resume and cv differences

• Key Differences

Know the Differences & Comparisons

Difference Between CV and Resume

Whenever a person applies for a job, he/she has to make a document which introduces him/her. Which one is suitable a CV or a Resume? It is going to be very difficult to choose one of them if you do not know about their differences. It often happens, many times when candidates without knowing which document is required, they send whatever they have at that time, which is the biggest mistake, and they can even be disqualified for not sending the desired document.

In this article excerpt, you will find the most important differences between CV and Resume.

Content: CV Vs Resume

Comparison chart, definition of cv.

CV is an acronym used for the word Curriculum Vitae, which is a Latin word, that means ‘course of life’ i.e. an individual’s course of life. Curriculum Vitae is a written document which contains details about a person’s past education, experience, knowledge, skill, competencies, accomplishments, projects, awards, and honours, etc.

The CV is a biography of an individual’s academic background and professional experiences. It also includes details about a person’s area of interest, hobbies and extracurricular activities. It is not modified according to the job; it remains same for all jobs. It should be systematically arranged so that a proper sketch about an individual’s career can be drawn.

Definition of Resume

A resume is a short and brief description about, what a person possess in context to the respective job like qualifications, previous job experiences, and achievements, competencies and skills. It is in the form of a document which is required at the time of applying for business, government and industry jobs. It is a snapshot of an individual’s professional profile.

The term Resume is a French expression which means ‘summary’ i.e. summary of a person’s work life. It only outlines the job applicant’s relevant qualifications and experience which is required for the specific job. It should be prepared in such a manner that will make an impression on the potential employer because a resume can open the doors of an interview. It also helps the recruiter to pick the most suitable candidate for an interview. The job seeker should present the latest details first in the resume.

Key Differences Between CV and Resume

The points given below are substantial, so far as the difference between CV and Resume is concerned:

• A CV is a descriptive document which lists out all the details about a person’s career. A Resume is a snapshot of a person’s working life, presenting all the details which are required for a job.
• A CV is comprehensive while a Resume is concise.
• The word CV is an abbreviation for Curriculum Vitae, which is a Latin word. The word Resume is a French term.
• The length of a resume is shorter as compared to CV.
• CV gives emphasis on academic details whereas a Resume is focused on non-academic details along with highlighting key skills and competencies, matching with the job.
• CV cannot be customised; it remains static, but a Resume is dynamic, and it changes according to the job.
• A CV includes references. In contrast to Resume, which do not include references.
• CV is suitable when applying for academic positions, fellowship, advanced research, etc. On the other hand, Resume is accurate when applying for the job, internships or taking part in the job fair.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) focuses on expertise, i.e. what makes you an expert in the field, you have chosen to study. On the contrary, resume concentrates on contribution, how your work made a difference where you have worked.
• Education is mentioned at the top of the CV. Unlike resume, in which education is indicated after experience.

Video: Curriculum Vitae (CV) Vs Resume

The difference between CV and Resume is very clear; CV covers all the aspects of a person’s career while Resume is straight forward to the particular job. CV is more detailed as compared to a Resume. There is no contradiction as well as confusion between these two terms. In most of the countries, while the course of employment, CV or a resume is demanded from the candidates. The contents of the two, documents differ in many respects, which is discussed in this article.

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deepika says

September 29, 2017 at 12:24 pm

Totally agree with this article.

I am going to complete engineering soon. and was looking for resume

This helped me thanks for the info.

Ritesh Sharma says

April 28, 2018 at 9:38 am

Thanks a lot for this article as i was searching for this kind of information and i always got confused that what is the exact difference between Resume and CV but after reading this article my doubt got cleared and i got detailed information on this topic, now it will be easier to create CV or Resume for myself.Thank You. Going to bookmark this for sure.

KABULUNGWE NORMAN says

April 23, 2019 at 9:41 am

This article is of great help to me. Thank you.

maddali laxmi swetha says

May 22, 2019 at 4:06 pm

Excellent Article! And also add the authors names who defined Resume?

