CV vs Resume: Definitions and Examples

Quick Navigation: 

Resumes and CVs are some of the most common requirements when applying for a job. Depending on the company or the position you are applying for, some job applications may require you to submit a resume, while others may require a CV. 

Although there are similarities between resumes and CVs, there are some important differences between the two. This article explains how resumes and CVs differ from one another and when to use them so you can prepare the right document for each job application.    

What is a CV?

‘CV’ stands for ‘curriculum vitae,’ which in Latin means ‘course of life.’ A CV is a comprehensive document that outlines the course of your professional career. CVs typically cover two to three pages, but depending on the detail contained, they may be as long as ten pages or even more. 

Some of the details you will find in a typical CV are information on educational achievements, career highlights, awards, honors, publications and other achievements. In the United States and Canada, CVs are required only for applications to jobs in academia, for grants and for research fellowships.

What is a resume? 

A resume is another type of document typically required for job applications. Derived from the French word, ‘résumé’ (which means ‘to sum up’), resumes are usually short and concise. 

Resumes primarily provide employers with an overview of your education and work history. They usually cover one to two pages and are targeted to specific jobs or positions. 

What information is included on a CV?

CVs are usually detailed and comprehensive. Information on CVs is usually not organized into bullet points, although CVs often consist of several sections. Most of the information in a typical CV is presented in plain text. 

CVs usually include the following information: 

  • Contact information
  • A personal statement
  • The research objective
  • Your professional profile
  • Educational details
  • Academic appointments
  • Published books and chapters
  • Peer-reviewed publications
  • Awards and honors
  • Grants and fellowships
  • Teaching experience
  • Languages and other skills
  • Research or field experience
  • Lab experience

CVs may also include information on conferences you have attended, non-academic activities you have undertaken, past and current memberships to professional associations and a list of references. 

What information is included on a resume?

Resumes aren’t usually as detailed as CVs, but they should contain as much relevant information as necessary to help ensure eligibility for a job. 

Among the information that should be included in a resume are:

  • Contact details 
  • Summary statement
  • The objective of the resume 
  • Details of your work experience
  • Educational information
  • Skills

Depending on the type of job you are applying for and your accomplishments, you may also include information on awards and certificates you have earned, courses or conferences you have attended and works you have published.

CVs vs resumes: Most important differences

Here are the main differences between CVs and resumes:

  • Length
  • Purpose
  • Customizability
  • Geography

Length

Resumes rarely take more than two pages, whereas CVs can be as long as it takes to cover your entire academic and professional accomplishments. Remember that CVs are meant to cover every important detail of your career. Resumes only represent a summary of your skills and work experience.

Purpose

Usually, CVs are more commonly used for application into academic programs or educational institutions, while resumes are used for job applications. However, some employers may expect prospective employees to submit a CV in place of a resume. 

Customizability

CVs remain in the same form from the time you write it. Although you may add more details as you gain more professional experience, the information that it already contains remains constant. You can adjust resumes to highlight specific job skills or work experience, depending on the position or industry you are applying for. This means that resumes are more likely to change over time. 

Geography

In some regions like the U.K., New Zealand and some parts of Europe, in particular, what you might know as ‘resumes’ are commonly called ‘CVs.’ People in these areas do not use the term ‘resume.’ In countries such as South Africa, Australia and India, the two words mean the same thing. It is mostly in the U.S. where the terms ‘CV’ and ‘resume’ refer to two completely different types of documents.

Tips for effective writing

Regardless of whether you are putting together a CV or a resume, there are some important things to keep in mind. 

Here are some tips to consider when writing your CV or resume:

Write your resume so that the details are relevant to the position you are applying for 

In general, you will want your documents to highlight your educational background, skills and work experience as they apply to the job or industry you wish to enter.

Work off of an established template 

Basing your CV or resume on a template will help you maintain the proper structure and keep the information organized. By doing so, you will make it easier for potential employers to look through your qualifications.

Proofread and edit your documents

Proofreading and editing are especially crucial when putting together a CV or a resume. Make sure to read your document carefully and correct any spelling or grammar errors. If necessary, have someone else proofread your documents for you. 

Use a consistent format

If you use bullet points for one job description, for example, make sure to follow the same format in all of the sections that follow. 

Organize your CV or resume for the specific application

 If you are preparing a CV for an application for a fellowship program, for example, you may want to leave off personal information. 

Ask the recruiter or hiring manager if you aren’t sure whether you should submit a CV or a resume  

If possible, try to prepare both types of documents. If you already have a resume, it shouldn’t take too much effort to put together a CV based on the same information and adding in some more pertinent details. And if you already have a CV, revising it into a resume that is tailored toward a specific position shouldn’t require much work either. In any case, being prepared with both types of documents will ensure your readiness to accommodate any request. 

Also, keep in mind that your resume might need to pass automated systems as well as hiring managers. Many companies use an applicant tracking system, so your resume will have to pass through an automated system before it gets to a hiring manager. Preparing your resume for people as well as tracking systems will help ensure that it gets accepted.