Cv versus Resume

CV vs Resume: What’s the difference and when should you use each?

When it comes to job applications, understanding the differences between a CV and a resume is essential for choosing the right document. Both serve to highlight your qualifications, but they differ in length, focus, and purpose, depending on the job and the region. Below are 10 key differences between a CV and a resume, explained in detail.

Length

CV: Typically much longer, ranging from 2 to 10 pages or more depending on your experience and academic background. A CV is an exhaustive document that grows as your career progresses.

Resume: Usually limited to 1 or 2 pages. A resume is concise, focusing only on the most relevant qualifications for the specific job.

Tailoring

CV: Generally, a CV remains consistent across applications. It doesn’t need much tailoring because it provides a full overview of your career history and academic achievements.

Resume: Resumes are customized for each job. Tailoring your resume to match the specific requirements of a job posting is critical to stand out.

Level of Detail

CV: Contains an in-depth account of your career, including work history, education, research, publications, conferences, skills, and honors. It often includes detailed descriptions of each role.

Resume: Focuses on brevity and relevance. Only key accomplishments and experiences that relate to the specific job you’re applying for are included.

Function

CV: Primarily used for academic, research, medical, and scientific roles. It’s also preferred for positions outside the United States, such as in Europe, Africa, and Asia.

Resume: Used in most industries for job applications in corporate sectors, particularly in North America. It’s the go-to document for business, technology, marketing, and creative jobs.

Focus

CV: Highlights academic achievements, research, grants, publications, and long-term projects. A CV focuses on your entire career journey.

Resume: Emphasizes work experience and skills that are relevant to the specific job you are applying for. It’s more about what you’ve accomplished recently rather than your overall career.

References

CV: It’s common to include references or to state that they are available upon request. CVs in some regions often include a reference section.

Resume: Typically, references are not included. Most resumes omit this section and provide references only when asked during the hiring process.

Formatting

CV: Structured in chronological order, with detailed sections like education, work experience, and publications. CVs tend to follow a more rigid format.

Resume: More flexible in format. A resume can be chronological, functional, or a hybrid format, depending on your career history and the job you’re applying for.

Personal Information

CV: May include personal details like your full name, date of birth, nationality, and in some countries, marital status. However, personal information requirements vary by region.

Resume: In most countries, resumes do not include personal details like age, marital status, or nationality due to anti-discrimination laws.

Photos

CV: In many countries outside the US, like parts of Europe and Asia, it’s common to include a professional photo on your CV.

Resume: In the US and Canada, including a photo on a resume is discouraged due to concerns about bias and discrimination.

Use across regions

CV: Common in Europe, Asia, and Africa for job applications and mandatory for academic roles globally.

Resume: Primarily used in the US, Canada, and Australia for corporate job applications. The resume is preferred for non-academic positions.

CV vs Resume: A comprehensive guide

CV vs Resume: Key differences breakdown

What is a CV?

A CV (short for Curriculum Vitae, Latin for “course of life”) is a detailed document that provides a comprehensive history of your professional, academic, and personal accomplishments. Unlike a resume, which is tailored to specific job roles, a CV is often required for academic, research, and international roles where extensive detail is necessary.

Example 1-University Professor CV

Edit and download this example of a University Professor CV created using the Instaresume's OCEAN · TWO COLUMN CV TEMPLATE WITH SIDE BAR RIGHT

Edit this Resume

Example 2- Senior Doctor CV (Cardiologist)

Edit and download this example of a Senior Doctor (Cardiologist created using the Instaresume's TREE · CREATIVE TWO COLUMN RESUME TEMPLATE

Edit this Resume

Key Elements of a CV

CVs are structured similarly to resumes, with five essential sections: contact information, professional profile, comprehensive job history, education, and professional skills. However, a key difference between CVs and resumes is that CVs often include additional sections.

When you make your CV you might include sections like:

• Research experience
• Teaching or lecturing experience
• Publications
• Conference presentations and speaking engagements
• Language proficiency
• Awards and honors
• Research
• Professional affiliations
• Publications
• Certifications
• Hobbies and interests relevant to your field
• Professional licenses
• Grants, fellowships, and scholarships
• Professional associations and memberships
• Volunteer work
• Professional references

What is a Resume?

A resume, on the other hand, is a concise document that highlights your qualifications in a brief and targeted manner, usually limited to 1-2 pages. Resumes are more commonly used in North America and in industries that prioritize brevity and directness. The goal of a resume is to give hiring managers a quick overview of your qualifications for a specific job.

Resumes are often used in industries such as business, technology, \marketing, and design, where applicants need to show the impact they’ve had in previous roles./

Below is an example of a tailored resume for a marketing manager position:

Big Data Analyst Resume

Edit and download this example of a big data analyst resume created using the Instaresume's OCEAN · TWO COLUMN CV TEMPLATE WITH SIDE BAR RIGHT

Edit this Resume

Key Elements of a Resume

Contact Details: Place your name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn profile (if relevant) at the top of your resume to ensure easy access for potential employers.

