Although many people use the terms CV and resume interchangeably, they are technically not the same thing. Understanding the differences between these two documents and how to craft each may be the biggest difference-maker in your application to academic or professional positions.
First let’s consider the terminology. In the US and Canada, a resume is used to apply for a job, while a CV is used to apply for an academic position (yes, this is also a job, but in a specific area). In Europe, a CV refers to both a job application and an application to an academic position. In other parts of the world the terms are often used interchangeably.
Here, we will look at the technical applications of each term: a resume is used to apply for a job and a CV is used to apply for an academic position.
In any place and/or context, these documents are your first opportunity to make a strong impression on potential employers.
What is a CV?
A CV (the Latin Curriculum Vitae, meaning “course of life”) is a comprehensive and detailed record of your entire academic and professional history. It includes everything you’ve done until the present day; as such, it generally comprises several pages (3–4 pages is pretty typical, though length ultimately depends on how much you have to include) that outline the following:
- personal information
- research experience
- work history
- awards
- professional affiliations
- conference attendance
- publications
- academic achievements
- volunteer experience
- teaching experience
- grants and/or scholarships
- fellowships
- presentations (keynote, posters, etc.)
- other relevant information (skills, languages, etc.)
The structure places more emphasis on academics than career experience, though this is flexible and depends on the position you are applying for. Its aim is to demonstrate your qualifications and preparedness for an academic environment. Because the length of the document is more variable, the CV allows for more elaboration than a resume.
What is a Resume?
A resume is similar to a CV in that it is a historical record of your accomplishments, though it is far more concise and focuses primarily on your professional experiences. Its primary aim is to highlight your skills, specific work experiences, and qualifications relevant to the particular job applied for. Education is listed, of course, but following the employment history, not before it as is done with a CV.
A key difference, as already mentioned, is the length of the document. Ideally, a resume can be presented in one page, though this becomes more difficult as you gain experience. That said, a resume should never exceed two pages. In general, a resume is looked at much more quickly than a CV, so brevity and impact are key.
Also, given the limited real estate, a resume requires a much more intentional choice of words and a prioritization of details to include based on their relevance to the position applied for. A resume can also include a summary section at the top to facilitate a quick scan by recruiters, a feature that is not common on a CV.
Key similarities between these documents include:
- chronological order of accomplishments and experiences, though the resume is presented in reverse chronological order
- a careful employment of word choices to maximize the impact on readers (e.g., use more active verbs than nouns and adjectives, etc.)
- a constant awareness of the readers
- attention to detail (be sure to edit and proofread to avoid errors.)
Remember: The goal of both the resume and the CV is to effectively communicate your qualifications and suitability for the relevant position. Take the necessary time to painstakingly craft either document.
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