Free Curriculum Vitae (CV) Template (Plus CV Example)
What Is a Curriculum Vitae?
A curriculum vitae, commonly called a CV, is a professional document that provides a detailed overview of your academic background, work history, qualifications and achievements.
The term “curriculum vitae” comes from Latin and means “course of life.” In a career context, it shows the path of your education, experience, research, publications, awards and professional development.
A CV is often more detailed than a resume. While a resume may be one or two pages, a CV can be several pages long, especially for people in academia, medicine, research or scientific fields.
A CV may include:
Contact information
Professional summary
Education
Teaching experience
Research experience
Work history
Publications
Presentations
Certifications
Skills
Awards and honors
Grants and fellowships
Professional memberships
Volunteer work
References
The exact sections depend on your field, career level and the opportunity you are applying for.
CV vs. Resume: What Is the Difference?
A CV and a resume are both job application documents, but they are not always the same.
A resume is usually shorter and more targeted. It highlights the experience, skills and achievements most relevant to a specific job. In many cases, a resume is one page for early-career professionals and up to two pages for experienced candidates.
A CV is usually more comprehensive. It may include your full academic history, research work, publications, teaching experience, presentations, grants and professional achievements.
In the United States, resumes are more common for most business, corporate and private-sector jobs. CVs are more common for academic roles, research positions, fellowships, grants, medical roles and some international applications.
In some countries, the word CV is used more generally and may refer to what U.S. job seekers call a resume. Always review the job posting carefully to understand what the employer expects.
When Should You Use a CV?
You should use a CV when the employer, school, program or organization asks for one.
A CV is commonly used for:
Academic positions
Research roles
Graduate school applications
Fellowships
Grants
Scientific roles
Medical and healthcare positions
Teaching roles
International job applications
Postdoctoral positions
University faculty roles
Scholarship applications
If the job posting asks for a resume, submit a resume. If it asks for a CV, submit a CV. If you are not sure, check the application instructions or contact the hiring manager or admissions office.
Why Use a CV Template?
A CV template helps you organize a large amount of professional information into a clear structure.
Because CVs can include many sections, it is easy to forget important details or arrange information in a confusing order. A template gives you a starting point and helps keep your formatting consistent.
A CV template can help you:
Save time
Organize your career history
Use consistent formatting
Include important sections
Avoid missing key details
Create a professional layout
Update your CV more easily over time
A template is especially useful if you are writing your first CV or converting a resume into a longer academic or professional document.
What To Include in a CV
A CV should include the sections that are most relevant to your career and application.
Not every CV needs every section. A research professor may need publications, grants and conference presentations. A medical applicant may need clinical experience, certifications and training. A recent graduate may need education, projects and volunteer experience.
Common CV sections include:
Contact information
Professional summary
Education
Professional experience
Research experience
Teaching experience
Publications
Presentations
Certifications
Skills
Awards and honors
Professional memberships
Volunteer work
Languages
References
Choose sections that help show why you are qualified for the position.
Free Curriculum Vitae Template
Use this free CV template as a starting point. You can remove sections that do not apply to you and add sections that are relevant to your field.
[Your Full Name]
[City, State or Country]
[Phone Number] | [Email Address] | [LinkedIn Profile or Portfolio Website]
Professional Summary
[Write two to four sentences summarizing your professional background, academic focus, key skills and career goals. Mention your years of experience, field of expertise and strongest qualifications.]
Education
[Degree Name], [Major or Field of Study]
[Institution Name], [City, State or Country]
[Graduation Date or Expected Graduation Date]
[Honors, thesis, dissertation, relevant coursework or academic achievements]
[Degree Name], [Major or Field of Study]
[Institution Name], [City, State or Country]
[Graduation Date]
[Additional academic details if relevant]
Professional Experience
[Job Title]
[Company or Organization Name], [City, State or Country]
[Start Date] - [End Date or Present]
[Describe responsibility, achievement or result]
[Describe responsibility, achievement or result]
[Describe responsibility, achievement or result]
[Job Title]
[Company or Organization Name], [City, State or Country]
[Start Date] - [End Date]
[Describe responsibility, achievement or result]
[Describe responsibility, achievement or result]
[Describe responsibility, achievement or result]
Research Experience
[Research Role or Project Title]
[Institution or Organization Name], [City, State or Country]
[Start Date] - [End Date]
[Describe research focus, methodology or responsibility]
[Describe outcome, publication, presentation or contribution]
Teaching Experience
[Teaching Role]
[Institution Name], [City, State or Country]
[Start Date] - [End Date]
[Course name or subject]
[Describe teaching responsibilities, student level or instructional achievements]
Publications
[Author Name]. “[Publication Title].” [Journal or Publisher Name], [Year].