Professional Summary or Objective: Write a concise statement outlining your career objectives, core skills, and the value you can bring to a new role.

Work History: Provide a detailed account of your past employment, listing your job titles, companies, employment dates, and key accomplishments in each position.

Education: Include information about your academic background, such as degrees obtained, schools attended, and graduation dates. Add relevant coursework, honors, or academic distinctions that strengthen your candidacy.

Skills: Highlight both technical (hard) and interpersonal (soft) skills that are crucial for the job you're applying for.

Optional Sections: Depending on your background and the role, you may choose to add sections like certifications, professional memberships, volunteer activities, language proficiency, or relevant hobbies. Keep your resume within one or two pages for clarity.

When should you use a CV vs Resume?

The decision to use a CV or a resume largely depends on the job you’re applying for and where you're located:

Use a CV when applying for academic, research, or scientific positions where a detailed account of your achievements is required. It’s also preferred in many countries outside North America, such as the UK, Australia, and Europe.

Use a resume when applying for jobs in corporate, tech, and creative industries, particularly in the US and Canada, where hiring managers prefer concise and to-the-point applications.

Regional Differences Between CV and Resume

Different countries have varying expectations for CVs and resumes. Here’s a breakdown:

When applying for jobs internationally, understanding the regional preferences between CVs and resumes is crucial to ensure your application aligns with local expectations. This awareness can make a significant difference in how potential employers perceive your qualifications and professionalism.

In many parts of the world, the terms CV and resume can be used interchangeably, but they often serve distinct purposes based on location. For example, in Europe and parts of Asia, a CV is the universal document for all job applications, regardless of the field. Yet, these "CVs" often resemble the concise, skills-focused resume familiar in the United States.

Here’s how the use of CVs and resumes breaks down across various regions:

United States

CV: Reserved for academic, medical, legal, and scientific professions. A U.S. CV is typically longer and provides a detailed overview of education, research, publications, and professional accomplishments.

Resume: The go-to for most other industries. It offers a brief, tailored summary of work experience, skills, and education, typically spanning one to two pages.

United Kingdom

CV: The standard for all job applications, much like a resume in the U.S. However, UK CVs may contain more comprehensive details based on job requirements.

Resume: Rarely used; CVs are preferred for all sectors.

Europe

CV: Universally used for all job applications, with the Europass CV format offering a standardized structure across EU countries.

Resume: Not commonly used; the CV is the dominant document.

Asia

CV: In countries like India, China, and Japan, the term CV is commonly used. However, the content, structure, and expectations can vary based on regional norms and industry.

Resume: May appear occasionally but often follows different formats than Western resumes, reflecting local job market requirements.

Australia and New Zealand

CV: Similar to the UK, the CV is the standard application document, covering work history, education, and skills in more depth.

Resume: Seldom used; the CV takes precedence.

Tips for navigating CVs and Resumes globally:

Terminology: Always clarify whether “CV” or “resume” is the preferred term in the region where you're applying.

Length and content: Understand the region’s expectations for document length and detail. Some countries prefer brief, focused resumes, while others expect more comprehensive CVs.

Formatting: Be mindful of any regional formatting preferences, such as the Europass CV in the EU or specific local nuances in Asia.

Foreign university CV guideline

When applying to universities abroad, it's essential to tailor your CV (or resume) to meet the expectations of the institution and the specific program you’re interested in. Here’s a comprehensive guideline for crafting a strong CV for foreign universities:

Contact Information

Full name: Use your full name as it appears on official documents.

Address: Include your current address (local and permanent if applicable).

Phone number: Use an international format if necessary.

Email address: Use a professional email address.

Objective or personal statement

A brief summary (2-3 sentences) of your academic and career goals, specifically tailored to the program you are applying to.

Education

Degree(s): List your degrees in reverse chronological order.

Institution: Name of the university or college.

Location: City and country of the institution.

Dates: Include start and end dates (month/year).

Thesis/Dissertation: If applicable, include a title or topic, especially if relevant to your field of study.

Work experience

Job title: Your position.

Company/Organization name: Include the name of the employer.

Location: City and country of the organization.

Dates: Include start and end dates (month/year).

Responsibilities: Use bullet points to describe your tasks and achievements, emphasizing skills relevant to the program.

Research experience

Include any research projects, internships, or assistantships.

Title of project: What was the research about?

Institution/Organization: Where did it take place?

Dates: Duration of the project.

Summary: Briefly describe your role and findings.

Publications and presentations

Publications: List any papers, articles, or books you’ve authored or co-authored, following the citation style relevant to your field.

Presentations: Include conferences or seminars where you presented your work.

