--- title: Understanding the Importance of Crafting a Clear Academic CV description: As a Ph.D. student or recent graduate, you will need a strong curriculum vitae, or an academic CV. image: https://gradarticles.smu.edu/hubfs/Blog%20Photos/PhD-Student-Working-on-CSV.jpg --- [Skip to content](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/understanding-the-importance-of-crafting-a-clear-cv#main-content) [![SMU logo](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/SMU%20logo.png?width=150&height=44&name=SMU%20logo.png "SMU logo")](https://www.smu.edu/) [EXPLORE SMU](https://www.smu.edu/aboutsmu) ## [Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies](https://www.smu.edu/moody/) - About Show submenu for About - [About](https://www.smu.edu/moody/about) - [Mission and History](https://www.smu.edu/moody/about/mission-and-history) - [Moody Foundation Gift](https://www.smu.edu/moody/about/moody-foundation-gift) - [Charter](https://www.smu.edu/-/media/Site/Moody/graduate/Moody-School-Charter-Summer-2021-Final.pdf) - [Director of Graduate Studies Handbook](https://www.smu.edu/-/media/Site/Moody/Moody-School-DGS-Handbook-20220811.pdf) - [Moody Hall](https://www.smu.edu/moody/about/moody-hall) - [Dean's Office](https://www.smu.edu/moody/about/deans-office) - [Graduate Council](https://www.smu.edu/moody/about/graduate-council) - [Contact Us](https://www.smu.edu/moody/about/contact) - Prospective Students Show submenu for Prospective Students - [Prospective Students](https://www.smu.edu/Moody/Prospective-Students) - [Degrees Offered](https://www.smu.edu/moody/prospective-students/degrees-offered) - [Policy: AI Usage on SMU Graduate Application](https://www.smu.edu/moody/prospective-students/ai_usage_statement_grad_application) - [Admissions Contacts](https://www.smu.edu/moody/prospective-students/admissions-contacts) - [Graduate Admissions Guide](https://grad.smu.edu/a-guide-to-graduate-admissions-at-smu) - [Graduate Application Deadlines](https://www.smu.edu/Moody/Prospective-Students/Application-Deadlines) - [Graduate School Resources](https://grad.smu.edu/graduate-school-resources) - [International Applicants to Master's and Doctoral Programs](https://www.smu.edu/moody/prospective-students/international-applicants) - [Plan a Visit to SMU](https://www.smu.edu/moody/prospective-students/plan-a-visit) - Current Students Show submenu for Current Students - [Current Students](https://www.smu.edu/moody/current-students) - [Forms and Policies](https://www.smu.edu/moody/current-students/forms-and-policies) - [Graduate Fellowships and Awards](https://www.smu.edu/moody/current-students/external-fellowships) - [Graduation Guidelines and Requirements](https://www.smu.edu/moody/current-students/graduation) - [Graduate Writing Center](https://www.smu.edu/moody/current-students/graduate-writing-center) - [Career Development](https://www.smu.edu/moody/current-students/career-development) - [Graduate Student Organizations](https://www.smu.edu/moody/current-students/graduate-student-organizations) - [Student Services and Support](https://www.smu.edu/moody/current-students/student-services) - [Graduate Student Teaching Awards](https://www.smu.edu/moody/current-students/graduate-student-teaching-awards) - Events Show submenu for Events - [Events](https://www.smu.edu/moody/events) - [Events Calendar](https://www.smu.edu/moody/events/events-calendar) - [Research and Innovation Week](https://www.smu.edu/moody/events/research-and-innovation-week) - [Orientation](https://www.smu.edu/moody/events/orientation) - [Professional Development](https://www.smu.edu/moody/events/professional-development) - [Research Days](https://www.smu.edu/moody/events/research-days) - [Three Minute Thesis](https://www.smu.edu/moody/events/three-minute-thesis) - Funding Show submenu for Funding - [Funding](https://www.smu.edu/moody/funding) - [Meet our Ph.D. Fellows](https://www.smu.edu/moody/funding/phd-fellows) - [Ph.D. Health Insurance](https://www.smu.edu/moody/funding/phd-health-insurance) - [Graduate Student Travel Grant](https://www.smu.edu/moody/funding/moody-grad-student-travel-grant) - [Dedman Graduate Student Assembly](https://www.smu.edu/moody/funding/gsa) - Postdoctoral Affairs Show submenu for Postdoctoral Affairs - [Postdoctoral Affairs](https://www.smu.edu/moody/postdoctoral-affairs) - [Postdoctoral Community & Resources](https://www.smu.edu/moody/postdoctoral-affairs/postdoctoral-community) - [Hiring Process](https://www.smu.edu/moody/postdoctoral-affairs/hiring-process) - GOCE Show submenu for GOCE - [GOCE](https://www.smu.edu/moody/goce) - [Our Programs](https://www.smu.edu/moody/goce/programs) - [Online Program Development](https://www.smu.edu/moody/goce/online-program-development) - [Faculty and Curriculum Committees](https://www.smu.edu/moody/goce/faculty) - [About Global, Online and Continuing Education](https://www.smu.edu/moody/goce/about) - [Contact