This document provides guidance on writing curriculum vitae (C.V.s). It defines a C.V. as a document used to apply for teaching positions that is longer and more detailed than a resume. The five essential sections of every C.V. are listed as contact information, education, experience, projects done at the institution, and references. Tips are provided on choosing powerful words, maintaining readability and accuracy, and getting feedback to create a professional C.V. that will help get interviews.

2. C.V. Basics & Beyond!
Presented by Therese Tishakov,
Director of Enrollment & Career Services, GSLEL
Original created by Julie Vorholt, MATESOL, 2000

3. Presentation Overview
Define “C.V.”.
Discuss terms: “C.V.” and “resume”.
Identify the essential sections of every C.V.
Learn about different types of C.V.s.
Follow the “how to” steps for writing your C.V.
Answer questions.
Review classmate’s C.V.

4. C.V.
It is an abbreviation for_________
_____, a Latin phrase which, literally
translated, means the course
__________.

5. C.V.
It is an abbreviation for Curriculum
Vitae, a Latin phrase which, literally
translated, means the course of
(one’s) life.

6. A C.V.’’s Primary Purpose is
Convincing an ________ to give you an
________ .

7. A C.V.’’s Primary Purpose is
Convincing an employer to give you an
interview.

8. C.V. vs. Resume
Length
Detail
Used for Different Positions

9. C.V. vs. Resume
Which is longer?
Which has more detail?
Which is used to apply for teaching
positions?
Which lists more information about
professional projects, research, and
affiliations?

10. The answer:
C.V.

11. How to Write a C.V.
First, make a list of your experiences.
Think about everything you have
done and everything you are doing
now.

12. The Five Essential Sections
1. Contact information
2. Education
3. Experience
4. Projects done at the Monterey
Institute
5. References

13. 1. Contact information
Name
Address
Phone number
Email
Optional: URL for your professional
website

14. 2. Education
Degrees earned usually post-
secondary
Certificates earned
Possibly study abroad experiences
(You may list those in another section.)
Dates
Institutions

15. 3. Experience
Applicable experiences, including:
jobs
Volunteer work
Tutoring
Conversation partner

16. 4. Projects done at MIIS
Choose selectively.
Reflect on where the mention of a
certain project will best promote your
professional image.

17. Examples
A major presentation given in your
Curriculum Design course
“Professional Presentations”
“Academic Expertise Area: Curriculum
Design”
A special category, such as “Korea-
Related Experience”

18. 5. References (3-5)
Ask people who can comment on how
they would feel about working with
you.
Include at least 1 who has seen you
teach.
Include at least 1 who can comment
on your work at the Institute.

19. Additional Categories
NOTE: This lists the categories in the most common order,
but your ordering changes based on the job for which
you are applying.
Other Employment/Related Experience
Presentations and Publications
Professional Affiliations
Professional Service
Computer Skills
Language Skills
Honors and Awards
Interests

20. Consider the naming of your categories.
“Language Teaching” or “English Language
Teaching”
A general section “Language Teaching” or
two sections: “English Language Teaching”
and “Chinese Language Teaching”
“Language Teaching Experience” vs. “Adult
English Language Teaching Experience”

21. Order your categories.
Example: Which of these would you list
first: “Language Program Administration”
or “Language Teaching”?
Consider what the employer is seeking.

22. Choose POWER Words.
Use past tense verbs for past
experiences. “Was teaching a class”
vs. “Taught”
Include current experiences.
“Implementing”, “Instructing”
For the date, write January 2003-
current

23. Plan the C.V.’’s presentation.
Readability
Accuracy
Professional look

24. Readability
Consistency
Layout
Accuracy in typing and grammar
Font
Parallel phrases and sentences

25. Examples
Teaching English, Chicago
English Instructor, Turkey
Instructing English, Shantou
This is BETTER --- more CONSISTENT:
English Instructor, Chicago, USA
English Instructor, Tarsus, Turkey
English Instructor, Shantou, China

26. Accuracy
Honest information
Willing references
Correct contact information for your
references

27. Professional Look
Get feedback from peers
Laser printed
Quality paper and envelopes

28. Continued Revising
Seek feedback about your C.V.
Update your C.V. with each
experience

29. Remember your goal:
Get that interview!

30. Don’’t forget the Cover Letter
Vital part of every C.V.
Goals of a Cover Letter:
Allows to explain C.V. in greater depth
Gives opportunity to state relevant interests,
abilities, goals, etc
Allows candidate to state in prose why he/she is
qualified for the position

31. What to do next?
Send/give me a copy of your CV to review
Make an appointment to come speak with
me, Office 231, McCone,
therese.tishakov@miis.edu
Ask your classmates & friends for
feedback

32. Reminder:
You can access information about writing a
C.V., including examples, online at:
http://www.miis.edu/gslel-career-resources-
1.html
You can review sample C.V. in a binder
found in the Career Resource Center, cubicle
7, McCone

33. Conclusion
Questions? Comments? Concerns?
Thank you for your attention!