Surbhi S says

May 23, 2019 at 9:44 am

Author’s name is Surbhi S.

Anita Hesslar says

December 10, 2019 at 12:53 pm

As a website owner, I believe the material here is really excellent. I thank you for your time. You should keep it up forever! Good Luck.

Martin Mayen says

July 10, 2021 at 11:40 pm

Martin Mayen The confusion is gone and I stand to correct the rest. The difference is clear and can help me make a difference

July 27, 2021 at 11:32 am

Superb Material . It really helped Me A lot …..

Eileen Valdez says

July 26, 2022 at 8:08 pm

Your style is very unique in comparison to other people I have read stuff from. Many thanks for posting cv vs resume, Guess I will just bookmark this blog.

Aman raj says

May 7, 2023 at 11:10 am

is a very knowledgeable for all

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CV vs Resume - 5+ Key Differences in 2024 [w/ Examples]

You’ve probably heard the term “CV” more than once. Sometimes, it’s used as a synonym for a resume, but other times you’ve wondered if it means something completely different.

So, which one is it? What is a Curriculum Vitae, anyway? Is it any different from a resume?

You’re confused, and we don’t blame you.

That’s why this article is here to answer all these questions, and more!

We’re going to cover:

What Is a CV?

What is a resume.

• What Are the Differences Between Them?

Let’s dive in.

A CV is a document that summarizes your work experience, educational background, skills, and relevant achievements. It’s typically used when applying for jobs, college, or any other positions that require a structured overview of your professional profile.

The term CV itself is an abbreviation of the Latin Curriculum Vitae , which translates to “the course of your life.”

But the details behind what a CV actually is depend on where you are.

In most parts of the world, such as Europe, Asia, Australia, and even parts of Canada , a CV is identical to a resume, and the two words are used interchangeably.

Typically, a European CV is anywhere between one and two pages long . That said, we recommend you stick to a one-page CV unless you have a lot of experience, in which case a two-page CV is fine.

So, if you’re applying for a job in the United Kingdom and they request that you send in your CV, they’re basically asking that you submit a resume.

Looking for a job? Follow our detailed guide to learn how to write a CV !

What Is an American CV?

Now, if you’re applying for a job in North America, it’s a whole other story.

In the United States, a CV is a lot more detailed than a resume.

American CVs are meant to reflect all your experience so far. That means you need to include every job you’ve had, all levels of education, any publications, any projects, and other professional experiences or achievements.

Every time you accomplish something new, either professionally or academically, you should update your CV. That means that whenever you get a new job, publish a new paper, obtain a certificate, or earn an academic title, it goes on your CV.

In the US, though, a CV is only required when you’re applying for an academic or research position , which is why it can also be referred to as an academic CV.

And unlike a US resume , a CV can be up to a dozen pages long. The length of your CV depends entirely on how much experience you have.

What Should a CV Include?

Generally, these sections are must-haves for any CV :

• Contact Information
• CV Personal Statement
• Work Experience
• Educational History
• Skills and Expertise

Optionally, if you have leftover space, you can also include:

• Volunteer Experience
• Certificates
• Internships
• Publications
• Hobbies and Interests

Now, when you’re making an academic CV , things are a bit different.

Academic CVs follow a specific structure and can include over 15 different sections, in this order:

• Personal Profile or Research Objective
• Professional Appointments
• Grants and Fellowships
• Awards and Honors
• Conferences and Talks
• Teaching Experience
• Research Experience
• Other Activities

Not sure how to format your CV ? Read this article to find out!

Executive CV Example

Take a look at a two-page CV for an experienced professional:

Academic CV Example

Check out this great academic CV made with our very own CV builder :

A resume is a short, straight-to-the-point document created for the purpose of applying to a specific job. 

Unlike the CV, you should try to keep a resume as short as possible.

In 99% of cases, you want to keep your resume to one page .

However, if you have more than 15 years of experience or if you really think that some extra information will add value to your application, you can make it, at most, two pages long.

