What is a CV? What makes it different from a resume? How do you know which one you should use when you apply for a job?
In this blog, we shall discuss the differences between a CV (curriculum vitae) and a traditional resume. As well, we shall tell you when you would use each one in your job search.
What is a CV?
If you are American, you are probably asking yourself, “What is a CV?” Resumes are commonplace in the United States of America when looking to apply a job. While CVs are more common in other countries. Those who are in higher education in the US may be familiar with the term CV, but for the most part, mostly used in countries other than America.
In some countries, the terms are interchangeable. That is why it is important to know the difference between a resume and a CV and when and how each one should be utilized.
A CV, or curriculum vitae, is a summary of your skills and experience. In most cases, CVs are much longer than resumes, as they are mainly utilized by candidates who have extensive education and have contributed to numerous publications.
A standard CV will include detailed information as to your academic history as well as any teaching experience, research, awards, publications, presentation, degrees, and other such achievements.
Following is an example of what you will find in a standard CV:
- Contact details
- Personal statement/profile
- Research objective
- Education
- Academic appointments of the professional level
- Books (and/or Book chapters)
- Publications (peer-reviewed)
- Any other publications
- Honors and awards
- Fellowships and grants
- Teaching experience
- Conferences
- Research experience, graduate fieldwork, and/or laboratory experience
- Languages
- Skills
- Non-academic activities (volunteer work, etc.)
- Memberships
- Professional References
What is a Resume?
Basically, a resume is a summary of your education, credentials, work history, and so on. They are more concise and to the point than a CV. For the most part, a resume is no more than one page in length, while a CV can be as many as three pages and is extremely detailed.
There are many types of resumes, but the most common are functional, chronological, or a combination of the aforementioned. Also, resumes are often set in a bulleted format to keep the information as concise as possible.
A standard resume will include the following information:
- Contact Information
- Job Title
- Resume Objective or Summary
- Education
- Work Experience
- Skills
- Awards, Certifications, Licenses, etc
- Volunteer Experience, Memberships, Interests
- Professional References
Difference Between CV And Resume
The primary differences between a resume and a CV are the length, the design, and the purpose. Resumes summarize your job skills and experience, while CVs are an extremely detailed history of your overall achievements. Resumes can be tailored to fit a specific job whale CVs serve as a full record of your educational and professional history.
When Should You Use a CV?
A curriculum vitae (CV) should be used when you are applying for an academic job such as a teaching position or fellowship. However, if you have a Masters’s or Doctorate degree, it is always best to go with a CV when applying for a job. This will give you a leg up as it focuses not only on past employment but also on your education and achievements, academic experiences, awards, and accomplishments.
When Should You Use a Resume?
If you are applying for a position that does not require a master’s or Ph.D., you should use a resume. As they are shorter and to the point, a resume should be used to apply for a job that does not need a full and detailed list of your academic achievements.
Need more advice on what is a CV and when to use it? Contact Team Global / MSM for advice on how to compose both resumes and curriculum vitae. We can help you with the tools needed to start your career path.