Whether you are applying for a job in your home country or abroad, knowing where to make a CV or write a resume is something that can impact your job application. However, both documents are used to showcase your skills, experiences, and qualifications. But they are used in different contexts and have distinct formats. When you explore the components, uses, and best practices for both terms, you will be well-prepared to make a strong impression on potential employers and advance your career.
This blog will guide you on resume and a CV difference and when to use each of them.
But first, you should know…
What is a CV?
CV is the abbreviation of the Latin word ‘curriculum vitae’. This refers to the course of life. Upon elaborating, it is a detailed document that highlights the professional and academic history. CVs typically include information such as your work experience, achievements, awards, scholarships, or grants that you have earned, coursework, research projects, and publications of your work.
What is a resume?
A resume is a formal document that provides an overview of the professional background and relevant skills. The common sections found on a resume are the work history, education, a professional summary, and a list of all your skills. If we talk about the formatting of a resume, then there are three types available: reverse chronological, functional, and combined. Once you have written your resume, you can always look for a resume editing service to help you edit the document and arrange it in the best order.
Comparison For A Detailed Resume and CV Difference
| CV | Resume |
| Required for higher education and research positions | One of the requirements for an industry position |
| Demonstrate a candidate’s full professional work history and experiences | Focuses on the candidate’s strongest, most relevant qualifications and experience |
| Comprehensive biographical statement focusing on professional qualifications and activities | Demonstrates a fit for a specific job or type of position |
| Includes more diverse experiences | Provides a summary of educational and experience-based qualifications. |
What does a CV look like?
CVs are more comprehensive based on different formats. This is a living document that needs updating as you gain academic or research experience. Experts of CV writers have provided an outline that can be used to organize academic and professional accomplishments:
Contact information: All the information that is not part of the resume is included.
The job title: Add the titles of the job you are applying for.
Professional profile: Similar to the section of the resume’s summary of qualifications. CV writers should write this part as an elevator pitch explaining their accomplishments in the CV.
Education: Include all the research topics, the college degrees in reverse chronological order, and the GPA, major, minor, and research focus.
Awards: If you have received any recognition from professional or academic organizations, add them as the grants you have received.
Qualifications: A CV’s summary of qualifications highlights the skills that link to the role you are applying for. For instance, if you are applying for an academic job, you can add your on-site and visual presentation skills.
Publications and presentations: When you are writing your CV, potential employers are interested in your published research and conference presentations. Cite your published works in a format that is preferred by the employer.
Affiliations and memberships: If you are part of any professional organization, list all the roles that you have played as a member or board member.
Technical skills: Mention any computer software programs, programming languages, or research databases you are proficient in.
What does a resume look like?
One of the key factors stated by resume companies is these drafts are clear, easy to read, and provide essential information. All the details that a potential employer needs to determine if you are the right fit for the role at their organization. The main purpose of the resume is to entice the hiring manager to invite you to the next step during the recruiting process.
Differences In a Resume and a CV: Elements that are found in a resume
1. Contact information
You add your full name, city, state, phone number, and email address. Some studies have proven that adding a home address has some pros and cons. It might help in fulfilling the applicant’s tracking system parameters, but it can also comprise your identity.
2. Summary of the qualification
Instead of stating the objective, you can briefly describe the work experience and skills, highlighting the value you would bring to the company. For instance, if you have team management skills, you should list them below in your professional summary.
3. Education
List all your college degrees and professional certificates. If you are a freshly graduated candidate, you can add your graduation year, academic achievements, and coursework that aligns you with the job you are looking for. Here, you can also add academic awards.
4. Certifications
If you have any special certificates or professional licenses, add them to this part. When you add professional certificates, development, or training programs at the end of the resume, this will create a positive impression.
5. Professional work history
This is the most substantive section of your resume. Here, you can add the list of jobs that you have worked at and your professional experience.
6. Technical skills
Make a list of all the software programs, programming languages, or other technical certifications that might relate to the new position you are seeking a job at. For instance, if you are applying for a job as a salesperson, it might help you if you list your proficiency with your previous job place.
7. Volunteering experience
If you have worked somewhere after your graduation or even during your studies, the volunteering experience you highlighted in this part might show your passion and aptitude for the job. Fill this section with your experience, especially if your list is long.
Remember! Add all the details in bullet points.
FAQs
What is the difference between a CV and a resume?
The CV is the full history of your academic journey, and the length of the document is variable. Whereas, a resume presents a snapshot of your skills and qualifications for a specific position, so the length is a bit short and dictated by years of experience.
Which document is more preferred, a resume or a CV?
It depends on the nature of the job and its requirements. If the job post specifies its requirements of a detailed account of the academic and professional background, then you need to submit a CV. If the firm is specifying its requirements for a concise summary of your qualifications, then a resume will work best.
Will sending a resume instead of a CV affect the job hiring?
Sometimes, companies don’t take this matter so seriously, so you can submit a resume instead of a CV. But you must understand the difference between both purposes.
Is there any similarity between a resume and a CV?
Yes! Both are professional documents and are aimed at securing your position for the interview.
The Final Words
No matter if you are using a resume or a curriculum vitae (CV) to highlight your accomplishments. it is essential that you take an in-depth sight of the resume and a CV difference, your experience and skills and try to connect all the dots to get hired.
If you have any doubts at any step, you can always ask for help from someone expert in your field or professional network. Write a perfect resume or CV and get yourself prepare for the interview.