Skills

Provide a list of both technical and soft skills relevant to your field, ensuring you include specific examples like software, programming languages, or research techniques. Additionally, highlight any specialized tools or frameworks you regularly work with and the interpersonal skills that contribute to your success in team environments.

Certifications and training

List any relevant certifications, workshops, or training programs completed. Include the name of the certification, the issuing organization, and a brief description of the skills acquired and their relevance to your field.

Professional affiliations

Include memberships in professional organizations related to your field. State the organization name, your membership type, and how your involvement supports your academic and career goals.

Awards and honors

Mention any academic or professional awards received, including the award name, the issuing organization, and a brief explanation of the significance of the recognition and what achievements led to it.

Volunteer experience

Highlight relevant volunteer work that demonstrates skills or values applicable to your field. Include your role, the organization name, duration of service, and a short description of your contributions and impact.

References

List 2-3 individuals who can vouch for your qualifications and character, including their name, title, organization, contact information, and your relationship with them.

Formatting tips

• Length: Generally, a CV for academic purposes should be 2-4 pages, depending on your experience.
• Font and Size: Use a clean, professional font (e.g., Arial, Times New Roman) in size 10-12.
• Margins: Keep standard margins (1 inch) to ensure readability.
• Consistency: Maintain consistent formatting for headings, bullet points, and spacing throughout the document.

Cultural considerations

• Be mindful of cultural differences in CV expectations; some countries prefer more personal information (like a photo), while others may have stricter guidelines against it.
• Tailor your language and examples to resonate with the academic culture of the country you're applying to.

Final tips

• Proofread for errors and clarity.
• Tailor your CV for each application, focusing on what is most relevant to the program.
• Use action verbs to describe your experiences and achievements.

Following these guidelines will help you create a strong CV that presents bvapplications!

Tips for writing a strong Resume vs CV

Whether you’re writing a CV or a resume, the key to success is creating a document that presents your qualifications in the best light possible. Here are some expert tips:

1.Tailor your resume as closely as possible to the position

CV: Include all your academic, professional, and research experience in detail, regardless of the job being applied for. It's a complete record of your career.

Resume: Tailor your resume to the job by focusing on relevant skills, achievements, and experiences that align with the specific position.

2. Length

CV: Can be several pages long (usually 2-3+), as it includes a full history of academic and professional experiences.

Resume: Should typically be 1-2 pages, focusing only on the most recent and relevant information for the job you're applying to.

3. Content focus

CV: Include comprehensive details about education, professional experience, research projects, publications, awards, and academic achievements—everything, regardless of the job.

Resume: Focus on professional achievements, skills, and experiences that are directly relevant to the specific job you're applying for.

4. Chronological order

CV: List all experiences in reverse chronological order, covering your full career history, no matter how old the roles are.

Resume: Only include recent and relevant positions in reverse chronological order, omitting less relevant experiences.

5. Keywords & ATS optimization

CV: Include all relevant academic and industry-specific keywords, as the CV is a full overview of your expertise, not tailored to one specific job.

Resume: Tailor your resume with job-specific keywords and optimize it for ATS systems to improve your chances of being shortlisted.

6. Professional summary

CV: Provide a detailed profile summarizing your academic interests, career objectives, and long-term research goals, without job-specific tailoring.

Resume: Write a brief, impactful summary (2-3 sentences) highlighting how your skills and experience align with the specific job you're applying for.

7. Skills section

CV: Include a broad range of technical skills, academic proficiencies, and any specialized tools relevant to your field, covering your entire skill set.

Resume: Focus only on the skills most relevant to the job position. These can include both hard and soft skills that match the job description.

8. Accomplishments

CV: List all academic and professional accomplishments in detail, including awards, scholarships, publications, and conference presentations, without filtering based on the job.

Resume: Highlight key accomplishments relevant to the job, such as specific metrics, targets achieved, or major projects led that demonstrate your qualifications for the role.

9. Formatting

CV: Academic in nature, with clearly defined sections such as education, research, publications, awards, and professional experience. It can be more detailed and expansive.

Resume: Use clean, concise formatting with bullet points, keeping it visually appealing and easy to read. Focus on brevity and relevance for the job.

10. Contact information

CV: Include your full academic affiliation (if relevant), email, phone number, and optional personal website or LinkedIn. You can also include details like ORCID or Google Scholar profiles if applicable.

Resume: Provide your basic contact information: email, phone number, LinkedIn (and optionally a personal website).

Common mistakes to avoid when writing a CV or Resume

Including irrelevant information in your CV or resume

Customize your CV, curriculum vitae, or resume to match the specific job you're applying for. Including outdated or irrelevant skills, positions, or hobbies might confuse employers. Using a professional CV template from Google Docs or Word can help you organize your information effectively.