Us](https://www.smu.edu/moody/goce/contact-us) - [Blog](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field) - Prospective Students Show submenu for Prospective Students - [Prospective Students](https://www.smu.edu/Moody/Prospective-Students) - [Degrees Offered](https://www.smu.edu/moody/prospective-students/degrees-offered) - [Policy: AI Usage on SMU Graduate Application](https://www.smu.edu/moody/prospective-students/ai_usage_statement_grad_application) - [Admissions Contacts](https://www.smu.edu/moody/prospective-students/admissions-contacts) - [Graduate Admissions Guide](https://grad.smu.edu/a-guide-to-graduate-admissions-at-smu) - [Graduate Application Deadlines](https://www.smu.edu/Moody/Prospective-Students/Application-Deadlines) - [Graduate School Resources](https://grad.smu.edu/graduate-school-resources) - [International Applicants to Master's and Doctoral Programs](https://www.smu.edu/moody/prospective-students/international-applicants) - [Plan a Visit to SMU](https://www.smu.edu/moody/prospective-students/plan-a-visit) - Current Students Show submenu for Current Students - [Current Students](https://www.smu.edu/moody/current-students) - [Forms and Policies](https://www.smu.edu/moody/current-students/forms-and-policies) - [Graduate Fellowships and Awards](https://www.smu.edu/moody/current-students/external-fellowships) - [Graduation Guidelines and Requirements](https://www.smu.edu/moody/current-students/graduation) - [Graduate Writing Center](https://www.smu.edu/moody/current-students/graduate-writing-center) - [Career Development](https://www.smu.edu/moody/current-students/career-development) - [Graduate Student Organizations](https://www.smu.edu/moody/current-students/graduate-student-organizations) - [Student Services and Support](https://www.smu.edu/moody/current-students/student-services) - [Graduate Student Teaching Awards](https://www.smu.edu/moody/current-students/graduate-student-teaching-awards) - Events Show submenu for Events - [Events](https://www.smu.edu/moody/events) - [Events Calendar](https://www.smu.edu/moody/events/events-calendar) - [Research and Innovation Week](https://www.smu.edu/moody/events/research-and-innovation-week) - [Orientation](https://www.smu.edu/moody/events/orientation) - [Professional Development](https://www.smu.edu/moody/events/professional-development) - [Research Days](https://www.smu.edu/moody/events/research-days) - [Three Minute Thesis](https://www.smu.edu/moody/events/three-minute-thesis) - Funding Show submenu for Funding - [Funding](https://www.smu.edu/moody/funding) - [Meet our Ph.D. Fellows](https://www.smu.edu/moody/funding/phd-fellows) - [Ph.D. Health Insurance](https://www.smu.edu/moody/funding/phd-health-insurance) - [Graduate Student Travel Grant](https://www.smu.edu/moody/funding/moody-grad-student-travel-grant) - [Dedman Graduate Student Assembly](https://www.smu.edu/moody/funding/gsa) - About Show submenu for About - [About](https://www.smu.edu/moody/about) - [Mission and History](https://www.smu.edu/moody/about/mission-and-history) - [Moody Foundation Gift](https://www.smu.edu/moody/about/moody-foundation-gift) - [Charter](https://www.smu.edu/-/media/Site/Moody/graduate/Moody-School-Charter-Summer-2021-Final.pdf) - [Director of Graduate Studies Handbook](https://www.smu.edu/-/media/Site/Moody/Moody-School-DGS-Handbook-20220811.pdf) - [Moody Hall](https://www.smu.edu/moody/about/moody-hall) - [Dean's Office](https://www.smu.edu/moody/about/deans-office) - [Graduate Council](https://www.smu.edu/moody/about/graduate-council) - [Contact Us](https://www.smu.edu/moody/about/contact) - [News](https://www.smu.edu/news) Show submenu for News - [News](https://www.smu.edu/news) - [Events](https://calendar.smu.edu/) Show submenu for Events - [Events](https://calendar.smu.edu/) - [Athletics](https://smumustangs.com/) Show submenu for Athletics - [Athletics](https://smumustangs.com/) - [Research](https://www.smu.edu/research) Show submenu for Research - [Rese](https://www.smu.edu/research) - [Bush Center](https://www.smu.edu/bushcenter) Show submenu for Bush Center - [Bush Center](https://www.smu.edu/bushcenter) - [Current Students](https://www.smu.edu/infofor/students) Show submenu for Current Students - [Current Students](https://www.smu.edu/infofor/students) - [Alumni](https://www.smu.edu/alumni) Show submenu for Alumni - [Alumni](https://www.smu.edu/alumni) - [Faculty & Staff](https://www.smu.edu/infofor/faculty-staff) Show submenu for Faculty & Staff - [Faculty & Staff](https://www.smu.edu/infofor/faculty-staff) [All Posts](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field) # Understanding the Importance of Crafting a Clear Academic CV [Admissions](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/admissions) June 26, 2024 ![A recent graduate with a beard and short hair sits at a desk in front of a bookshelf, holding documents and looking