[Author Name]. “[Publication Title].” [Journal or Publisher Name], [Year].
Presentations
[Presentation Title], [Conference or Event Name], [Location], [Year].
[Presentation Title], [Conference or Event Name], [Location], [Year].
Certifications
[Certification Name], [Issuing Organization], [Year]
[Certification Name], [Issuing Organization], [Year]
Skills
[Skill]
[Skill]
[Skill]
[Skill]
[Skill]
Awards and Honors
[Award or Honor Name], [Organization], [Year]
[Award or Honor Name], [Organization], [Year]
Professional Memberships
[Organization Name], [Membership Type], [Year Started]
[Organization Name], [Membership Type], [Year Started]
Volunteer Experience
[Role Title]
[Organization Name], [City, State or Country]
[Start Date] - [End Date]
[Describe contribution or responsibility]
Languages
[Language]: [Proficiency Level]
[Language]: [Proficiency Level]
References
Available upon request.
Or:
[Reference Name]
[Title]
[Organization]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
How To Format a CV
A strong CV should be easy to read and scan.
Use a clean font, consistent headings and clear spacing. Avoid overly decorative designs unless you are applying for a creative role where visual presentation matters.
Follow these formatting tips:
Use consistent section headings.
Keep margins clean and readable.
Use bullet points for responsibilities and achievements.
List education and experience in reverse chronological order.
Use bold text only where it helps structure the document.
Avoid large blocks of text.
Use the same date format throughout the CV.
Proofread carefully before submitting.
Save and send the CV as a PDF unless the application asks for another format.
A CV can be longer than a resume, but it should still be organized. Length does not mean including irrelevant information. Every section should support your application.
How To Write Each CV Section
Contact Information
Your contact information should appear at the top of the CV.
Include:
Full name
City and state or country
Phone number
Professional email address
LinkedIn profile if relevant
Portfolio website if relevant
You do not always need to include your full street address. In many modern applications, city and state or country are enough.
Example:
Emily Carter
Boston, MA
(555) 214-9087 | emily.carter@email.com | linkedin.com/in/emilycarter
Professional Summary
A professional summary gives the reader a quick overview of your qualifications.
Keep it short. Two to four sentences are usually enough.
Example:
Research-focused biology graduate with experience in laboratory testing, data analysis and academic writing. Skilled in experimental design, literature review and scientific communication. Seeking a research assistant role where I can contribute to clinical research and laboratory operations.
Your summary should be tailored to the role. Avoid generic phrases such as “hardworking professional looking for an opportunity.” Instead, mention your field, skills and goal.
Education
Education is one of the most important CV sections, especially for academic, research and early-career roles.
Include:
Degree
Major or field of study
Institution name
Location
Graduation date or expected graduation date
Thesis or dissertation if relevant
Academic honors if relevant
Example:
Master of Science in Public Health
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Expected May 2027
Thesis: Community Health Outreach Models in Urban Clinics
If you have multiple degrees, list the most recent first.
Professional Experience
Professional experience should show your work history and accomplishments.
Include:
Job title
Organization name
Location
Employment dates
Responsibilities and achievements
Use action verbs and specific results when possible.
Example:
Research Assistant
Brighton Medical Research Center, Boston, MA
June 2024 - Present
Collected and organized patient survey data for three clinical research projects.
Prepared weekly research summaries for senior investigators.
Supported literature reviews for grant proposals and journal submissions.
Maintained accurate records in compliance with research protocols.
Focus on work that supports the position you are applying for.
Research Experience
If research is important in your field, create a separate research experience section.
This section can include lab work, field research, academic studies, clinical research or independent projects.
Example:
Graduate Research Project: Patient Communication in Telehealth Settings
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
September 2025 - Present
Designed survey questions for a study of patient satisfaction in telehealth visits.
