What Is the difference between a resume and a CV? The primary differences between a resume and a curriculum vitae (CV) 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.
What Is a Curriculum Vitae?
Like a resume, a curriculum vitae (CV) provides a summary of your experience and skills. Typically, CVs are longer than resumes – at least two or three pages.
CVs include information on your academic background, including teaching experience, degrees, research, awards, publications, presentations, and other achievements. CVs are thus much longer than resumes, and include more information, particularly details related to one’s academic background.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 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. Often resumes include bulleted lists to keep information concise.
When to Use a CV
CVs are used almost exclusively in countries outside of the United States. In Europe, the Middle East, Africa, or Asia, employers may expect to receive a curriculum vitae rather than a resume. Within the United States, people in academia and medicine tend to use CVs rather than resumes.
What to Include in Your Curriculum Vitae
Like a resume, 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.
For more information on the CV check out these Curriculum Vitae (CV) Samples and Writing Tips.