CV vs Resume: Definitions and Key Differences

The terms 'resume' and 'CV' (short for 'curriculum vitae') are often used interchangeably, leading to confusion. However, these documents serve distinct purposes and come with key differences. In this article, we will primarily focus on the American and Canadian definitions of these terms.

What is a CV?

A CV, or curriculum vitae, is a comprehensive document that provides an exhaustive summary of your academic and professional achievements. The term "curriculum vitae" translates to "course of life" in Latin, and that's precisely what a CV represents. Unlike a resume, there is no standard length for a CV, but it often spans from three to ten pages or more.

In the United States and Canada, CVs are primarily used for applying to academic positions.

What to Include on a CV:

• Name and contact information
• Personal profile or research objective
• Education
• Professional academic positions (work experience)
• Books and/or chapters of books authored
• Peer-reviewed publications
• Other publications
• Academic awards and honors
• Grants and fellowships
• Conferences attended
• Teaching experience
• Research/lab/fieldwork experience
• Languages and skills
• Memberships
• Non-academic activities
• References

CVs are generally presented in reverse chronological order, listing your most recent achievements first and working backward.

What is a Resume?

In contrast, a resume is a concise document used for job applications in the United States and Canada. The term "resume" is sometimes spelled as "résumé," which is French for "to sum up." Resumes aim to provide a quick snapshot of your work history, education, and skills, tailored specifically to the job you're applying for. They are typically one to two pages long and use bullet points to succinctly present your qualifications.

What to Include on a Resume:

• Name and contact information
• Resume summary or resume objective
• Work experience
• Education
• Hard and soft skills
• Optional resume sections (awards and honors, languages, licenses, and certifications, hobbies, and interests, etc.)

A key point to remember is that a resume should be customized for each job application, including the company's name and the specific position title. Use keywords and phrases from the job description to demonstrate your suitability for the role.

There are three main resume formats: reverse-chronological, functional, and combination. However, reverse-chronological resumes are the most common and often the most effective.

CV vs Resume: Key Differences

The primary differences between CVs and resumes lie in their length and the industries they are used for:

1. Length:

CVs can vary in length and are often much longer than resumes, sometimes extending to 10 pages or more.

Resumes are typically limited to one page for students, recent graduates, and professionals with less than 10 years of experience. More experienced professionals or those applying for high-level positions may have a two- or three-page resume.

2. Career Industry:

In the United States and Canada, CVs are mainly used for academic positions.

Resumes are used by job candidates in all other fields.

International Definitions

It's important to note that terminologies and customs around CVs and resumes vary internationally:

Europe and New Zealand:

The word 'resume' is not commonly used; 'CV' is the term used to describe a document similar to an American resume, applicable to all industries.

Australia and South Africa:

'CV' and 'resume' are often used interchangeably to describe a short document equivalent to an American or Canadian resume.

South Asia:

In some South Asian countries like India and Bangladesh, resumes may include biodata with personal statistics such as date of birth, gender, race, salary information, and marital status. However, this practice is not common in most other parts of the world due to strict anti-discrimination laws.

Conclusion 

In the United States and Canada, a CV is a comprehensive document primarily used for academic positions, while a resume is a concise document used in all other industries. However, it's important to recognize that the terminology and usage of these terms can vary internationally. When creating your CV or resume, tailor it to the specific requirements of the job and industry you are targeting. Consider using professional tools to assist in formatting and organizing your documents, such as My CV Creator resume and CV creation tools, which can help you create polished and effective applications.