CV Vs. Resume

CV Vs. Resume—Here Are the Differences

“Um, what is a CV?” is a question job seekers often find themselves asking. Approach 10 professionals, and odds are high only one or two can tell you the real answer. Good news, you’re about to be one of those few people who know not just what the letters stand for, but how the CV compares to a resume, and whether or not you should have one.

Curriculum Vitae, more commonly referred to by its shorthand abbreviation CV (a Latin term meaning course of life), got tossed around a lot when I was in graduate school. I’m pretty sure I pretended to know what it meant the first time I heard it, only to go home to Google and educate myself before it came up in casual conversation again.

I quickly learned that dissertation-defending PhDs didn’t have resumes, they had CVs. Unlike the resume, which lists work history and experiences, along with a brief summary of your skills and education, the CV is a far more comprehensive document. It goes above and beyond a mention of education and work experience and often lists—in thoughtful detail—your achievements, awards, honors, and publications, stuff universities care about when they’re hiring teaching staff. Unlike a resume, which is rarely longer than a one-sided single page, the CV can be two, six, or 12 pages—depending on your professional achievements.

Let’s go over some basics of the CV versus resume.

What Is a CV?

As touched upon briefly above, CVs are primarily popular among academics, as graduate students often spend a lot of effort getting their work published during these post-grad years. While higher-education institutions undoubtedly evaluate a potential candidate’s grades and test scores, they’re also eager to see where an applicant’s been published.

“Publish or perish” was a popular sentiment during my two years in graduate school, and it appears not much has changed. I spoke with a couple of my former classmates who went on to obtain doctorate degrees long after I’d left with a master’s degree in hand and an I’ve-had-enough-of-that mindset, and they were quick to reiterate how important getting published is to one’s career, and, of course, the standard academic’s CV.

OK, Anyone Besides Academics?

You’re right, they’re not the only ones who choose the long (sometimes, very long) document over a resume. The website Undercover Recruiter explains that U.S. and Canadian residents need a CV if they’re applying to work abroad, specifically in the U.K., Ireland, and New Zealand. In these countries, “a CV is used in all contexts and resumes aren’t used at all.” Moreover, “The CV prevails in mainland Europe and there is even a European Union CV format available for download,” a super helpful template if you’re confused about how to build one.

What’s the Difference Between a CV and a Resume?

The CV’s static in that it’s not a document needing to be tailored for different positions in the way that a resume is. Rather, according to UNC Writing Center, the CV’s a “fairly detailed overview of your life’s accomplishments, especially those most relevant to the realm of academia,” hence the variance in length; an early-stage grad student’s CV is going to be a lot shorter than a sixth-year student preparing to write a dissertation.

The document only changes as your accomplishments grow—you publish the findings of a scientific study, or a short story, or you receive an award as a Teaching Assistant—whereas a resume can and should be modified often as you job search and apply to different companies and positions. At The Muse, we highly encourage you to tailor your resume for each and every job you apply to, even if the job descriptions are similar. 

But, How Do I Know When to Use Which?

Fortunately, if you’re still confused about where to begin, remember that almost any job you apply to will let you know what you need. It’s not typically a guessing game. When you apply for a job in New York City, or Minneapolis, or Austin, there’ll likely be clear language on what’s required with the application. Begin looking into overseas opportunities, and it’s probable that the application will explicitly state that you need to submit a CV or resume for consideration.

Seriously though, if you’re truly dumbfounded about what’s needed, it’s OK to ask the point of contact directly, “Would you prefer a resume or CV?” (And in America, the answer will almost always be “resume” since we know that recruiters don’t spend more than six seconds looking, anyways.)

Should I Have a CV Handy?

If you don’t currently have one, I’d recommend creating the doc just in case. You don’t have to stop everything you’re doing right this second, but the next time you go to modify your resume (a familiar and somewhat ongoing practice, I hope), start building it out. If nothing else, it’ll serve a dual-purpose: Not only can you have it handy if you do ever need it, but you’ll also have a running list of everything you’ve ever accomplished, a.k.a., a master resume to pull from as you tailor your own for specific positions.

Memo Example

Like most forms of writing, memos come with so many rules, instructions, and suggestions that it's easy to forget a few. Since we've already addressed the dos and don'ts of how to write a memo, let's take a moment to look at these rules in practice.

