What Is the Difference between a CV and a Resume?

Although applications for jobs often include both a resume and a curriculum vitae (and some companies may use the phrases interchangeably), these two types of structured papers have a few key distinctions that set them apart. This article will look at the difference between a CV and a resume to understand the concepts more clearly.

What Does CV Mean?

The term “CV” is an acronym of the Latin phrase “Curriculum Vitae,” which means “the course of your life” in its direct translation. A curriculum vitae (CV) is a highly detailed document that includes all kinds of personal information and outlines your professional experience step by step.

You may think of the CV as an all-encompassing summary of everything you have done, every accomplishment you are pleased with, and every publication with your name.

It would be best if you kept your curriculum vitae (CV) up to date at all times, whether academically or professionally. That is, every time you do anything new such as getting a new job, publishing something new, obtaining a new credential, etc.

What Does Resume Mean?

A resume is a concise and to-the-point document produced to apply for a particular position. On the other hand, you should make an effort to keep your resume as brief as you can.

It would be best if you aimed to limit your resume to a maximum of one page in 99% of circumstances. However, suppose you have more than 15 years of experience or feel the additional material you may include will add value to your application. In that case, you can get away with keeping it to a maximum of two pages.

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Main Difference Between A CV and A Resume

There are several significant distinctions between a curriculum vitae, often known as a CV, and a resume, including the length of the document, its contents, and its purpose. When selecting which of these options is more suitable to employ, you should consider the professional path you are currently on and the part of the country in which you are applying. Now let us look into the differences-

Length or amount of pages

Because a resume highlights a person’s abilities and credentials concerning a particular job, the document should typically just be one or two pages long. However, because it contains more information and more thorough descriptions of academic courses, research, publications, or presentations, a curriculum vitae does not have a length restriction and is much longer than most resumes.

Experience

In contrast to academic roles, more often known as “industry positions,” resumes are used when applying for employment in the private or public sectors, typically referred to as “industry jobs.” On the other hand, curriculum vitae are often used when applying for academic roles or programs, scholarships, fellowships, as well as research or teaching employment.

If you are presently applying to or have just graduated from a master’s or doctorate program, or if you work as a professor or researcher at an academic institution, you could have a curriculum vitae (CV) in your possession.

Type of information you input

Your curriculum vitae (CV) is like an academic diary in which you include all of your academic accomplishments, certifications, and qualifications. Because it may be modified as needed, its applicability is not limited in any way. On the other hand, a resume must be written (or at least modified) for each job for which you apply, and it places a greater emphasis on your professional accomplishments than it does on your academic ones.