thoughtful.](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/hubfs/Blog%20Photos/PhD-Student-Working-on-CSV.jpg) Whether you've been asked to submit a curriculum vitae (CV) or resume for graduate school or you're applying for a job, how you present yourself on paper can affect whether your application is accepted or not. If you're [getting a PhD](https://grad.smu.edu/a-guide-to-choosing-applying-for-and-thriving-in-a-phd-program) or you're a recent graduate, creating a CV is paramount if you wish to remain in academia. Read below for tips and advice on how to write a CV for grad school or employment that will take your application to the next level. [![Learn more about what it would be like to get your Ph.D. by exploring how to earn yours and what sort of career opportunities are available!](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3974384/0909bbd1-1560-40e2-8be1-08c4a77d8b59.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3974384/0909bbd1-1560-40e2-8be1-08c4a77d8b59) ## What's the Difference Between a CV and a Resume? Depending on the type of application, you may be asked to provide either a resume or a CV. What’s the difference?  A resume is more commonplace for industry-type job applications. It succinctly outlines your professional experience and highlights your major accomplishments in 1-2 pages. Other things to include are your educational history, significant awards and honors, and projects that you’ve managed. You might also mention relevant special skills, such as foreign language proficiency, expertise with particular software programs or platforms, and certifications or trainings that you have completed. A CV is more comprehensive and can be multiple pages. It is generally associated with applications for academic and research positions. Your CV can include the same information as a resume, but it should also list your publications, important conference presentations, current research interests and projects, and any [research grants or fellowships](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/3-mistakes-graduate-students-make-when-applying-for-research-fellowships) that you have been awarded. ## How to Format an Academic CV With so much information to sift through, a simple format is crucial so readers can find what they need quickly and easily. To start, use one font consistently throughout your document and clearly mark your sections with bolded headings. Because this is a professional document, avoid using colored text as well as scripted or calligraphic fonts that may be difficult to read. Condense your material to provide a clear overview of your experience. It is better to keep your CV short and save extensive details for your cover letter or [interview](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/how-to-prepare-for-a-graduate-school-admissions-interview). If you have multiple items under a section, use bullet points to list each one. Don’t forget to use proper citation formatting when listing your publications and presentations, too. Finally, use a standard text size and make sure your margins and sections are spaced well. Because there is no real page limit for a CV, don’t worry about fitting everything into a small amount of space. The reader should be able to print your document and still read everything comfortably. ## Craft a Tailored CV to Your Application Every application is unique and every hiring committee is looking for something different. Along with writing a custom cover letter for every application, you should tailor your CV to a particular job as well. Start with a master file that contains your entire professional and academic history, including details you can reference for future applications and interviews. From there, copy and paste your information into a few template-like versions that correspond to the type of job that you might seek out and rearrange the information so it catches the reader’s eye. For example, if you are about to graduate with your PhD, you may want to create a post-doc CV that puts your research and presentation experience at the top, a faculty-position CV that highlights your most recent teaching and presentation experience, and an industry-focused resume that summarizes your academic and research accomplishments in 2 pages. You should always edit your templates depending on the position posting, but you will not have to start from scratch each time you need to submit an application. ## Update Your CV Regularly You never know when a great opportunity will suddenly appear. By keeping your CV up to date, your information stays fresh and easily editable at a moment’s notice. If you move to a new job, update your master file with correct position titles, start and end dates, and supervisor contact information. Keep your most recent information at the top of the section, as that is often what readers want to see first. Make a habit of updating your documents with details of any