When writing a resume , you should only mention aspects of your work experience and skills that are directly relevant to the exact job you’re applying for.

What this means is that if you’re applying for two different jobs, you need to create two separate resumes for them.

A well-written resume highlights your most impressive achievements and showcases how your different skills can be useful for the position you are applying to. 

Usually, you would submit your resume alongside a cover letter , which lets you further explain why you’re applying and what makes you the right candidate for the job. Knowing how to write a great cover letter can complement your resume and show the hiring manager how you can excel at the job you’re applying for.

What Should a Resume Include?

A resume is identical to the regular European CV you would use to apply for a job.

All resumes include these crucial resume sections :

• Resume Summary or Resume Objective

If you have leftover space once you fill them out, you can choose from the following optional sections:

• Volunteering
• Certifications

Resume Example

Let’s look at a great professional resume example made using our resume builder :

9 Differences Between an Academic CV and a Resume

Now that you have a clear idea about what CVs and resumes are, let’s look at a complete list of the differences between them.

To keep this list clear, we’re only using CV to refer to the long-form academic type of CV that’s used across North America:

• Length. Resumes are typically short and vary between one and two pages long at most. CVs, on the other hand, can be as long as necessary, and if you have a lot of experience, they can go for up to dozens of pages.
• Detail. Resumes should only include the most relevant information about you, while CVs contain your entire career history.
• Function. Resumes are more than enough for most job applications, while CVs are mainly used in academic settings. Whether you’re applying for a Ph.D. or for a position as a professor at a university, an academic CV is what you’re going to need.
• Tailoring. Resumes should always be tailored to the specific job you’re applying to, so a single job search can include dozens of resumes when you’re applying to different companies. CVs are always the same, regardless of where you apply, although they get longer as you gain more experience and qualifications.
• Focus. Resumes highlight your work experience, professional achievements, and most impressive skills, while CVs prioritize education, research experience, and publications.
• References. Typically, you don’t need to list references on a resume unless the employer specifically requests them. However, academics are encouraged to include professional references in their CVs.
• Formatting. While there are different resume formats that you can choose from, all academic CVs follow the exact same structure.
• Photos. Depending on the region, a resume can include photos. While it’s taboo or outright illegal in the US, UK, and Ireland,  most countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America may require that you attach your photo. But when it comes to academic CVs, a photo should never be included, regardless of what country you’re in.
• Personal Information. Other personal information like your age, gender, ethnicity, or marital status shouldn’t be added to a resume in the US or UK. Employers in other countries might expect this, so you should do your research before submitting your resume. Again, regardless of where you are, none of this extra information should make it onto your academic CV.

FAQs About CVs and Resumes

Are you still wondering something about CVs and resumes? Check out the answers to the most frequently asked questions below.

#1. Is a CV or a resume better?

The choice between a CV or a resume depends on the specific job or position you are applying for.

An academic CV is typically more suitable for roles in academia, such as a PhD application , or when you want to join a university’s staff. But if you’re applying for a job outside of academia, you’re better off sticking to a resume.

However, if you’re a very experienced professional applying for a senior-level position, you might need a two-page resume, which is sometimes called an executive CV .

#2. Do the British say CV or resume?

In the UK and most of Europe, the words CV and resume are used interchangeably. Both refer to a brief document that summarizes your professional background and qualifications.

That being said, the term CV is generally preferred in the UK.

#3. Do I need both a CV and a resume?

This depends on the job you are applying for. If it’s a role in academia, stick to a detailed CV. But for most non-academic roles, a well-crafted resume is usually enough.

However, in some cases, such as when applying for a senior-level position, you might also want to have a CV or something similar ready to go.

If you’re outside of academia, we recommend keeping your LinkedIn profile updated . It functions similarly to an executive CV, and it can offer hiring managers a more comprehensive overview of your professional background.

#4. Can a resume be two pages?

Usually, we recommend keeping your resume on one page . However, it can be up to two pages long if absolutely necessary.

