How to Write an English CV

A well-written CV can be your ticket to a college or university position.

An English CV, or curriculum vitae, is used by those in academia seeking a position teaching English, either literature or writing. CVs typically are longer than a resume, and can run upward of 10 pages. CVs should be as detailed as possible, and provide a complete picture of the faculty member or academic it represents.

Things You'll Need

• Details of professional experience
• Listing of degrees and honors earned
• Listing of publications
• Computer

Instructions

1. Gather and write your personal information. Begin your CV with your full name, street address, telephone number, email address and web site, if applicable. If you have an advanced degree, such as a Ph.D. or Ed.D, have the initials follow your name.

2. Detail your education. On a CV--unlike a resume--it is common to have this information before your professional experience. List degrees from highest earned to lowest, stopping at the associate degree level. Include the subject areas in which your degrees were earned, the title of any doctoral dissertation or master's thesis, and describe coursework or areas of expertise especially relevant to an academic career in English.

3. List your professional experience, beginning with the most recent position and working backward. If you held more than one position at an institution, list all positions held. List courses taught, any courses or projects you may have implemented at the institution, and major accomplishments. For instance, if you have taught English composition, Shakespeare or "Introduction to the British Novel," list those as well as the grade level taught.

4. Provide examples of your accomplishments outside the classroom. Published work, especially in your specialty field of English, showcases your expertise and productivity. Include academic research-based papers, such as "Symbolism in the Poems of Blake and Shelley," creative works of fiction, or non-fiction. List the title, publication, publisher and date. List presentations you have made, committees on which you have served, and what your role was in that position.

5. List any community organizations, volunteer activities and awards and honors, such as membership in Sigma Tau Delta, the English honor society. This offers a potential employer a snapshot of how you work with the community, how you have been recognized by professional or educational organizations, and that you are dedicated to making a difference in and out of the English classroom.

Tips & Warnings

• Proofread carefully. Since your CV and cover letter often are an institution's first impression of you as a teacher of English, make sure it does not contain any grammatical or spelling errors.

• At the end of your CV, note that "References are available upon request."

• Do not fabricate anything on your CV.

References

• Purdue Online Writing Lab: Writing the Curriculum Vitae