diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..76f38c3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/README.md
@@ -0,0 +1,22 @@
+# Curriculum Vitae for Alan Orth
+
+A CV written in LaTeX using the [moderncv](http://www.ctan.org/pkg/moderncv) class.
+
+## Why
+
+I decided to start keeping my CV in LaTeX because:
+
+* I can never find my CV when I need it
+* I have dozens of files named `resume.doc` on my computer
+* LaTeX -> PDF ensures a consisent, beautiful layout
+* Writing your CV in a source-based language means you can track it in git (w00t!)
+
+## Usage
+
+To "build" a PDF you simply type:
+
+	make
+
+To clean up all generated and intermediate content, type:
+
+	make clean