'What the Heck is a Curriculum Vitae' is a topic of interest for many who find this page. If you're seeking a faculty, research, clinical, or scientific position, you will need a 'CV' or Curriculum Vitae. A CV is a little more formal in format than a resume, usually two pages (or more, if you are highly experienced). It is a detailed listing that usually includes publications, presentations, professional activities, honors, and additional information. Usually there is no objective statement, but format varies. A general discussion of which format may be appropriate for you can be found at Columbia University, Job Smart ,or at the Colorado College Career Center.

Vita or Vitae???

As a student of Latin, I would presume that 'vita' -- the singular for life would be appropriate in describing one's life course as opposed to vitae, a plural form (it is ONE life, no?).

After several emails on the subject, I consulted Webster's II New Riverside University Dictionary (1988), which is as good a guide to everyday American English as any. There was no listing for 'curriculum vita' but curriculum vitae was, indeed listed.

Curriculum vitae is the common usage and therefore less likely to elicit questions from potential employers.

If you are interested in a technical explanation, Eric Daniels, a CV Tips reader and Latin Scholar offers:

'It is vitae because 'life' in the phrase 'course of life' (or 'a life's course') is in the genitive singular. If you consult your handy declension tables, you will note that a genitive singular feminine noun from the first declension ends in 'ae' not 'a.'

Cover Letter Tips More Detailed Cover Letter Tips

The objective of the cover letter is to present a brief overview of yourself to the employer. By presenting your personal information in a coherent format, your objective is to convince the employer that your skills are valuable to the employer.

Below are some tips to aid you in preparing a concise cover letter: Note: Above all else, the most important element of any cover letter is clarity. It must be easy to read, contain useful information, and be straightforward. Always check your cover letter before you send it to anyone with this in mind.

Make sure there are no spelling errors, or grammatical mistakes. The application is the only information employer has about you, and presentation really matters.

The cover letter gives you an opportunity to provide extra information, express your interest in the job, and do a sales pitch for your skills and experience.

• Avoid lengthy letters exceeding 1 page. Most cover letters consist of 3 paragraphs. If you really need more space, first check what you've written for clarity and information, and delete unnecessary material. Don't exceed the one page rule unless absolutely unavoidable, and even then, try to keep it brief.
• Always include any employer references, the title of the job, and address your letter to the attention of the employer contact name in the first lines, in bold type. (Attention: Mr ABC: Re Customer Service Officer position, your reference 12345) The employer needs these, and it shows you understand the rules of business correspondence.
• Paragraph 1: Brief self-introduction including a description of your career objective. This should make a relationship between the job and your career, explaining your interest in the position and how it relates to your CV.
• Paragraph 2: A short description of your education, skills and other relevant information. Make sure this information also fits the essential criteria for the position. You're telling the employer you have the necessary qualifications.
• Paragraph 3: A closing paragraph indicating all your contact details, your phone, your email and fax contact if available.
• Date your letter. This is standard business practice, and will be part of your file with the employer. It's also the only available reference to your application at your end, and will be the date of application for future reference.