What is the difference between a resume and a CV?

The Difference Between a Resume and a Curriculum Vitae

What is the difference between a resume and a CV? The primary differences between a resume and a curriculum vitae 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.

Most resumes  are competency-based: they are personal marketing documents intended to showcase the candidate’s skills, notable achievements, and work experience to the greatest advantage.  CVs, submitted for jobs in academia, scientific research, and medical fields, are credential-based, providing a comprehensive (and often lengthy) listing of one’s education, certifications, research experience, and professional affiliations and memberships.  

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.

Start by making a list of all your background information, and then organize it into categories.

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.

Resume often include bulleted lists to keep information concise.

Resumes come in a few types, including chronological , functional, and combinations format Select a format that best fits the type of job you are applying for.