You should only use a two-page resume if you have over a decade of relevant experience or if you’re absolutely sure that the extra information will give your application a lot of extra value. Otherwise - keep it short and sweet.

#5. Do students need a CV?

If you’re a student, you can use either a resume or CV for your college application .

But, if you want to pursue a graduate or postgraduate degree, or if you plan on applying for a job that puts a lot of value on research, then you might need an academic CV.

If you’re a recent graduate looking for a job outside of academia, we recommend sticking to a resume that leverages your knowledge and strengths.

#6. How can I make a beginner resume?

For a beginner resume with little to no work experience , we recommend focusing on your relevant skills, education, and even any extracurricular activities to fill up space on your resume.

Emphasize any transferable skills that you gained through internships, volunteer work, or academic projects. This can help you compensate for a lack of practical work experience while still making your resume stand out.

You can also try looking for an internship first, which will give you practical skills and real work experience that will make your future job hunt easier.

Key Takeaways

And that’s the end of our article!

By now, you’re an expert on everything about CVs, resumes, and the differences between them.

Before you go, let’s quickly sum up what we covered:

• The difference between a CV and a resume depends on where you are. In most of the world, the two words mean the same thing.
• However, in the US and most of Canada, a CV is a completely different term. It’s a detailed academic document that includes all your experience, education, certificates, publications, and more.
• Resumes are typically one page long, but academic CVs can be anywhere from two to twenty pages in length. The number of pages you need for your CV depends on your level of experience.
• A resume can be used for job hunting in pretty much every industry, and it should be tailored according to each job you apply to. Meanwhile, a CV only changes when you gain more experience and qualifications, so it becomes longer.
• Academic CVs are the norm for jobs and admissions in academia, such as applications for a Ph.D. or a job as a professor.
• Do your research on the industry you’re applying to and the country you’re in to learn what other personal information your CV or resume should include.

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• Resume and Cover Letter
• Resume vs. Curriculum Vitae:...

Resume vs. Curriculum Vitae: Key Differences Explained by an Expert

13 min read · Updated on January 25, 2024

CV or not CV? That is the question

An important question indeed. But if you're wondering “what is the difference between a CV and a resume,” well the answer is both simpler than you might guess and more complicated than you might imagine.

On the one hand, it's easily explained by the fact that Shakespeare would write a CV if he needed a new job, but Hemingway would write a resume.

On the other, more complicated, hand, the term CV or Curriculum Vitae sometimes has a completely different, broader meaning. This is why Albert Einstein's curriculum vitae would be much longer than the CV of his contemporaries in other professions.

So, the question becomes, what type of CV are we talking about? 

Let's demystify the differences between a CV and a resume by looking not only at what these terms mean but what they mean in different circumstances .

So, what is the difference?

Curriculum vitae (cv) meaning.

“Curriculum vitae” is Latin for “the course of your life.” Most often, it refers to a brief, point-form document summarizing a job applicant's qualifications from three standpoints: work experience, education, and skills.

Resume meaning

Resume has a decidedly French connection, which is why it is sometimes spelled with one or two accents: resumé or résumé. And it's pronounced the same way as the French word it comes from: résumer , meaning “to summarize.” 

The noun “resume” also describes the short document that summarizes a job candidate's employment history, education, and skills - just like a cv.

That's right - CV and resume usually mean the same thing.

What resumes and CVs have in common

For most job seekers, there is no difference between a CV and a resume . They are the same type of job search document, universally used for the same purpose - applying for a job in virtually all organizations and industries. Except for the document's name, they look identical and contain the same information, structured the same way. 

CVs and resumes are equally brief - often a single page and never more than two pages. And both should be submitted with a cover letter that seeks to form a direct personal connection with the employer, geared to their specific hiring needs. The focus is on how job candidates can meet those needs and why they want to work for this organization.

Differences between a CV and resume

When discussing the document described above - the short career summary, calling it a CV or resume comes down to geography. 

