cv translated to the appropriate language.
Mention in the personal section that you are physically fit, in good health, a non-smoker, and a non-drinker. Include a personal statement describing your personal attributes relevant to the employer's interests. Stress the positive and steer clear of the negative. Highlight functional characteristics that indicate a strong work ethic.
Use positive quotes from present and past employers - this is a welcome addition.
It is a good idea to list "appropriate" interests on your cv, which will indicate you will easily adapt to an overseas environment.
When developing your cover letter, specifically mention your interest and desire to live in the country where you are applying.