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CV vs Resume: What’s the Difference and How to Write One

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CV vs. Resume: What's the Difference and Which Should You Use?

In the world of job hunting, you've probably heard the terms "CV" and "resume" thrown around. But do you know the difference between them? And which one should you be using?

The short answer is that a **CV (Curriculum Vitae)** is a more comprehensive document that lists all of your academic and professional experience, while a **resume** is a shorter, tailored document that highlights your most relevant skills and experiences for a specific job.

What is a CV?

A CV, which stands for Curriculum Vitae (Latin for "course of life"), is a detailed document that outlines your entire academic and professional history. It's typically used in academic and research fields, as well as in some international job applications.

A CV typically includes:

  • Personal Information: Your name, address, phone number, and email address.
  • Education: All of your degrees, certificates, and coursework, including your GPA and honors.
  • Work Experience: A detailed description of all of your past jobs, including your responsibilities, achievements, and dates of employment.
  • Publications: A list of any articles, books, or other publications you have authored or co-authored.
  • Presentations: A list of any conferences or workshops you have presented at.
  • Awards and Honors: A list of any awards, scholarships, or other honors you have received.
  • Skills: A list of your technical and soft skills.
  • References: A list of people who can vouch for your skills and experience.

What is a Resume?

A resume is a shorter, more focused document that highlights your most relevant skills and experiences for a specific job. It's typically used in the United States and Canada for most job applications.

A resume typically includes:

  • Contact Information: Your name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile (optional).
  • Summary or Objective: A brief statement that summarizes your skills and career goals.
  • Work Experience: A description of your past jobs, focusing on the skills and experience that are most relevant to the job you are applying for.
  • Education: Your degrees and certifications, including your GPA and honors (if relevant).
  • Skills: A list of your technical and soft skills.
  • Awards and Honors: A list of any awards or honors that are relevant to the job you are applying for.

When to Use a CV vs. a Resume

Here's a breakdown of when to use each document:

Use a CV Use a Resume
Academic positions Most job applications in the US and Canada
Research positions Entry-level jobs
International job applications Jobs in specific industries (e.g., marketing, sales, technology)
Fellowships and grants Jobs where a shorter document is preferred

Tips for Writing a CV or Resume

No matter which document you choose, here are some tips for writing a strong CV or resume:

  • Tailor your document to the specific job or opportunity. Highlight the skills and experience that are most relevant to the position.
  • Use action verbs to describe your accomplishments. Instead of saying "Responsible for...," try "Led a team of..." or "Developed a strategy to..."
  • Quantify your achievements whenever possible. Use numbers to show the impact of your work.
  • Proofread carefully. Typos and grammatical errors can make a bad impression.
  • Use a professional font and layout. Your CV or resume should be easy to read and visually appealing.

Writing a CV or resume can be a daunting task, but it's an important step in the job search process. By following these tips, you can create a document that will help you stand out from the competition and land your dream job.

Resume Writing