CV vs Resume: What’s the Difference & Which One to Use?
Image: https://pixabay.com/illustrations/career-resume-hiring-job-interview-3449422/
A curriculum vitae (CV) and resume are documents people use to apply for jobs, internships, and grants. These two terms are often used interchangeably. However, these two job application documents are not the same–and submitting the wrong one can jeopardize your chances for a job.
In this guide, we will explore the 10 differences between CV and resume and when to use each. We will also share the best practices and resume writing tips to craft a document that effectively presents your qualifications to hiring managers.
What is a CV and What is a Resume?
The term “curriculum vitae” or CV means “course of life” in Latin. In the US and North America, it is frequently used in academia to refer to a complete summary of one's research experience, education, and employment, and accomplishments since the beginning of their undergraduate studies.
A resume usually means a one- or two- page resume that briefly summarizes your skills, qualifications, and achievements for a target job. It works as a career summary, presenting your professional achievements in reverse chronological order. Resumes are used to apply for private sector and public sector jobs.
However, people sometimes use the term CV to refer to a short document that summarizes professional background and qualifications, e.g., a resume. Thus, the two can be used interchangeably. When a US private sector employer asks you to submit a CV, they most likely mean a resume. The term CV also means a resume in European countries.
Now that you know the answer to the question "What is the difference between a resume and a CV?", let's have a closer look at the differences between them.
CV vs Resume: A Comparison Table
Both a CV and a resume present your qualifications for a certain job posting, including on academic and professional accomplishments, educational background, and skills.
Below are the key differences of CV vs resume and where job-seekers should use each:
|
Academic CV |
Resume |
|
|
Basically, these two job application formats differ in length, purpose, and structure. CV is mostly tailored for academic and research positions, whereas a resume is expected by most employers outside these fields. Keep reading for a more detailed breakdown of differences and an explanation when to use CV or resume.
10 Differences Between a CV and a Resume
To keep things clear for you, here are the 10 difference between curriculum vitae and resume:
Length
CV is usually much longer than a resume. It is a comprehensive document that contains information about your education, work history, and research projects since college. It is acceptable to submit a 10- or even a 15-page CV for research and teaching positions. On the other hand, a resume rarely exceeds 1-2 pages, and submitting a longer resume is considered unprofessional.
Structure
Whereas both document present your professional background, educational history, and qualifications for the role, their structure differs. A CV focuses more on academic achievements, research interests, publications, and teaching experience. A resume emphasizes your relevant skills and professional experience for a desired job title.
Purpose
CVs are used to apply for a job in academic, medical, or scientific industries, or university teaching positions. In all other cases, including public and private sector jobs, potential employers expect a resume.
Geographic usage
What type of document to submit depends on your location as well. In the US and Canada, you should submit a one- or two-page resume tailored for the job description. For international job applications in the UK and Europe, use a short CV which is a more detailed version of the US resume. It is usually 2-3 pages long, and details your work history and employment since graduation.
Skills emphasis
A resume must emphasize most relevant skills for the target job posting. You may add a dedicated Skills section and also mention specific results you've achieved by applying these skills. The situation is different with a CV where skills lists are less common and you should focus on relevant duties and achievements in academia.
Personal information
In the US and UK, never include your marital status, age, gender, or ethnicity as it might lead to rejecting your application. However, the situation might be different in other countries, so you might want to research how the standard resume format looks like in your target country.
Customization
A resume must be tailored for each job posting. Make sure to include keywords, tweak skills, and emphasize relevant achievements in your professional summary and work history to help your resume stand out. An academic CV vs resume doesn't need customization–you send the same version of your CV to all organizations.
ATS usage
Applications for research and academic positions are often reviewed manually, so you needn't adapt your CV for each job. The situation is different with a resume. Add keywords and give detailed descriptions of your most recent jobs to optimize it for applicant tracking systems.
References
It is considered outdated to include references in a resume, at it must be a brief document. On the other hand, a CV typically includes professional and academic references in the end.
Layout
Both resume and CV should have a neat, consistent formatting that subtly emphasizes key information for the potential employers. In a CV, you can start with a professional profile, list relevant education and research positions, academic projects, and then move on to employment. When writing a resume, use a professional summary, skills, and move on to employment with key responsibilities and achievements.
Now that you know the main difference between curriculum vitae and resume, let's consider specific situations when to use them.
When Should You Use a CV vs a Resume?
When to is a resume or CV depends on many factor. Here are the main scenarios to help you decide:
- Academia - wondering whether to use a CV vs resume for academic positions? In the US, always apply with a long CV for research, acadecimal, or university teaching jobs.