Resume is by far the most familiar term for job seekers and employers in the United States and Canada. But in the UK, and most other countries where hiring organizations communicate in English, the same professional synopsis is called a CV .

Note, though, that this regional distinction should be regarded through a broad lens. Exceptions may be found in many global locales where either “CV” or “resume” would be acceptable. The point of our generalization here is to uncomplicate the prevailing misconception about CVs and resumes being completely different animals.

What else can CV mean?

Now we come to the twist on “curriculum vitae” (CV), and how it is sometimes defined. Within academic and scientific fields, it can refer to a much longer, more detailed version of the “ordinary” resume. 

This exception to the rule applies in the United States and Canada, as well as other English-speaking regions. But it's exclusive to a relatively small segment of professionals, which might help explain the common CV vs. resume confusion that confronts so many job seekers. 

In academia, this expanded CV document is used for both job applicants and those seeking research grants and fellowships. In higher learning institutes, long-form CVs are par-for-the-course for professorship candidates, graduate school applicants, and research specialists. In the latter instance, the private sector typically expects the same. 

When used in scholarly circles, the term “CV” or “curriculum vitae” is just assumed to reference this type of expanded career description. Alternative terms such as “long-form CV” or “academic CV” are useful to distinguish it from the “normal” CV equivalent of a resume.

We'll use that same distinction here, as we take a closer look at the characteristics of the ordinary CV vs. the academic CV.

How to write a resume or “normal” CV

Before writing a single word of your resume or normal CV, you need a laser-focused understanding of what the employer wants from the candidate who gets hired. Your normal CV must convey that you have what it takes. Study the posted job description carefully and do additional research online to learn as much as you can about the hiring organization.

This analysis will equip you to customize your job application for each specific hiring situation. If you do this correctly, no two versions of your CV will ever be completely identical.

What virtually all normal CVs have in common, regardless of occupation, is the basic framework for organizing all the information you deem relevant to include. “Relevant” is the operative word, because you will likely have to be selective about the information that you choose to add to your CV. Brevity demands it.

Here's a structure that outlines the distinct sections that a resume, or normal CV, should include.

Contact information : Identifying information* includes your name, email, and phone number. You can also add your city, state, and zip code - as well as a professional website, social media, or portfolio, if they're relevant.

Resume headline : This one-line headline should include the job title you're seeking, as well as descriptive terms that can help to distinguish you from other candidates. For example, instead of writing just the job title, IT Manager, you might want to write “Results-Driven IT Manager with 10 Years of Network Administrator Experience.”

• Summary (sometimes called a Profile or Personal Statement): A synopsis of your most persuasive qualifications geared to the employer's needs, emphasizing what makes you an excellent fit.
• Skills. A combination of both  hard skills  (job-specific abilities) and soft skills (innate traits and interpersonal strengths) should be included in this section. Make sure that your list includes the specific skill terms you find in the job posting.

Employment history : This should include your job title, the company name, and dates of employment. Add bullet point highlights of your most relevant work experience , framed as accomplishments with beneficial outcomes, ideally in quantifiable terms. In the most used chronological format, these are listed under each job in reverse order, beginning with your most recent job followed by previous jobs going back ten or fifteen years.

Education : Your postsecondary education is listed in reverse chronological order, starting with the highest degree or diploma, and working back to lower levels of educational achievement. Any relevant certifications, special training, or professional development activities can be listed too.

* International note : Hiring discrimination laws in some countries, including Canada and the US, make it inadvisable to include personal information like age, gender, race, or marital status in a resume. Photos are discouraged for the same reason. But in other countries, the same personal information and photos are commonplace.

Related Post : How to Make a Resume: Beginner's Writing Guide with Examples

How to write an academic (long-form) CV

Long-form CVs are integral to applications for faculty teaching and administrative positions, graduate school admissions, postdoctoral roles and research posts, as well as grants and fellowships. 

