A Curriculum Vitae, commonly referred to as CV, is a comprehensive document typically used in academic, research, and medical fields, providing a detailed overview of someone's professional and academic history. It serves as a synopsis of an individual's life work, including their education, qualifications, employment history, skills, achievements, research, publications, and any awards or honors. Often used interchangeably with the term 'resume,' a CV tends to be longer and more exhaustive, featuring a systematic and chronological account of one's career trajectory and accomplishment, core competencies, and areas of expertise. Moreover, it often includes personal information like hobbies and interests, helping to paint a holistic image of the candidate.

1. A doctor who is changing hospitals would need a CV, detailing their education, the hospitals they have worked in, the specific surgeries they have specialized in, any research or publications to their name, and any additional qualifications they have achieved. 2. A university professor might prepare a CV when applying for a position at another institution. This document would include details about their education, teaching experience, research projects, publications, awards, and presentations at academic conferences. 3. A graphic designer looking to join a corporate agency might create a CV to demonstrate their creative skills, experience in various projects or campaigns, software proficiency, academic qualifications, and any notable clients they have worked with in the past. 4. An individual applying for a role in a non-profit organization would compile a CV, listing their education, any volunteer work, roles in other non-profit organizations, campaigns they have designed or run, and any relevant certifications or coursework in fields such as social work or community development. 5. An entrepreneur seeking business partners or investors might craft a CV showcasing their business acumen, past startup experiences, successful business ventures, educational background, and certifications in fields such as project management or business strategy.

Fun fact: The term Curriculum Vitae (CV) is derived from the Latin words 'curriculum' and 'vitae', which literally translate to 'course of life'. This represents the CV's role as a detailed overview of the professional and academic "journey" of an individual. Moreover, CVs are widely utilized in many parts of the world, while in the United States, the shorter format known as "resume" is more commonly used. Unlike the brief, one to two page resume, a CV can be multiple pages long, depending on the individual's amount of experience and achievements. Consider it like your professional biography!