Ronald B. Mitchell, Professor

TIPS FOR WRITING A GOOD CV

What to include

Name and current address
Telephone where you are reachable and e-mail
Web page address, if you have one – NOTE: it’s a good idea to have one
Current position and status, especially noting ABD status or projected degree completion date
Dissertation title and committee membership
All academic awards achieved in graduate school and major undergraduate/other awards
Publications, divided by category if there are many – note that works in progress should be a separate section
Conference presentations and other talks
Teaching information
Committee/institutional/community service
Associational memberships and positions
Names and contact information for references

Technical tips

Organize information in a readily readable form
Ensure that people can easily see what will interest them most (for teaching intensive jobs, more information on preps and times taught)
Ensure that items are succinctly explained
Categorize thoughtfully, visibly, and carefully
Proofread with meticulous care

Substantive tips

Note peer-reviewed items and identify them as such
Follow disciplinary norms in determining the length of your vita and whether to include brief summaries of your work
Ensure that the CV presents an accurate and very positive picture of you as a scholar
Remember that good CVs crackle with energy and imagination, but don’t look like mere puffery
Keep in mind that your CV has two agendas: to show the great stuff you’ve done and to give prospective employers enough information to handicap your scholarly career over the next few years

What you may or may not want to include, depending on the uses you have for it

Your age and marital status
Home telephone number – do you want to field calls at home?
Information about religious or political affiliations
Information that locates you in a particular place in your field
Information about non-academic employment
Information that explains “gaps” in your CV – what kinds of gaps should be explained?