Academic CVs take as much space as needed to provide a comprehensive list of someone's educational credentials and scholastic achievements. In addition to degrees earned - bachelor's, master's, and PhDs - this list might also include Teaching Assistant or Lecturer positions, grants, fellowships, published works, conference attendance and presentations, professional or academic society memberships, and awards or special honors.

All of this is in addition to what an ordinary CV includes: employment history, contact information, and a summary paragraph. References, language skills, and other relevant abilities might be provided too.

Academic CVs are less likely to be tailored to the specific job you're seeking in the same way an ordinary CV would target a position and employer. Nor is there any restriction on length, which is perhaps the most obvious difference between an academic CV and a normal CV or resume. In fact, some long-form CVs can be ten pages or more.

To write a true curriculum vitae, or CV, include the following sections:

Your contact information

A professional profile

Your work history - this should be as comprehensive as possible and can go back as far as needed to show your career trajectory

Education - again, make sure that this is comprehensive to highlight your qualifications

Relevant professional skills

Those are considered the foundational sections in any CV and share much in common with a more traditional resume. Once you've completed those sections, you can also include additional optional sections, depending on the job you're seeking and the information you want to highlight. Some examples of these additional CV sections include:

Your published works

Notable awards and honors

Grants, relevant scholarships, or fellowships

Teaching experience

Foreign language proficiencies

License and certifications

Notable speaking engagements

Memberships in any professional associations

Research experience and achievements

Volunteer work

Personal interests - if they're relevant to the position

Your professional references

Again, these optional sections are not required for every position you may seek. You'll need to adjust your CV sections to ensure that they're in alignment with employer expectations within your chosen industry. Lawyers may want to focus more on their case experience, written briefs, and legal research. Medical professionals may want to highlight clinical experience, published research, clinical case trials, and similar points of interest.

Finally, make sure that you format your CV in a way that makes it easier for employers to read and identify the specific information that interests them. In other words, don't just create a long block of text that they need to wade through to find relevant details. Instead, use plenty of bullet points throughout each section to better organize the information.

Ordinary CV vs. Academic CV: What are the differences?

Key differences between an ordinary CV and an academic CV are summarized below:

Resume vs CV: frequently asked questions

If things are still unclear after reading this overview of resumes, standard CVs, and academic CVs, these answers to frequently asked questions may help to offer even greater clarity. 

1.     Do all employers require a CV or resume?

Consider a short-form CV or resume to be the default expectation for pretty much any job application. The exception might be an employer who only requires an application form to be completed. You could be asked for both!

2.     Do recent graduates need a resume or CV?

Fresher job applicants should be prepared to submit a resume (or ordinary CV), no matter how lean their work experience. Usually, a new graduate's education section takes precedence, with emphasis on work-related areas of study and academic achievements. 

Transferable skills from previous jobs - even part-time - as well as internships and volunteer activities, also have a vital place on a recent graduate's resume. As with any job application, be sure to tailor it to what the employer is looking for.

3.     Can I use a resume instead of a CV?

It shouldn't matter, as long as you're talking about a resume substitute for the normal, short-form CV. As we've discussed, either of these virtually interchangeable job application documents is appropriate in most instances.

4.     CV vs. resume: what do I call it?

Either term can be used for your one-page summary of achievements, education, and skills. What you call it usually depends on where you live or where you are applying to work. Again, “resume” is the familiar term in the US and Canada, while “curriculum vitae” or “CV” is common almost everywhere else. That's not to say there are no exceptions, or that either term would necessarily be misunderstood in the “wrong” country and disqualify your application. 

It's best to take your cue from the hiring organization: is it asking for a CV or a resume? 

5.     CV vs. resume: Which is better?

Once you understand that “CV” and “resume” are usually different words for the same thing, as emphasized above, this often-asked question becomes irrelevant. There is no better or worse option. Which term is preferable should be consistent with where you live or seek to work.

As for whether a normal short-form CV or a long-form academic CV is better, it comes down to what's required or expected in certain specialized fields of academia. Unless your career goals are in that realm, the need for a long-form curriculum vitae is highly unlikely.

