Difference Between CV And Resume

Is CV and Resume the Same?  

The short answer is no—they’re not the same. Each serves a distinct purpose when applying for jobs. Additionally, in different countries, the formatting and practical applications of a CV versus a resume vary significantly. 

What is the difference between a CV and a Resume?  

Difference between a CV and a Resume

A CV, full form “Curriculum Vitae”, is longer and has more details than a resume.

In Europe and parts of Asia, the terms Resume and CV refer to the same document.

Granted, the Resumes or CVs they use look slightly different from what is standard in the US.  

Even in the US, though, CVs are used in academia and the sciences, so in those fields, they are a popular alternative to the standard resume. 

Moreover, the formatting and practical applications of a CV versus a resume vary across different countries. 

CVs are multiple pages long and used to detail your entire academic and work history. In comparison, a resume is a shorter form document used for specific job targeting. The two forms are quite unique.

Understanding the differences between a CV and a resume is crucial as they cater to distinct job application requirements and are influenced by regional preferences and industry standards. 

In this comprehensive guide to CV vs Resume, discover more details on what is a CV and the difference between resume and curriculum vitae. Also, get step-by-step instructions on how to make a CV (Curriculum Vitae) and customize it to your field, specialty, and country. 

Definition of Terms: CV vs Resume 

What is a Resume? Resumes refer to a one or two-page file for every job application in the US. A good resume convinces a recruiter to interview you.  

What is a CV? Curriculum Vitae or CV means ‘course of life’ in Latin. Good resumes are concise, but CVs can span five or more pages, giving a detailed account of the applicant’s work history, academic achievements, honors, publications, etc. 

CV Meaning in Job: CVs are often called living documents because they’re updated as you publish more papers, work in more jobs, attend more conferences, and master more skills. Unlike resumes, a CV isn’t customized per job application. Instead, a separate cover letter details the most relevant work or achievements. 

What’s better between a CV and a Resume? 

The superiority of a CV or a resume depends on the context in which they are used and the specific requirements of the job application.

Here’s a breakdown of their advantages:

1. Resume:

• Conciseness: Resumes are shorter and more concise, usually limited to one or two pages. This brevity allows for a quick overview of your qualifications and relevant experience.

• Tailored for Specific Jobs: Resumes are highly customizable, allowing you to tailor them to fit the specific job or industry you’re applying for.
• Used in the U.S. and Some Industries: Resumes are commonly used in the United States and are preferred in industries where a quick snapshot of skills and experience is valued.

2. CV (Curriculum Vitae):

• Comprehensive: CVs are more detailed and comprehensive, providing an extensive overview of an individual’s academic and professional background, including publications, research, presentations, and more.

• Used in Academia and Research: CVs are typically used in academia, research positions, and in countries outside the United States. They are suitable for roles where a detailed history of accomplishments and credentials is essential.

• No Length Restrictions: Unlike resumes, there’s no strict page limit for a CV, allowing you to include exhaustive details about your career.

The “better” option between a CV and a resume depends on the job you’re applying for. For academic or research positions, a CV might be more appropriate due to its comprehensive nature. In contrast, for most corporate or non-academic jobs in the U.S., a resume is generally preferred due to its brevity and tailored content.

Ultimately, the choice between CV and resume should be based on the job requirements, industry standards, and regional preferences where you are applying. It’s essential to understand the expectations of the employer and tailor your application documents accordingly to showcase your qualifications effectively. 

Interesting facts to understand the differences between CV and Resume 

Below, we highlight the key distinctions between a CV versus a resume and offer guidance on which one to utilize when seeking a job.

The CV 

The curriculum vitae offers all the information about a person’s career, from studies to experience, skills, personal data, etc. It is a fairly complete document with the information that an employer needs. Although an extensive CV is not recommended, it can contain two or more pages. 

If you look closely, the CV or resume means something like a career of life in Latin. A document showing a person’s trajectory throughout his life. All relevant details are included here. 

The Resume 

The resume is basically the same as the CV. It also offers information about each person’s profile, simply, the resume has less length. It doesn’t usually go beyond a page. 

Is CV the Same as Resume? If not, how do they differ? 

The main differences between a resume and a CV  are the extension, what they include and what they are used for. In principle, a Resume is shorter, usually a single page in which your skills, experience and education are summarised. It aims to highlight only your main virtues, your strengths, and demonstrate your suitability for a particular position. 

The CV, on the other hand, can be longer and more detailed. In it, you can, and should, describe in more detail each work, each course that has been carried out. It is much more complete and provides much more information. Normally, recruiters prefer resumes for positions that require advanced studies, since it is usually more understandable. 

Although they are similar documents and the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, there is a difference between a curriculum vitae (CV) and a resume. A CV is typically a comprehensive list of a person’s relevant history, such as their professional history for a professional resume. A resume is generally a brief summary of a person’s education, experience, skills, and related information. The difference between a CV and a resume can also vary by location, as terms can be used differently in some countries than others. 

Use for these documents 

When someone applies for a job, internship, scholarship, or academic program, they will often be asked to submit a resume or curriculum vitae. These documents describe the person’s work history, highlight their academic recognition and achievement, and otherwise affirm their qualifications. A resume or CV is often the first thing a potential employer observes when considering a candidate. Therefore, both a resume and a CV include the most relevant and relevant information. 

A resume is usually a page or not much longer than a page. Some experts recommend avoiding resumes that are more than one or two pages. Whenever a person applies for a job, their resume should be customised to reflect skills, experience, and other credentials that will be of particular use in that specific position. For example, if a person were to apply for a job as a biology teacher and bike tour guide at the same time, they would likely highlight different qualifications in each curriculum. 

Background 

A CV is typically longer than a resume and includes a comprehensive list of a person’s relevant history. For example, this document could consist of all positions a person holds, a complete list of their academic credentials, and information about their published works and other significant findings. In some cases, CVs are many pages long. 

Differences between fields 

Another difference between a CV and a resume is that some fields tend to use one or the other. In general, CVs are required when people apply for positions in the medical and academic sectors. Resumes are usually preferred when people apply for job positions. 

The terminology surrounding “CV versus resume” varies worldwide. For example, in the United States and the English-speaking regions of Canada, the word “resume” is predominantly used. Even longer documents that look more closely like CVs are often referred to as resumes in these parts of the world. The term “curriculum vitae” is most often used in Ireland, England, Scotland, New Zealand, and Canada’s French-speaking regions. In India and Australia, the terms are generally interchangeable. 

Suggestions for candidates 

When a person applies for a job, and a potential employer asks for a resume or CV, it is essential for the applicant to know how the term is used. It may be helpful for him to contact the potential employer to ask about the types of information to include. There are many books and websites that offer tips for helping candidates write resumes and CVs.