Analyzed qualitative responses from more than 200 participants.
Presented early findings to faculty advisors and graduate research group.
This section is especially useful for academic, scientific, healthcare and policy-related roles.
Teaching Experience
Teaching experience is important for academic, education and training roles.
Include course names, student level and responsibilities.
Example:
Teaching Assistant, Introduction to Psychology
Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
August 2024 - May 2025
Led weekly discussion sections for undergraduate students.
Graded assignments and provided written feedback.
Held office hours to support students with course material.
Assisted professor with exam preparation and classroom activities.
If you have limited teaching experience, include tutoring, training or workshop facilitation if relevant.
Publications
Publications are important for academic and research CVs.
Use the citation style common in your field. If you are unsure, choose one format and keep it consistent.
Example:
Carter, E., and Malik, S. “Community Outreach and Preventive Health Education in Urban Clinics.” Journal of Public Health Practice, 2025.
You can divide publications into categories if needed:
Peer-reviewed articles
Books
Book chapters
Conference papers
Articles under review
If you have many publications, list the most relevant ones first or organize them by type.
Presentations
Presentations can show communication, research and professional involvement.
Include the title, event name, location and year.
Example:
“Improving Patient Education in Telehealth Programs,” American Public Health Association Annual Meeting, Atlanta, GA, 2025.
You can include academic presentations, conference talks, poster sessions, guest lectures or professional workshops.
Certifications
Certifications can show specialized training or professional qualifications.
Example:
Certified Health Education Specialist, National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, 2025
CPR and First Aid Certification, American Red Cross, 2024
If a certification is required for the role, place it where employers can find it easily.
Skills
A CV skills section should include skills that are relevant to the position.
Examples include:
Research methods
Data analysis
Grant writing
Public speaking
Laboratory techniques
Project management
Statistical software
Foreign languages
Curriculum design
Clinical documentation
Avoid listing too many generic skills. Choose skills that match the opportunity.
Awards and Honors
Awards and honors can show recognition from schools, employers or professional organizations.
Example:
Dean’s List, University of Michigan, 2024-2026
Graduate Research Fellowship, 2025
Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award, 2024
Include the name of the award, organization and year.
Professional Memberships
Professional memberships show involvement in your field.
Example:
American Public Health Association, Member, 2025-Present
National Association of Biology Teachers, Member, 2024-Present
This section is useful for academic, medical, scientific and professional fields where industry organizations matter.
Volunteer Experience
Volunteer experience can support your CV when it relates to your field or shows useful skills.
Example:
Volunteer Health Educator
Community Wellness Center, Boston, MA
March 2024 - Present
Led monthly workshops on preventive health topics.
Created educational handouts for community participants.
Assisted staff with event registration and follow-up communication.
Volunteer work can be especially valuable for students, recent graduates and career changers.
Languages
If language skills are relevant, include them.
Example:
Spanish: Professional working proficiency
French: Conversational proficiency
Mandarin Chinese: Native proficiency
Be honest about your level. If a role requires fluency, employers may test your ability.
References
Some CVs include references, especially in academic or international applications.
If the job posting asks for references, include them. If not, you can write “Available upon request” or leave the section off.
A reference entry may include:
Name
Title
Organization
Phone number
Relationship to you
Always ask permission before listing someone as a reference.
Free CV Example
Below is a complete CV example you can use as a reference.
Sarah Mitchell
Chicago, IL
(555) 318-4472 | sarah.mitchell@email.com | linkedin.com/in/sarahmitchell
Professional Summary
Public health researcher with five years of experience in community health programs, survey design and data analysis. Skilled in research coordination, grant writing, program evaluation and stakeholder communication. Seeking a research coordinator role focused on improving access to preventive healthcare services.
Education
Master of Public Health
University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL
Graduated May 2024
Concentration: Community Health Sciences
Capstone Project: Outreach Strategies for Preventive Health Programs in Underserved Communities
Bachelor of Science in Biology
Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL
Graduated May 2019
Honors: Magna cum laude
Professional Experience
Research Coordinator
Midwest Health Policy Center, Chicago, IL
June 2024 - Present
Coordinate research activities for three community health studies focused on preventive care access.
Prepare survey instruments, interview guides and participant communication materials.