6.  What if I'm not sure which kind of CV to submit?

As described previously, the long-form curriculum vitae, fully listing someone's scholastic achievements, has relatively narrower applications in academic, scientific, and medical institutions around the world. These candidates are seeking teaching or research posts, grants, or fellowships. Outside of these circumstances, an ordinary CV or resume is usually all you need.

There can be gray areas that make you uncertain about which type of CV to submit, for example different areas of teaching or research in the private sector. In these instances, if the application instructions aren't clear, don't be afraid to ask. For, as Shakespeare wrote, “advantage is a better soldier than rashness.”

Using the right resume or CV can maximize your chance of getting noticed

While the resume vs CV debate may seem confusing at first, once you begin to examine the differences in format, content, and use, you'll quickly figure out which one you need for your career journey. That should help to ensure that you're delivering the right document to any prospective employer and earning the interviews and job offers you need for career success .

Looking to land your dream job? The first thing you need to do is get your resume up to speed. Check out our expert free  resume review services and set yourself apart from the crowd. We match professionals with the perfect writer for their needs.

This article was originally written by Debbie Bride and has been updated by Ken Chase. 

Recommended reading: 

How to Write an Academic CV

How to Check if My Resume is ATS Friendly

Ask Amanda: How Do I Convert a Resume to a CV Format?

Related Articles:

Do Hiring Managers Actually Read Cover Letters?

How to Create a Resume With No Education

Why You Lose When You Lie on Your Resume: Learning From Mina Chang

See how your resume stacks up.

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• Career switch
• Career planning

5 minute read

July 9, 2021

What is the Difference Between a CV and a Resume?

Submitting a stellar curriculum vitae and resume can propel one through the job application process. we discuss the differences between the two formal application documents for jobseekers looking to impress recruiters..

Finding yourself questioning the difference between a curriculum vitae (CV) and a resume? Part and parcel of most job application processes include the submission of your current resume and/or a CV.

Complementary to each other, these formal documents are decision-makers in the competitive job market.

The benefits of a well-worded resume and CV are notable. Apart from standing out from a pool of job candidates, these application materials must be optimised for applicant tracking systems . Such tools help hirers automatically narrow down the most relevant resumes and CVs to streamline the vetting process.

Thereafter, hiring managers spend an average of six seconds on a resume or curriculum vitae before deciding on a jobseekers’ eligibility, according to New York-based recruitment agency Ladders.

To make those few seconds count, you have to convince hiring managers that you possess the right skillset required to excel in their organisation.

Despite the simplicity of their objectives, many spend days, even months, working on these application documents, perfecting their draft for a dream job.

Before understanding what goes into writing a stellar resume and updating your CV , understanding the differences between the two is important.

CV vs Resume

CV and resumes share the common purpose of marketing jobseekers as desirable employees who will meet and exceed the expectations of potential employers.

However, these application documents are not interchangeable, as major differences exist between them. Understanding the key differences between a CV and a resume can help you structure and draft them.

The primary differences between CVs and resumes are:

• Information included, such as your educational history, career biography and professional qualifications

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What is a Curriculum Vitae?

Commonly referred to as a CV, the curriculum vitae is a detailed overview of your academic and professional life. Ever-expanding, a well-polished CV is constantly updated as you amass experiences and accomplishments.

As with the plethora of CV samples available online, their length may differ depending on the experiences accrued.

How to write a CV?

On average, recruiters receive 250 CVs for a job position . With trained eyes, hiring managers quickly scour through them for specific information – thus, yours should be clear and concise.

Typically credential-based, the comprehensive, multi-page document should include information on your educational accomplishments, professional achievements and work performed in chronological order.

The best CV samples contain relevant and up-to-date information such as:

1. Personal information and contact details

Remember to include your full name, nationality, telephone number and email address. You may leave out your residential address for privacy reasons unless required.