While reading over the below memo examples, pay special attention to the key features of a memo. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Is it addressed to the right audience?
• Does the subject line accurately convey its contents?
• Does it anticipate and address potential objections?
• Is it formatted clearly and consistently?

When considering each memo's main text, pay close attention to the structure. The opening paragraph should restate the memo's purpose indicated in the subject line. Subsequent paragraphs should build on this opening statement and explain the memo's purpose in detail. Unnecessary information should be removed, and word choice should remain straightforward and professional.

Memo Example 1: A General Office Memo

MEMORANDUM

To: All Staff

From: The Manager

Date: May 27, 2010

Subject: Inappropriate use of time on Google Doodle games

Coworkers,

It has come to my attention that many in the office have been spending time on the Google home page microgames. This memo is a reminder to use your work hours for work.

According to a recent article, the estimated daily cost of people collectively playing these games instead of working is over $120 million—which is calculated based on the daily average increased time spent on the Google home page (36 seconds).

If these estimates are applied to our 600 office employees, this results in a nearly $700 weekly loss.

This is a conservative estimate considering the extensive discussions that occur about beating the office's current high score. The extra cost quickly adds up.

Of course, we don't want you to view our organization as a place of drudgery and draconian rules. I encourage a fun and competitive environment, and I recognize that we certainly won't be profitable if you are unhappy or dissatisfied with your jobs. This is just a reminder to be careful with your use of company time.

Thank you,

The Manager

Memo Example 2: A Departmental Memo

MEMORANDUM

To: Computer Programming Division

From: Vice President Lumbergh

Date: February 19, 2016

Subject: Attaching cover sheets to TPS reports

This is to remind the division that, starting today, we are now filing all Testing Procedure Specification (TPS) reports with new cover sheets.

The reason for this change is simple. In addition to a new format, the cover sheets provide a summary of the report as well as the updated legal copy. The new cover sheets also include Initech's new logo.

Though this change may initially seem like a headache and an extra step, it is necessary to include the new cover sheets due to their updated information. Failing to do so will result in a confusing and inaccurate product delivered to our customers.

Please be sure to follow this new procedure.

Best regards,

Vice President Lumbergh

Conclusion

By following these memo examples and addressing your audience in clear, concise language, you'll be able to effectively communicate with your coworkers in all your correspondence.

How to write the best business Memos

MEMOS
Business memorandum or memoranda — also called memo or memos — are specially formatted written communications within your business. A memo’s format is typically informal (but still all-business) and public. Memos typically make announcements, discuss procedures, report on company activities, and disseminate employee information. If you have something confidential to communicate, don’t do it in a memo.
A good business memo can inspire staffers and get them to act on key company business. Here's how to write a great memo.

The fine art of writing a business memo is actually something of a lost art.

With the rise of digital communications and an over-reliance on cell phones and quick text and emails, there doesn't seem to be much room for the venerable memo.

That's unfortunate, as a well-crafted business memo can cut through the bureaucratic red tape and get important company messages out to the right people, in a clear and concise way.

Memos are highly preferable to emails when issuing information and data on key company issues, like policy changes or the appointment of a new chief executive officer.

How to write the best memo?

 Short and sweet is a good place to start, and an ability to communicate your key points is a good way to finish.

Let's take a look and see how to write the best business memo.

How to Write a Memo

By definition, a memo (short for memorandum) is a business document that seeks to engage staffers inside a company and communicates important messages on key issues on meetings, company policies, and corporate business.

Writing a good memo is mostly about good formatting, solid structure, and the ability to clearly and succinctly convey the intended message.

To cover the bases on all the above fronts, let's walk through the process, step-by-step, in creating a masterful memo.

1. Add the Title

A memo's title is short and to the point, and is always placed at the top of the page. Usually, a term is used in the title (think "memo" or "memo to staff.") Ideally, you want your message to stand out amidst the pile of paperwork and emails that often inundate the modern workplace. Directing your title to the intended audience/recipient does just that.

2. Make Sure to Include the Date

The date is necessary as a time point of reference. It shows the recipient when the memo was written and, in many cases gives the memo a sense of urgency, and that its contents and instructions are to be taken seriously.

