A curriculum vitae is a living document that represents an overview of professional achievements and experiences. A curriculum vitae is typically required when applying for professional positions, residencies, fellowships, honors and awards, or further educational opportunities (i.e. summer internships).

• Contact Information
• Education and Training
• Specialized Training/Professional Licensure/Certification
• Professional Experience
• Teaching Experience
• Presentations
• Publications
• Research
• Professional Activities
• Honors and Awards
• Community Service
• Special Skills or Expertise

In each of the above sections of your curriculum vitae:

• List information in reverse chronological order
• Do Not include information on events which occurred prior to entering pharmacy school except for education (degrees) unless it is unique (e.g. awards or offices held in organizations)
• Do Not use abbreviations
• Use past tense
• Use third person
• Include the names of your preceptors and supervisors

• Ensure your curriculum vitae is easy to read (i.e., information is presented in a logical order and is easy to read).
• PROOFREAD your curriculum vitae!! To minimize errors, have your curriculum vitae reviewed by at least two other people.
• Print your curriculum vitae on quality white, ivory, or light grey paper on a laser printer.
• Use a consistent font (such as Times New Roman) in a font size of 10-14.
• Avoid the use of graphics.
• Maintain a one-inch margin at the top and bottom of each page of your curriculum vitae.
• Use consistent header treatments throughout your CV.

• Typographical Errors- Proofread, Proofread, Proofread. Have your CV reviewed by at least two other people.
• Unusual Font- type is difficult to read
• Unorganized or inconsistent formatting
• Information is difficult to locate
• Long descriptions used to delineate rotational responsibilities or position functions
• Unusual and/or inconsistent paper colors or styles