CV vs Resume: What’s the Difference? 

Job applicants often use a CV to highlight their academic and professional accomplishments.  Although this could sound a lot like a  resume, the two documents are not the same. Let me help you out with a quick comparison of a resume and a CV.

What is a CV?

The word “CV” is an acronym for the Latin phrase “Curriculum Vitae” (which means “course of life”). A CV is a document outlining information about one’s career, work experience, academic qualification, skills, etc. Usually, a CV is two to three pages long. There are 3 different types of CV formats :

1. Chronological CV
2. Functional CV
3. Combination CV

What is a Resume?

The word ” resume” comes from the French word “résumé”, which means  “abstract” or “summary”. A resume is a document summarizing one’s education, work experience, and skills. Commonly, a resume is usually on one page. There are four different types of resume formats:

1. Chronological resume
2. Functional resume
3. Combination resume
4. Targeted resume 

CV vs Resume:

A CV emphasizes a more extensive account of one’s academic-related experiences, whereas a resume is typically a brief review of one’s experience in various fields.  

A CV is sent when applying for academic positions, usually those in teaching or research.  When a candidate is applying for jobs, they use resumes. The CV is that document where one can list all of their academic accomplishments, certifications, and degrees. The focus on professional accomplishments over academic ones is more significant in a resume, which must be customized for each position that one is applying for.

Additionally, an entry-level resume typically has one page, whereas a CV typically has numerous pages.

Now you might be thinking, “Should I use a CV or resume? The Latin phrase “the course of your life” is “Curriculum Vitae,” which is what CV stands for. A CV is essentially a biography of you. The words “CV” and “resume” have similar meanings in certain countries. However, these documents differ greatly in the US. The CV goes above and beyond to highlight experience, education, and other relevant information, as well as honors, publications, awards, accomplishments, and more. The CV is most helpful since these additional areas highlight talents that are most applicable to academic purposes. Also, a CV emphasizes the transferable skills that companies seek and can be demonstrated through endeavors like employment, internships, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities. On the other hand, Fresh graduate students with early careers are typically expected to submit a resume when applying to jobs in industry, nonprofits, and the public sector.

Here’s a list  to include when you’re writing a resume:

• Contact information
• Resume summary
• Work experience
• Education
• Skills
• Other relevant information (certifications, awards, projects, volunteer work, language skills, etc)

Here’s a list to include when you’re writing a CV:

• Contact information 
• Career Objective 
• Academic qualification 
• Work experience 
• Key skills
• Publications
• Awards and appreciation 
• Certification 
• Voluntary experience 
• Internships
• Co-curricular activities 
• Extra-curricular activities
• Memberships
• Training 
• CSR activities
• Language skills 
• Computer skills
• References

Preparing a CV or resume for the first time can be challenging but with some effort, you will also be able to create a CV or a resume.

To read more blogs, click here.  

Writer, 

Mehrin Khan 

Intern,Content Writing Department 

YSSE.