You have probably browsed through a ton of job postings trying to find the right job for you. You read through the requirements and application documents to send. You then read, “Send in your CV.” Now, questions start popping in your head: “What is a CV? What is a resume? Aren’t they the same thing? Can I just send my resume instead?” Before you start sending your resume in place of a CV, the first thing you have to know is the fact that a CV is NOT the same as a resume.
Starting to get confused? That’s fine. In this article, we will help you get to know more about what the difference between the two are and when to use each of these important job application documents. We will also include some downloadable documents that will give you a more in-depth comparison between the two. Read up!
Quick Comparison: Curriculum Vitae (CV) vs. Resume
Difference between a Resume and Curriculum Vitae
Curriculum Vitae (CV) vs. Resume
What Is a CV?
A curriculum vitae or CV, as it is commonly called, is a detailed document reflecting all of your achievements, educational attainment, publications, and career history. Basically, it is a record of all your achievements in academics and professional endeavors. Unlike resumes that are supposed to be limited to one or two pages, the length of a CV depends on the amount of experience and achievements that an individual has. Another thing about a CV that makes it different from a resume is the fact that you need not tailor-fit it according to the position you are applying for since all of your professional and academic histories will be seen through this document. In case you are confused about how to format a CV, you can take a look at the documents we have attached, which have sample CVs that will help you out.
When to Use a CV and a Resume?
The likelihood that companies will let you know what you need to submit is actually pretty high. However, most of the time, resumes are used for job applications while CVs are used for applications related to academics and research positions. On the off chance the employer has not stated whether they will be needing a resume or a CV or if you feel unsure of what they need, you may directly ask them, “Do you prefer a CV or executive resumes?”
In the US, resumes are commonly used while in Europe, CVs are used all the time and resumes practically nonexistent. They even have a European curriculum vitae format that they follow.
Difference between a CV and a Resume
CV or Resume
CV & Resume Difference
Difference between Resume, C.V., and BioData
Guide to Resumes & Curricula Vitae
Remember that in the US, it is highly likely that employers would only be needing a resume to know if you are a good fit for the company or otherwise. However, it is also good to know what the difference between the two. This is going to be handy if you have plans of working abroad. In case you are wondering if there is a need for you to make your own CV, you can start building one once you update your resume.
We hope this article helped in clarifying the differences between the two. In case you are still confused, you can always refer to the professional CV samples, resume templates, and the guidelines that we have provided.
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