If you are someone who has started looking for a job, you will constantly come across the terms CV and Resume. Some employers use both terms interchangeably; they actually have some fundamental differences between them.
Firstly, both documents are meant to showcase your qualifications but differ in purpose, format, and the time to use them. For instance, a CV is typically used when applying for academic, research, or medical positions, while a resume is more suitable for business-industry job applications.
Understanding these differences empowers you to choose the correct document for each job application strategically, based on the potential job requirement.
In this guide, we will cover
What a CV and resume are
Key differences between them
What should you include in your resume and CV?
What is a CV?
CV stands for curriculum Vitae, which literally translates to "Course of Life" in Latin.
The CV is a detailed document that highlights your educational qualifications, skills, research topics, dissertations, awards, scholarships, and more.
In other words, it is a document detailing your work history and experience that is at least two or three pages long. An experienced person's CV can be up to ten pages long.
The purpose of a CV is to showcase your history, growth, and journey as a professional. If you are just starting out as a fresher and are new to the workforce, include relevant projects, internships, or coursework from school or college that apply to the job.
A CV is considered a living document, meaning it is not a one-time creation. You must constantly update it as you gain more experience and expertise, ensuring it always reflects your current qualifications and achievements.
What is a Resume?
A resume is a concise, 1-2 page document that contains the highlights of your professional experience related to the job you may be applying to.
Unlike the CV, it doesn't need to lay out the complete history of your work experience but should emphasise the latest or most relevant experience. The aim is to determine what makes you a good fit for the job.
Therefore, a resume is highly customisable. It should be adapted for each job application, showcasing your flexibility and versatility. It should be straightforward and easy to read, providing only essential information without turning into a dissertation.
According to some experts, a resume is the tool you should use to market yourself to hiring managers. One look at your resume, and they should invite you to the next round of interviews.
Difference between a CV and a Resume
Aspect | CV (Curriculum Vitae) | Resume |
|---|---|---|
Length | Longer (usually 2+ pages, sometimes much more) | Shorter (typically 1–2 pages) |
Content Focus | Comprehensive overview of academic background, work history, and research | Concise summary of relevant skills, experience, and achievements |
Purpose | Primarily for medical, academic, and research | Used in the business industry for most job applications |
Details Included | Detailed information on education, work, publications, and awards | Key skills, relevant job experience, and achievements only |
Customisation | Typically static, with minor updates | Highly tailored to each job |
Chronology | Always chronological, showing career progression | Can be chronological, functional, or a combination |
What Should You Include in a CV?
Here are some things that your CV should not miss.
Name and contact information
Personal statement (describe in short your professional background and career objectives)
Professional experience
Academic qualifications
Technical and personal skills
Certifications acquired
Language Knowledge
Publications
Awards or honours
Volunteering experience
What Should You Include in Your Resume?
Here are some things that your resume should include.
Name and contact information
Resume summary or objective statement (similar to a personal statement in a CV)
Employment history
Educational accomplishments
Skills and certifications relevant to the job
Conclusion
CVs and resumes are valuable tools for job-seeking. Each document presents your strengths in a way that best suits the role you are applying to. By understanding their differences and using them strategically, you can present the most relevant information, giving you a competitive edge in the hiring process.
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