3. Designate Who Receives Memo With "To"

"To" designates who receives the memo, either an entire company department (i.e., "sales staff) or to an individual (Sally Stone, director of sales.) You can structure the "to" memo line alphabetically, or by title.

4. Make Clear Who the Memo Is "From"

This line designates the memo's author, by name and title (i.e., "from the desk of Sally Stone, director of sales.") Often, to underscore the importance of the memo, the title includes the sender's signature, by initials. Usually, this occurs when a subordinate writes the memo for a supervisor or manager - that manager will sign off on the memo to show recipients that everything in the memo is approved and requires attention or a response.

5. Add a Clear Subject

This line designates what the memo is about and should always be written clearly, concisely and compellingly. Above all else, you want your memo to stand out, and to get your message across. That process really starts with the subject line, and is intended to clearly state what the memo is about.

6. Write the Body

This section goes into more detail on what the memo is about. The goal is to get to the point quickly (i.e., "We've set up a meeting on Monday, Jan. 6 to discuss first quarter sales goals and priorities.") The first line is all-important, as it sets the table for the remainder of the memo. It's ideal to break the body of the memo down into short paragraphs - three should be the goal. Any more than that and you start losing the attention of your recipients. Remember, clear and concise is the goal with a good memo. The last paragraph should feature a call to action, i.e., something compelling to spur the recipient into taking action.

7. Sign Off With a Good Close

The last portion of the memo can include a signature from the sender at the bottom, but it doesn't have to. Just sign and date the signature, to officially "seal the deal" on the memo, and let the reader know who, exactly, the memo is coming from. It's more important, however, to end the memo with a firm call for action, letting your readers know what specific action is to be taken.

When Do You Need to Send a Memo?

Knowing when to write an email is just as important as knowing how to write a memo. For example, there are scenarios where a short email will suffice, or an in-house digital bulletin board will get you to your correct audience.

By and large, however, writing a memo is optimal in the following scenarios:

• When you need to get a message out that makes an impression. Emails are great for getting a message out quickly, but a memo can create a message that is built to last. If your message involves a serious issue or recommendation, a memo is preferable to an email in getting your point across.
• When formatting your message correctly is important. If your message needs to include bullet points, headings or graphs, a memo is a great vehicle to engage staffers.
• When your message is meant to be printed out. If your message is going to wind up on a company bulletin board or in a newsletter format, or if your message will be used at a company meeting, a formal memo is the way to go.

You should avoid writing a memo when an email will suffice. That's usually the case when you have a very short message to send, or if you're on the road using your smart phone, and don't have the time to structure and format a memo.

Tips for Writing a Great Memo

Use these tips to write memos that stand out, get noticed, and are acted upon in quick fashion.

• Stick with the corporate policy on memos. Most companies, especially larger ones, have a standard script or blueprint to follow when writing a memo. Stick close to it and use the blueprint to get your point across.
• Keep your sentences and paragraphs short and to the point. As Ernest Hemingway once said, "brevity is key." Long, wordy memos are memos that often don't get read.
• Use bullet points. To be more succinct and to get your point across, use bullet points to better convey your message.
• Focus on the call to action. The end of the memo, where a call to action is included, is vital to the memo process. Concentrate on verbiage that inspires the reader and get them up and moving. Ask yourself this question: what is the top takeaway I want readers to absorb from the memo?
• Edit for grammar. Nobody wants to read a memo littered with typos and grammatical errors. Make sure to proofread your memo and invest in good grammar software like Grammarly.

How to Write the Perfect Email — Tips and Tricks

How to Write the Perfect Email — Tips and Tricks

Whether you’re an up-and-coming young professional or a seasoned manager, email is a vital aspect of business communication. And thanks to what’s often seen as the mysteries of English grammar and the subtleties of the written word, it can be a daily struggle. That’s especially true if you have to motivate busy people to respond or address a potentially touchy subject. To write a great email, you need to know two things: common mistakes to avoid, and next-level strategies to get ahead.
But first things first—you have to know what a great email looks like if you’re going to write one.

