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.
What Is a Curriculum Vitae?
A curriculum vitae (CV) provides a summary of your experience and skills. Typically, CVs for entry-level candidates are longer than resumes – at least two or three pages. CVs for mid-level candidates who have amassed numerous publications tend to run much longer.
CVs include extensive information on your academic background, including teaching experience, degrees, research, awards, publications, presentations, and other achievements. CVs are thus lengthier than resumes, and include more information, particularly details related to one’s academic and research background.
What Is a CV Summary
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 Curriculum Vitae
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.
What Is a Resume?
A resume provides a summary of your education, work history, credentials, and other accomplishments and skills. There are also optional sections, including 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.
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.
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.
CV and Resume Writing Tips
Whether you are writing a CV or a resume, there are a few helpful rules you should follow.
Match your resume or CV to the position. This is most important when writing a resume, but it applies to a CV too. 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.