significant projects or assignments at the end of each semester (or at a minimum, annually). This will give you material that you can use for the future and prevent you from struggling to remember specifics years later. Also, be sure that your contact information is always accurate and up to date. A CV is not only a document outlining your accomplishments, but also a representation of your professionalism. Therefore, it is worth the effort to get it right from the beginning. A polished CV is guaranteed to amplify your already impressive achievements and to get your application noticed. ### learn more about The Moody School of Graduate Studies and explore our cutting-edge research opportunities and program offerings! ##### [![Explore Our Programs](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3974384/fe16cdb2-8087-49d2-803d-7775413c17b9.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3974384/fe16cdb2-8087-49d2-803d-7775413c17b9) ##### Request *more* ### information Complete the form to reach out to us for more information ###### Written By ![](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/hubfs/Stevie%20Otto.jpeg) [Stevie Otto](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/author/stevie-otto) ###### Published On June 26, 2024 ## More articles ###### Recommended articles for you [Chemistry](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/chemistry) ### [How to Become a Computational Chemist: Seth Yannacone's Story](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/deciding-if-you-should-study-chemistry-in-grad-school-heres-seth-yannacones-story) [Read More](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/deciding-if-you-should-study-chemistry-in-grad-school-heres-seth-yannacones-story) [Anthropology](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/anthropology) ### [Spotlight: University Ph.D. Fellow Sara Mosher](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/spotlight-university-phd-fellow-sara-mosher) SMU is proud to award University Ph.D. Fellowships to some of our most outstanding applicants. Get... [Read More](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/spotlight-university-phd-fellow-sara-mosher) [Admissions](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/admissions) ### [The Pros and Cons of Getting a PhD](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/the-pros-and-cons-of-getting-a-phd) Getting a doctorate is a decision that will impact both your personal and professional life for... [Read More](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/the-pros-and-cons-of-getting-a-phd) ###### Browse articles by topic [Simmons School of Education](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/simmons-school-of-education) [Student Experience](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/student-experience) [Admissions](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/admissions) [Ph.D. Program Info](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/ph-d-program-info) [Education, Policy & Leadership](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/education-policy-leadership) [Chemistry](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/chemistry) [Human Centered Interdisciplinary Studies](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/human-centered-interdisciplinary-studies) [Teaching & Learning](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/teaching-learning) [Applied Physiology & Sport Management](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/applied-physiology-sport-management) [Funding](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/funding) [Statistical Science](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/statistical-science) [Alumni Stories](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/alumni-stories) [Electrical and Computer Engineering](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/electrical-and-computer-engineering) [Learning in Dallas](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/learning-in-dallas) [Physics](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/physics) [International Students](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/international-students) [Masters Program Info](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/masters-program-info) [Economics](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/economics) [Higher Education](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/higher-education) [History](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/history) [Anthropology](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/anthropology) [Civil and Environmental Engineering](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/civil-and-environmental-engineering) [Dispute Resolution](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/dispute-resolution) [English](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/english) [Liberal