Lack of customization in CVs and resumes

Sending the same generic CV or resume to multiple employers can lower your chances of standing out. Customizing your academic CV template or resume format for each job highlights the skills and experiences that align with specific job requirements, increasing your chances of an interview.

Typos and grammatical errors

Careless errors can indicate a lack of attention to detail, which may raise concerns for potential employers. Whether you're submitting a resume or CV for graduate studies, postgraduate programs, or professional roles, it’s crucial to proofread meticulously. Using ATS resume templates or following Columbia CV guidelines can help maintain professionalism.

Not highlighting achievements

Quantify your achievements to clearly demonstrate your impact. Whether it's an American resume format or a CV for academic purposes, use data to showcase measurable outcomes, like increased sales or cost savings, to strengthen your application.

Poor formatting and design in a CV or resume

Use a clean, easy-to-read CV format, avoiding complex fonts or dense text. If you're using a CV or resume template from Word or Google Docs, ensure it's well-organized, especially when applying for positions requiring foreign CV formats or U.S. resume templates.

Lying about work experience

Whether it's a CV or resume, fabricating work history can lead to disqualification or termination. Dishonesty on resumes, including graduate school resumes, can damage your reputation, especially if you're following Columbia CV guidelines or applying for professional positions.

Using an unprofessional email address

Ensure your contact details, especially your email address, are professional. This is vital whether you're applying with a CV for academic purposes or a resume for professional roles.

Neglecting ATS optimization

Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes. Use keywords from job postings and avoid overly stylized formatting, whether it’s a resume or CV template for Word or Google Docs. This ensures that both the ATS and hiring managers can read your documents.

Skipping a professional summary in your CV or resume

Craft a concise summary for your professional CV or academic resume, highlighting key skills, qualifications, and career goals. This approach can be particularly effective for experienced professionals or students using CV examples to apply for postgraduate programs.

Not showing career progression in your CV or resume

Employers look for career progression. Whether using a sample CV for experienced professionals or a CV for graduate studies, show promotions, additional responsibilities, and skills acquired. This demonstrates personal growth and aligns with firm guidelines in resume writing.

Making your CV or resume too long or too short

A CV is typically longer than a resume and includes detailed academic and professional histories. Resumes, especially in U.S. formats, are concise, often just one page. Whether using a CV template from Google Docs or a resume for graduate studies, focus on relevant experiences.

Ignoring reverse chronological order in your CV or resume

Organize your CV or resume in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent roles. This applies to CV examples for students, academic resumes, and even professional resumes. Using a structured template can help maintain this order and improve readability.

FAQs

What is the main difference between a CV and a resume?

The main difference between a CV (Curriculum Vitae) and a resume is the length and scope. A CV is a detailed document that outlines your entire career, academic background, and achievements, while a resume is a shorter, focused document tailored to a specific job. CVs are more common in academia and research, while resumes are used for most job applications in North America.

When should I use a CV instead of a resume?

You should use a CV when applying for academic, research, medical, or scientific positions, or when applying to jobs outside North America where a CV is preferred. Some regions and industries have a preference for CVs, such as when applying for postgraduate programs or international jobs.

Can I submit a resume when a CV is requested?

No, when a CV is requested, you should submit a comprehensive CV that includes your full academic and career history. A resume would be too brief and would not provide the detail expected, especially for academic or research positions. You can use a CV template in Google Docs or Word to create a polished document.

What is the ideal length of a resume?

A resume should be 1 to 2 pages long, focusing on your most recent and relevant experience. This differs from a CV, which can span multiple pages. Professional resumes aim to be concise and targeted to the job.

Is it okay to include a photo on my CV or resume?

Whether or not to include a photo depends on the region. In the US and Canada, it's not recommended to include a photo on your resume due to concerns over bias. However, in some countries like Germany and France, adding a photo on your CV is common practice.

Do I need to list references on my CV or resume?

In a CV, references are often included, particularly in academic or research fields. However, on a resume, references are typically not listed unless the employer specifically asks for them. Most resumes omit this section.

How often should I update my CV or resume?

You should regularly update both your CV and resume, especially after major career milestones, like a job change, a new certification, or academic achievement. It's essential to ensure your CV is up-to-date before applying for postgraduate programs or graduate school, and your resume should be updated with recent qualifications before submitting any job applications.

Can I use the same document for all job applications?

No, you should tailor your resume to the specific job you are applying for. However, a CV is more consistent, as it covers your full career and academic history. You may make slight adjustments to a CV but generally keep the format similar unless adding new information.

Do CVs have a standard format?

Yes, CVs tend to follow a more standardized format, especially in academic settings, with sections for education, publications, research, and work history. In contrast, resumes can have more flexible formats, depending on the job or industry.

Is a CV better for applying to international jobs?

Yes, a CV is typically better for applying to international jobs, especially in regions like Europe or for foreign CV requirements where the format is expected. In contrast, American resume formats are typically used in North America.