Anatomy of a good email

1 Subject line

The subject line could be the most important part of the email, though it’s oftentimes overlooked in favor of the email body. But if you’re cold-emailing someone, or just establishing a professional relationship, your subject line can entice people to open the message as well as set expectations about what’s enclosed. On the other hand, a poorly crafted or generic subject line (like “Hi” or “You don’t wAnt to miss thos”) can deter the reader and result in your email landing in the spam folder.
2 Openers
In most emails, you’ll want to include a quick greeting to acknowledge the reader before diving into your main message or request.
The exception: When you’re on an email chain with close colleagues, it often becomes more natural to drop the opener (as well as the closing). Though it may initially feel like a faux pas, it signals a better professional rapport.
3 Body
The body of an email is the meat of your message, and it must have a clear and specific purpose, such as getting feedback on a presentation or arranging a meeting with a new client. It should also be concise. That way, people will be more inclined to read it, rather than skimming it and risking missing critical information. If you can, boil it down to a few choice sentences.
4 Closings
Just as you want to start things off on the right foot with your greeting, you also want to part well. That means writing a friendly sign-off. And there are plenty of options to choose from.
How to write a formal email
Follow these five simple steps to make sure your English emails are perfectly professional.
Begin with a greeting
Thank the recipient
State your purpose
Add your closing remarks
End with a closing
Begin with a greeting

Always open your email with a greeting, such as “Dear Lillian”. If your relationship with the reader is formal, use their family name (eg. “Dear Mrs. Price”). If the relationship is more casual, you can simply say, “Hi Kelly”. If you don’t know the name of the person you are writing to, use: “To whom it may concern” or “Dear Sir/Madam”.

Thank the recipient

If you are replying to a client’s inquiry, you should begin with a line of thanks. For example, if someone has a question about your company, you can say, “Thank you for contacting ABC Company”. If someone has replied to one of your emails, be sure to say, “Thank you for your prompt reply” or “Thanks for getting back to me”. Thanking the reader puts him or her at ease, and it will make you appear more polite.

State your purpose

If you are starting the email communication, it may be impossible to include a line of thanks. Instead, begin by stating your purpose. For example, “I am writing to enquire about …” or “I am writing in reference to …”.
Make your purpose clear early on in the email, and then move into the main text of your email. Remember, people want to read emails quickly, so keep your sentences short and clear. You’ll also need to pay careful attention to grammar, spelling and punctuation so that you present a professional image of yourself and your company.

Add your closing remarks

Before you end your email, it’s polite to thank your reader one more time and add some polite closing remarks. You might start with “Thank you for your patience and cooperation” or “Thank you for your consideration” and then follow up with, “If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to let me know” and “I look forward to hearing from you”.

End with a closing

The last step is to include an appropriate closing with your name. “Best regards”, “Sincerely”, and “Thank you” are all professional. Avoid closings such as “Best wishes” or “Cheers” unless you are good friends with the reader. Finally, before you hit the send button, review and spell check your email one more time to make sure it’s truly perfect!