76% of CVs with an unprofessional email address get overlooked, so make sure to include your contact details in your job applications. Avoid including redundant information such as religious beliefs and salary history.

2. Education certifications and other qualifications

Begin listing your education details, starting with your latest qualification, and state the institution and duration of your attendance with the month and year (i.e. Jan 2019 – Mar 2021).

3. Career history

A common misconception among jobseekers is that only paid stints make the cut as valid job experiences. This cannot be further from the truth. Internships, job shadowing, part-time jobs and other forms of employment opportunities can be listed.

This guide shows how fresh graduates or entry-level candidates can secure a job even without work experience .

When it comes to describing your work experience, follow these basic rules:

• Arrange in chronological order, with the most current employment at the top and the time you worked in each company. Use the duration format applied in the education section.
• Explain each job experience in bulleted lists for an easier read while providing detailed descriptions of your role.
• Include both your responsibilities and accomplishments. Be sure to illustrate your experience in a way that highlights your skillsets, especially your soft skills like communication, people management and leadership.

4. Skillset

From language capabilities to IT literacy , showcase hard critical skills that demonstrate your depth of knowledge to your future interviewer. You may have a section to list them alongside your proficiency levels.

When it comes to your soft skills, it is best to describe them through examples within your career history. For example, instead of listing “multi-tasking” or “collaboration” as key skills, talk about the projects you worked on and your role in making those projects a success.

5. Other relevant experience, training and references

Scholarships, awards, memberships, relevant coursework and other miscellaneous qualifications can be fully recorded.

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What is a resume?

It is said that first impressions count — this is exceptionally so for resumes. In many cases, it is the first application document a recruiter evaluates, and a good one should convince them to read your curriculum vitae for additional information.

Think of a resume as an elevator pitch that will get you a profitable career. Short and concise, the document is a personalised representation of yourself for a specific role — though an extension of you, it should be tailored for the recipient.

Consider the resume as a concise overview of your CV.

How to write a resume?

A well-crafted resume should contain the same information as your CV, but be crafted strategically. Aimed at demonstrating competence, you have to actively pick out relevant information that showcases your strengths and abilities in the best light.

Compared to the static CV, your resume should be adapted and tailored to every position you apply for. The best way to accomplish this is to study the job requirements closely.

Consider these when drafting your resume:

1. Template

Unlike a CV that is written in chronological order, there are four resume templates that jobseekers can follow. These include:

• Chronological resume format
• Functional resume format
• Combination resume format
• Targeted resume format

Similar to the CV, each job description should be accompanied by bulleted lists of your professional experience, made relevant to the role you’re applying for.

Depending on your preferred resume format, you can then find relevant sample resume examples as references when writing your own. Here are a few resume writing tips to guide you.

A standard resume succinctly states career objectives, what you have to offer, and other relevant information. Keep your resumes to a one or two-page document as long resumes may hurt your job prospects .

3. Customisation

You should find ways to align your resume to the job description . The targeted resume template will perfectly complement this pivotal factor.

A targeted resume is customised to the job position and industry. This gives jobseekers the flexibility to highlight relevant qualifications and experiences that demonstrate they are the best fit for the job.

4. Digital Formats

A soft copy, for example, a PDF document of your resume, is typically the go-to when sending your job applications via the internet. Alternatively, consider other ways to create an online resume , such as through a resume website.

A resume builder app can also help you put together a job-winning document.

A complete list of primary differences: CV vs resume

We outline the distinct difference between a CV and a resume below based on the relevant sections, emphasis and the length of each document:

Show your personality

Ultimately, despite the myriad of CV and resume tips and samples available online, it is crucial to add personality and indicate that you are in it for the long haul.

You also want to ensure that your CV and resume are free of grammar errors. This proofreading checklist offers an in-depth guide on what content errors to look out for.

Make your achievements as concrete as possible so that they remain tangible to the hiring managers. Working on our professional story through your CV and resume will take you far.

Update your current resume and CV with our career resources today and enhance your job search!

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