Studies](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/liberal-studies) [Religious Studies](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/religious-studies) [School Events](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/school-events) [Announcements](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/announcements) [Biology](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/biology) [Data Science and Applied Statistics](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/data-science-and-applied-statistics) [Earth Science](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/earth-science) [Education](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/education) [Mathematics](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/mathematics) [Organizational Psychology](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/organizational-psychology) [Sport Management](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/sport-management) --- ##### Subscribe *to* ### *the* Blog --- [Older articles](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/what-is-electrical-and-computer-engineering) [Newer articles](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/is-an-industrial-organizational-psychologist-career-a-good-fit-for-you) ##### Academics - [Cox School of Business](https://www.smu.edu/cox) - [Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences](https://www.smu.edu/dedman) - [Dedman School of Law](https://www.smu.edu/law) - [Lyle School of Engineering](https://www.smu.edu/lyle) - [Meadows School of the Arts](https://www.smu.edu/meadows) - [Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies](https://www.smu.edu/moody) - [Perkins School of Theology](https://www.smu.edu/perkins) - [Simmons School of Education & Human Development](https://www.smu.edu/simmons) - [SMU CAPE](https://www.smu.edu/cape) - [SMU Libraries](https://www.smu.edu/libraries) - [SMU Guildhall](https://www.smu.edu/guildhall) ##### Audience Links - [Undergraduate Students](https://www.smu.edu/infofor/students) - [Graduate Students](https://www.smu.edu/moody) - [Alumni](https://www.smu.edu/alumni) - [Faculty & Staff](https://www.smu.edu/infofor/faculty-staff) - [Media](https://www.smu.edu/news) - [Parents](https://www.smu.edu/studentaffairs) ##### Quick Links - [SMU Ignited: Boldly Shaping Tomorrow](https://www.smu.edu/ignited) - [Corporate and Foundation Relations](https://www.smu.edu/corporate-foundation-relations) - [Bush Center](https://www.smu.edu/bushcenter) - [SMU Store](https://smu.bncollege.com/shop/smu/home) - [Academic Calendar](https://www.smu.edu/enrollmentservices/registrar/academiccalendarscoursecatalogs/academiccalendars) - [Academic Ceremonies](https://www.smu.edu/academic-ceremonies) - [Events Calendar](https://calendar.smu.edu/) - [Employment](https://www.smu.edu/businessfinance/hr/workingatsmu) - [Giving to SMU](https://giving.smu.edu/) - [Virtual Tour](https://www.smu.edu/admission/visit/virtualtour) - [SMU Stories](https://www.smu.edu/stories) ##### Get in Touch - [Contact Us](https://www.smu.edu/aboutsmu/contactsmu) - [Maps Directions](https://www.smu.edu/aboutsmu/maps) - [Compliance](https://www.smu.edu/compliance) - [Legal Disclosures](https://www.smu.edu/legaldisclosures) - [Privacy Policy Statement](https://www.smu.edu/legaldisclosures/privacystatement) - [Report Sexual Harassment](https://www.smu.edu/sexualharassment) - [Reporting a Bias Incident](https://www.smu.edu/studentaffairs/get-help/bert) - [SMU Aware](https://www.smu.edu/aware) - [Emergency Preparedness](https://www.smu.edu/businessfinance/risk-management/emergency-management-fire-safety) ##### Follow Us - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/smudallas) - [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/smudallas/) - [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/school/smudallas/mycompany/) - [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@smu) - [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbLRmiYkXF2YHOXzIqasjzg) - [X](https://twitter.com/smu/) [![](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/SMU%20logo.png?width=140&height=41&name=SMU%20logo.png)](https://smu.edu/) © SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Stevie Otto", "url" : "https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/author/stevie-otto" }, "dateModified" : "2024-07-15T16:30:00.260Z", "datePublished" : "2024-06-26T16:29:00.000Z", "headline" : "Understanding the Importance of Crafting a Clear Academic CV", "image" : [ "https://gradarticles.smu.edu/hubfs/Blog%20Photos/PhD-Student-Working-on-CSV.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/understanding-the-importance-of-crafting-a-clear-cv", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://gradarticles.smu.edu/hubfs/grad-studies-logo-1.png" }, "name" : "Southern Methodist University" } } ```