Letter Writing and Tips

Letter Writing
A letter is a written message that can be handwritten or printed on paper. It is usually sent to the recipient via mail or post in an envelope, although this is not a requirement as such. Any such message that is transferred via post is a letter, a written conversation between two parties.
 Types of Letters
Let us first understand that there are broadly two types of letter, namely Formal Letters, and Informal Letters. But then there are also a few types of letters based on their contents, formalities, the purpose of letter writing etc. Let us have a look at the few types of letters.
Formal Letter: These letters follow a certain pattern and formality. They are strictly kept professional in nature, and directly address the issues concerned. Any type of business letter or letter to authorities falls within this given category.
Informal Letter: These are personal letters. They need not follow any set pattern or adhere to any formalities. They contain personal information or are a written conversation. Informal letters are generally written to friends, acquaintances, relatives etc.
Business Letter: This letter is written among business correspondents, generally contains commercial information such as quotations, orders, complaints, claims, letters for collections etc. Such letters are always strictly formal and follow a structure and pattern of formalities.
Official Letter: This type of letter is written to inform offices, branches, subordinates of official information. It usually relays official information like rules, regulations, procedures, events, or any other such information. Official letters are also formal in nature and follow certain structure and decorum.
Social Letter: A personal letter written on the occasion of a special event is known as a social letter. Congratulatory letter, condolence letter, invitation letter etc are all social letters.
Circular Letter: A letter that announces information to a large number of people is a circular letter. The same letter is circulated to a large group of people to correspond some important information like a change of address, change in management, the retirement of a partner etc.
Employment Letters: Any letters with respect to the employment process, like joining letter, promotion letter, application letter etc.
Letter Writing Tips
1] Identify the type of letter
This obviously is the first step of the letter writing process. You must be able to identify the type of letter you are to be writing. This will be dictated by the person the letter is addressed to and the information that will be conveyed through the letter. Suppose you were writing to the principal of your college to ask for leave, this would be a formal letter. But say you were writing to your old college professor catching up after a long time. Then this would be a personal (informal) letter
2] Make sure you open and close the letter correctly
Opening a letter in the correct manner is of utmost importance. Formal letters open with a particular structure and greeting that is formal in nature. Informal letters can be addressed to the person’s name or any informal greeting as the writer wishes.
Even when closing the letter, it must be kept in mind what type of letter is being written. Formal letters end respectfully and impersonally, whereas informal letters may end with a more personal touch.
3] Establish the main intent of the letter
Once you start writing, make sure to get to the point as soon as possible. Especially in formal letters, it is important to immediately make clear the purpose of the letter.
4] Be careful of the language
A letter is always supposed to be polite and considerate. Even if it is a complaint letter, the point must be made in a careful and courteous manner. So it is necessary to use polite expressions and civil language in all types of letters.
5] Length of the letter
And the other important factor to be considered is the length of the letter you are writing. It should be kept in mind that formal letters are generally to the point, precise and short. Lengthy formal letters tend to not have the desired effect on the reader. The length of an informal letter is determined by the message in the letter and the relation to the recipient.
Solved Example for You
Q: Alex was to write a letter to her class teacher asking permission to remain absent from school for 2 days on account of some personal matter. What type of letter will he be writing?
Personal Letter
Business Letter
Formal Letter
Any of the above
Ans: The correct option is C. While the teacher is a personal acquaintance of Alex, the situation demands a formal letter and not a personal letter.

ENHANCE YOUR VOCABULARY-Bene Root Word

 The word root Bene finds its origins in the Latin word bene meaning “well” and is used to convey goodness, wellness, reverence, and honor or blessings. Benevolence is the disposition to do good for others.

BENE-WELL

Following is a list of words based on the Bene Root Word:

1. Benign: Kind or gentle disposition, neutral, harmless.
2. Benison: Blessing.
3. Benignant: Kind, desirable
4. Benefice: Paid position of a member of clergy.
5. Beneficence: Act of goodness.
6. Beneficiary: Recipient of gifts.
7. Benefit: Event organised to raise money.
8. Benefit: Profit.
9. Benevolence: Disposition to do good for others.
10. Benediction: Prayer.
11. Benedicite: Blessing, a grace said at a table.
12. Benefactor: A person who gives money or other help to a person or cause.
13. Ab officio et beneficio: Suspension from office and other benefits.
14. Beneficial: That which brings about a positive result.
15. Benedict: A bachelor who has recently married.
16. Benefactress: A woman who supports other individuals.
17. Benignity: Kindness of attitude.
18. Omni benevolence: Universal generosity.
19. Nota Bene: Take careful notice.

Confucius said “The man of benevolence never worries, the man of courage is never afraid”.
We hope this article on the commonly used Bene Root Word has been helpful to you in remembering the words based on the Root Word Bene and enhanced your vocabulary.

Enhance your vocabulary(Root Word- BEL )

Definition & Meaning: Bel Root Word

The word root bel comes from old French Bele “Beautiful”. 

Following is a list of words based on the Bel Root Word:

1. Belle: A beautiful woman.
2. Belvedere: A building positioned to offer a fine view of the surrounding area.
3. Belladonna: From Italian: A beautiful lady.
4. Embellish: Decorate, make beautiful, bedeck, adorn.
5. Belmont: Beautiful Mountain.
6. Belles-lettres: Fine letters.
7. Belletrist: Man of learning.
8. Bauble: from old French Baubel meaning ornament.
9. Beldame: aggressive woman.
10. Bibelot: trinket, ornament.
11. Unembellished: Factual.
12. Beldam: Ugly woman.
13. Dowsabel: Obsolete word for sweet heart.
14. Bellwether: Leader, forerunner.