Analyze qualitative and quantitative data for internal reports and grant updates.
Collaborate with public health partners, clinic administrators and academic researchers.
Support preparation of conference abstracts, presentation materials and manuscript drafts.
Community Health Specialist
Lakeview Community Health Organization, Chicago, IL
August 2021 - May 2024
Developed health education materials for adult patients and community participants.
Led outreach sessions on preventive screenings, nutrition and chronic disease management.
Collected participant feedback and summarized results for program improvement.
Assisted with grant reporting and program evaluation documentation.
Helped increase workshop attendance by improving outreach messaging and scheduling.
Research Assistant
Loyola University Biology Department, Chicago, IL
September 2018 - July 2021
Supported laboratory research on cellular response to environmental stressors.
Maintained accurate research logs and prepared weekly summaries for faculty review.
Assisted with data entry, literature review and experiment preparation.
Presented research findings at undergraduate research symposium.
Research Experience
Graduate Capstone Research
University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL
January 2024 - May 2024
Studied barriers to preventive healthcare participation in underserved communities.
Conducted literature review on patient education and outreach models.
Analyzed survey responses from community health program participants.
Presented findings to faculty panel and community health partners.
Publications
Mitchell, S., Ramirez, L., and Chen, D. “Improving Preventive Health Outreach Through Community Partnerships.” Community Health Review, 2025.
Mitchell, S., and Carter, J. “Patient Education Materials and Preventive Care Participation.” Public Health Practice Notes, 2024.
Presentations
“Community Outreach Models for Preventive Health Programs,” Midwest Public Health Conference, Chicago, IL, 2025.
“Improving Patient Education in Local Health Clinics,” University of Illinois Chicago Capstone Forum, Chicago, IL, 2024.
Certifications
Certified Health Education Specialist, National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, 2025
CPR and First Aid Certification, American Red Cross, 2024
Skills
Community health research
Survey design
Program evaluation
Qualitative data analysis
Grant writing
Public speaking
Stakeholder communication
Microsoft Excel
SPSS
Spanish professional working proficiency
Awards and Honors
Magna cum laude, Loyola University Chicago, 2019
Graduate Public Health Service Award, University of Illinois Chicago, 2024
Dean’s List, Loyola University Chicago, 2017-2019
Professional Memberships
American Public Health Association, Member, 2024-Present
Society for Public Health Education, Member, 2025-Present
Volunteer Experience
Volunteer Health Educator
Chicago Community Wellness Center, Chicago, IL
March 2023 - Present
Assist with monthly community health workshops.
Create handouts on preventive health and wellness topics.
Help participants complete intake and feedback forms.
References
Available upon request.
Tips for Writing a Strong CV
Start with the opportunity you are applying for. A CV can be comprehensive, but it should still be relevant.
Review the job posting, academic program or fellowship requirements carefully. Then organize your CV to highlight the qualifications that matter most.
Use clear section headings. Hiring managers, professors or selection committees should be able to find information quickly.
Use action verbs to describe experience. Instead of writing “Responsible for research,” write “Collected survey data,” “Analyzed interview responses” or “Prepared research summaries.”
Include measurable results when possible. Numbers can make achievements clearer.
For example:
Presented findings to 75 conference attendees.
Managed survey responses from 300 participants.
Supported grant reporting for a $50,000 community health program.
Proofread carefully. A CV with typos can make your application look rushed.
Update your CV regularly. Because a CV can include many achievements, it is easier to maintain if you add new publications, presentations, awards and roles as they happen.
Common CV Mistakes To Avoid
One common mistake is treating a CV exactly like a resume. A CV can be longer and more detailed, especially for academic or research roles.
Another mistake is including every detail without organization. A long CV still needs clear structure.
A third mistake is using inconsistent formatting. Dates, headings and bullet points should follow the same style throughout the document.
Another mistake is leaving out important academic sections. If you are applying for a research or academic role, publications, presentations and research experience may matter as much as work history.
A fifth mistake is using vague language. Strong CVs use specific descriptions and results.
Finally, avoid adding personal information unless it is expected for the country, field or application type. CV norms vary by region, so research the requirements before applying internationally.
How To Tailor a CV for Different Opportunities
You may need different versions of your CV for different opportunities.
