Difference Between a Resume and CV

Resume

1. Length: Resumes are generally shorter than CVs and typically limited to one or two pages.
2. Targeted: Resumes are tailored to a specific job or position, focusing on the skills, experiences, and qualifications most relevant to the role being applied for.
3. Concise Summary: Resumes provide a concise summary of an individual's professional background, highlighting key achievements, skills, and qualifications that directly align with the job requirements.
4. Functional or Combination Format: Resumes may adopt a functional or combination format, emphasizing skills and achievements rather than a strict chronological listing of work experience.
5. Professional Focus: Resumes are widely used in business, industry, governmental, and non-profit sectors, highlighting work experience, accomplishments, and qualifications that are directly applicable to the desired role.

What Is a Curriculum Vitae?

A Curriculum Vitae (CV), derived from the Latin term "course of life," serves as a comprehensive document that encapsulates an individual's complete career history. It is often more extensive, spanning three pages or more, and aims to provide a thorough account of one's professional journey. The structure of a CV typically follows a chronological arrangement, facilitating a comprehensive overview of an individual's entire work trajectory.

An academic CV, in particular, investigates into intricate details of an individual's accomplishments, encompassing all relevant professional experiences without exclusions. It presents the candidate as a well-rounded entity, offering employers a comprehensive understanding of the breadth of their abilities and expertise. While academic institutions undoubtedly consider grades and test scores, they also place significant value on an applicant's published works. Hence, CVs are commonly used by individuals pursuing fellowships, grants, postdoctoral positions, as well as teaching or research roles within tertiary education institutions, or esteemed research positions within the industry.

To compile a CV, it is generally expected that the individual possesses a minimum of one year of professional experience, as this provides a solid foundation for showcasing their achievements and expertise.

What Is a Resume?

The term "resume," originating from French and meaning "to sum up," refers to a concise, targeted compilation of an individual's skills and accomplishments. It serves as a condensed document, contrasting with the comprehensive nature of a Curriculum Vitae (CV). The purpose of a resume is to present a focused snapshot of an individual's qualifications and capabilities specifically tailored to a particular position. As a result, resumes are typically shorter in length, with the extent often determined by the number of years of experience. Generally, a resume spans one page, although in some cases, it may extend to two pages.

Unlike a CV, a resume does not strictly adhere to a chronological order in listing information. It allows flexibility in organizing details to best suit the applicant's profile. It is crucial to emphasize that a resume should not include every past job or skill acquired throughout one's career. Rather, it should highlight the most relevant and impactful experiences and competencies.

Resumes are commonly utilized when applying for positions in business, industry, government, and non-profit sectors. Their succinct format enables hiring managers to quickly grasp an applicant's qualifications, making them suitable for various professional contexts.

Conclusion

A Curriculum Vitae (CV) provides a comprehensive overview of an individual's career history, academic achievements, and professional qualifications, while a resume is a concise and tailored document that focuses on relevant skills, experiences, and qualifications for a specific job or position.