- Immigration – a resume or CV for immigration depends on the destination. For academic and research positions globally, CVs are usually preferred. Countries like the UK, Germany, France, and Spain usually prefer a short CV, especially for skilled professionals. If you are relocating to the US or Canada, a resume is usually enough.
- Scholarships - research the requirements of your educational program to submit the right document. Most academic settings will prefer a CV.
- UK/US - if you are wondering whether to use a resume vs CV in UK, opt for a short CV. Like an academic CV, it includes comprehensive information about your education and career path, but is shorter–usually 2-3 pages long.
- Entry-level jobs - when to use CV or resume depends on your industry. To apply for teaching assistant or research associate jobs, use an academic CV that details your research interests, publications, and academic achievements. For all other sectors, use a traditional resume.
Now that we've explored the major differences between a resume and a CV, let's look at how to structure each type of application.
Academic CV structure and format
An academic CV can take multiple pages, as its purpose is to provide a comprehensive overview of your educational background, research and publications, and professional history. At the same time, you need to present all information concisely and use a formal tone. For your academic or research CV, use formal, traditional formatting.
Here are the key sections to include in your CV:
- Name and contact info
- Research summary
- Education
- Professional experience
- Teaching experience (such as teaching assistant or researcher)
- Awards and honors
- Grants
- Professional affiliations
- Technical skills (i.e. programming languages)
- Training and certifications
- Published research
- Academic honors
- Conference presentations
Resume structure and format
A resume or short CV is focuses on your relevant career path, leaving out irrelevant details. Today, the majority of employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) that sort out irrelevant resumes. To be shortlisted, you need to include specific keywords in your resume text and list relevant experience.
Moreover, a modern resume should focus more on the candidate's measurable achievements over daily duties. Use bullet points to make a resume easy to look through, as hiring managers scan resumes in seconds. Here are the key resume sections to include:
- Name and contact details
- Career summary
- Hard and soft skills
- Professional experience
- Education and training
- Professional organizations
As you see, a resume typically includes fewer sections than a CV. It mostly focuses on your professional achievements and relevant skills. It is also a customizable document - you are expected to tailor it for each job opening to include only relevant information and make it ATS-compliant.
CV and resume in Europe
In the United Kingdom and the EU, people mostly use the term CV to refer to a short job application document. The term “resume” is used less frequently. A European CV can be two or three pages long and detail the candidate's work experience, education, and projects since graduation.
In the EU, there is a common Europass CV format that is familiar to most employers and educational institutions. To create this type of resume, you need to set up a Europass profile and the app will do the rest.
Compared to the American resume/short CV, a European CV allows using personal information and a photo of a candidate and is usually more detailed. Yet, it has the same purpose – to present the candidate's experience and prove they are right for the job.
So, should you use a CV or resume?
The type of document to use and format depends on your location and the industry. If you are in the US and are not applying for a job in academia or research, you need a two-page resume. To apply for jobs in Europe, you need a CV which is similar to resume but has a specific format. If you are still confused, it is best to reach out to the employer and ask what type of document they expect.
Need a resume or a CV? We can help with both
At ResumePerk, we have 10+ years of experience in preparing effective resumes and CVs for job-seekers around the world. Whether you need a tailored US resume or a CV for the job in Europe, we will connect you with a local resume writer who knows the secrets to writing an effective document. Your writer works one-on-one with you to craft a tailored resume that presents you in the best light to employers.
Contact us to get CV help from a professional resume writer, or reach out on chat to claim your welcome discount.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a CV and a resume the same thing?
Not exactly. A CV (Curriculum Vitae) is more comprehensive and commonly used for academic or international positions, while a resume is shorter and tailored to specific job openings.
What is the difference between CV and resume writing?
CV writing emphasizes detailed academic and career history, including publications and research, while resume writing focuses on concise, achievement-oriented content for targeted job applications.
Should I use a resume or CV for scholarship applications?
In most cases, a CV is preferred for scholarship applications as it allows you to showcase your academic background, honors, and research experience in detail.
Is resume the same as curriculum vitae in the UK?
In the UK, "CV" is the commonly used term, and it often serves the same purpose as a resume in the U.S. However, internationally, a CV may refer to a more detailed document.
What are the key resume vs CV differences for job seekers?
Job seekers should use a resume for most corporate roles where brevity and focus matter. A CV is better suited for academic, scientific, or international jobs where full credentials are required.