For an academic role, emphasize education, teaching, research, publications and presentations.
For a research role, emphasize methodology, data analysis, lab work, grants and research outcomes.
For a medical or healthcare role, emphasize clinical training, certifications, patient care, research and professional memberships.
For an international role, review local CV expectations. Some countries may expect details that are uncommon in U.S. applications.
For a fellowship or grant, emphasize academic achievements, research goals, publications and project impact.
A CV can be comprehensive, but the order and emphasis should change based on the audience.
How Long Should a CV Be?
A CV can be longer than a resume.
For a student or early-career professional, a CV may be two to three pages. For an experienced professor, researcher, physician or scientist, it may be much longer.
Length should depend on relevance. Do not remove important publications or research experience just to keep the CV short. At the same time, do not include unrelated details that do not support the application.
A good CV is complete, but not cluttered.
CV Formatting Checklist
Before submitting your CV, check these items:
Your name and contact information are easy to find.
Your email address is professional.
Your sections are clearly labeled.
Your education and experience are in reverse chronological order.
Your dates are consistent.
Your bullet points begin with strong action verbs.
Your publications and presentations follow a consistent format.
Your skills match the opportunity.
Your CV is free of spelling and grammar errors.
Your file name is professional.
You saved the file in the requested format.
A simple file name could be:
Sarah-Mitchell-CV.pdf
How Dokie Can Help With CV and Career Presentations
When applying for academic programs, research roles, fellowships or professional opportunities, you may also need to present your background through a portfolio, interview deck, research summary or project presentation. Dokie can help turn your CV, publications, projects and career achievements into polished slides. Instead of manually formatting a presentation from scratch, you can use Dokie to organize your experience, highlight your strongest qualifications and create a clean, professional deck for interviews, academic presentations or application materials.
Conclusion
A curriculum vitae is a detailed professional document that shows your education, experience, skills and achievements.
A strong CV should be clear, complete and organized. It may include contact information, a professional summary, education, work experience, research, teaching, publications, presentations, certifications, skills, awards and professional memberships.
Using a CV template can help you build a logical structure and make sure important sections are included. You can then customize the template based on your field, career level and target opportunity.
Whether you are applying for an academic role, research position, international job, fellowship or specialized professional opportunity, a well-written CV can help you present your qualifications with confidence.
FAQs
What is a CV?
A CV, or curriculum vitae, is a detailed document that summarizes your education, experience, skills, publications, presentations, awards and other professional achievements.
What is the difference between a CV and a resume?
A resume is usually shorter and tailored to a specific job. A CV is usually longer and more comprehensive, especially for academic, research, medical and international applications.
When should I use a CV?
Use a CV when the employer, academic program, fellowship, grant or organization asks for one. CVs are common for academic, research, scientific, medical and international opportunities.
How long should a CV be?
A CV can be two pages or much longer depending on your experience. Academic and research CVs may grow over time as you add publications, presentations and achievements.
What should I include in a CV?
Common CV sections include contact information, professional summary, education, experience, research, teaching, publications, presentations, skills, certifications, awards and professional memberships.
Should a CV include references?
Some CVs include references, especially for academic or international applications. If references are not requested, you can write “Available upon request” or leave the section off.
Should I include a photo on my CV?
It depends on the country, industry and application requirements. In the United States, photos are usually not included. For international applications, research local expectations.
Should I include personal information on a CV?
For U.S. applications, avoid unnecessary personal details such as age, marital status or birth date. For international applications, expectations may vary by country.
Can I use the same CV for every application?
You can use the same core CV, but you should tailor the order, summary and emphasis based on each opportunity.
What is a CV template?
A CV template is a structured format that helps you organize your professional information into clear sections.
Should students use a CV?
Students may use a CV for academic programs, research roles, scholarships, fellowships, internships or international opportunities.
Should I include publications on my CV?
Yes, include publications if they are relevant to your field or application, especially for academic, research or scientific roles.
Should I include presentations on my CV?
Yes, include conference presentations, poster sessions, guest lectures or professional talks if they support your application.
What file format should I use for a CV?
PDF is usually best unless the application asks for another format. A PDF helps preserve formatting.
How often should I update my CV?
Update your CV whenever you gain new experience, publish work, complete a certification, present at an event, receive an award or change roles.