What is the difference between a CV (curriculum vitae) and a resume? Better yet, when should you use a resume and when is it a better choice to use a CV? The difference between a CV and a resume can be a confusing subject. That’s we will be exploring the difference between a CV and a resume so that you can understand which is best for a particular situation.
The primary differences between a resume and a CV are what’s included, the length, and what each is used for. While both are used in job applications, a resume and CV are not always interchangeable. Keep reading for a breakdown of the differences between a CV and a resume as well as some tips for writing both!
The main differences between a CV and a resume include the document’s contents, length, and purpose. It’s also important to consider which region of the world you’re applying in as well as your career path when deciding which is more appropriate to use in that situation. In the United States, for example, a resume should be a concise collection of your professional experience, qualifications, and skills that are specifically relevant to the job that you are applying for. A CV, on the other hand, presents an in-depth history of your professional and academic credentials and accomplishments.
A CV, an abbreviation for curriculum vitae (a Latin word meaning “course of life”) is a detailed and comprehensive document which describes the entire course of both your professional and academic accomplishments. CVs are usually formatted in chronological order and start with a description of your educational experience. Although there is no length requirement for a CV, most will range from three to ten pages, with some being even longer. With the more experience that you have, generally, the longer your CV will be.
Now that you have an understanding of what a CV is, you may be wondering what specific information you should include when you are writing your CV. In most cases, you’ll want to include your career history as well as your awards, education, grants, scholarships, special honors, education, research projects, and publications on your CV. It’s also a good idea to include professional references, fieldwork, and coursework as well as a personal profile that lists your relevant attributes and skills.
Put simply, a resume is a document that is meant to act as a summary of your skills, education, and career history. There are also optional sections that you can include in your resume including a resume objective and a career summary statement. It is important to remember that a resume should be as concise as possible. While a CV can be very lengthy, a resume should be no more than one to two pages long.
Typically, a resume will include a professional or “summary” statement, a dedicated skills section, and a condensed description of your recent and relevant professional achievements. These should be listed in reverse-chronological order, starting with your most current job. You may also want to include details surrounding your educational experience, volunteer work, or relevant professional associations.
Now that you have an understanding of the main differences between a resume and a CV, as well as the basic definition of each, it’s time to figure out how to best determine the right time to use each type. If you’re unsure of whether your employer requires a resume or a CV, you can ask yourself the following questions in order to best determine which document fits the situation best:
Now that you know the difference between a CV and a resume, you’re prepared to use the right one depending on the job role you are applying for. But what’s the easiest way to create the perfect CV or resume? With BuzzCV, of course! Check out our free CV templates today to get started and register as a member for free today!
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And don’t forget to always attach a cover letter to your CV when applying for a job. If you need help writing a cover letter we have the perfect article for you.