What Is the difference between a resume and a CV? The primary differences between a resume and a curriculum vitae (CV) are length, what is included, and what each is used for. While both are used in job applications, a resume and a CV are not always interchangeable.
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Like a resume, a curriculum vitae (CV) provides a summary of your experience and skills. Typically, CVs are longer than resumes and are at least two or three pages.
What to include in your Curriculum Vitae
Like a resume, your curriculum vitae should include your name, contact information, education, skills, and experience. In addition to the basics, a CV includes research and teaching experience, publications, grants and fellowships, professional associations and licenses, awards, and other information relevant to the position you are applying for. Start by making a list of all your background information, and then organize it into categories.
A curriculum vitae summary is a one-to-two-page, condensed version of a full curriculum vitae. A CV summary is a way to quickly and concisely convey one’s skills and qualifications. Sometimes large organizations will initially ask for a one-page CV summary when they expect a large pool of applicants.
What to include in your Resume?
A resume provides a summary of your education, work history, credentials, and other accomplishments and skills. It can also include a resume objective and career summary statement. Resumes are the most common document requested of applicants in job applications.
A resume should be as concise as possible. Typically, a resume is one page long, although sometimes it can be as long as two pages. Often resumes include bulleted lists to keep information concise.
Resumes come in a few types, including chronological, functional, and combination formats. Select a format that best fits the type of job you are applying for.
Whether you are writing a CV or a resume, there are a few helpful rules you should follow:
Use the right format and keywords
This is most important when writing a resume, but it applies to a CV too. Choose the right format for your needs. Your industry, experience, and desired role will determine your choice of resume format – e.g. chronological, functional, or a combination. Make sure that you highlight your education, work experience, and skills as they relate to the particular industry or job.
In a CV, for example, if you are applying for a job in education, you might want to put your teaching experience at the top of your CV. In a resume, you might include only the work experience that relates directly to the job you’re applying for. You can also include keywords from the job description in your resume or CV. This will show the employer that you are an ideal fit for the position.
One key thing to note is to make sure you write for both robots and humans. Your resume needs to get past the Applicant Tracking System and grab the attention of the human being on the other end.
Use a template
You may want to use a template to structure your resume or CV. This will give your document a clear organization, which will help the employer quickly see your qualifications and experience.
Review and edit
No matter whether you use a CV or resume, you need to thoroughly review and edit your document. Make sure there are no spelling or grammatical errors.
Also, make sure your format is consistent – for example, if you use bullet points in one job description, use bullet points in all your job descriptions.
