Applying for a job for the first time is quite confusing. Perhaps you have come across the terms CV and resume. In order to present yourself as a strong candidate when applying for a job, you must understand the difference between a CV and a resume.
First things first, let’s define a resume and a CV.
A resume outlines your professional experience, educational background, and skills in a one- to two-page document. It is a concise, to-the-point document made with the intention of applying for a certain job.
Curriculum Vitae (Latin for “course of life”) is a longer document that details your entire professional career. It usually consists of two or three pages but could be as long as 10+ pages, if needed. An educational history, professional career, publications, awards, and honors are all included in a Curriculum Vitae.
Generally, a resume is for job seeking, while a CV is for academic purposes.
Resumes should only include work experience and skills pertinent to the job you’re applying for. The CV, on the other hand, represents everything you have done, all your accomplishments, and all your publications.
Here are a few differences between a curriculum vitae (CV) and a resume, now that you know what they are:
- Length – There is a significant difference between the lengths of a CV and a resume. CVs can go up to 2-3 pages depending on your experience, while resumes are usually short and concise (usually one page).
- Function – CVs are primarily used for academic purposes, such as applications for research grants, Ph. D.S., or joining university staff. The resume, on the other hand, is designed for a regular job within an organization or company.
- What information do you include – A CV is an academic diary in which you list your academic qualifications, achievements, and certifications. It can be updated as necessary, which makes it universal. In contrast, a resume is more focused on your professional achievements than your academic successes and has to be customized for each job you’re applying for.
- Customization by role – In a CV, the information typically remains the same. Whereas the resume can be easily customized.
To sum up, then:
The length, layout, and purpose of these documents distinguish a CV from a resume. CVs are not limited in length, whereas resumes are typically one to two pages long. A CV summarizes an individual’s academic career; a resume summarizes their skills and work history.
