Difference between Resume and CV

Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume, what do you think both are the same? Or is there any difference between Resume and CV?

But if we talk about their importance, both are important equally. Either resume or CV, they both are not just a piece of paper. They are actually giving life to an individual career or profession.

For freshers, they represent their start point. For experienced individuals, they are the switching point.

The main objective or goal of a resume or CV is to influence an employer to consider you for the job position. Now, this doesn’t mean that they both are the same. There is a difference between Resume and CV. The types of places where you send a resume or CV are also not the same.

Just be patient, grab a cup of tea or coffee, or whatever you like. Enjoy the reading, you will get all your necessary information regarding Resume and CV.

What is a Resume?

The word Resume is a French word, which means a summary. It is a summary of your academic and work experience.

It is assumed that most Human Resource (HR) managers expect CV, which is not valid. Some HR manager expects the Resume as well.

The most essential characteristic of a resume is that it is short and crispy. It represents your skills and knowledge. Rule of thumb, one-page Resume. In scarce unavoidable scenarios, it can be of two pages.

Now you must be wondering why one-page Resume. Because you have to highlight only those skills and knowledge that jobs demand. Most recruiters don’t have enough time to scrutinize the CV they will prefer a resume.

What is Curriculum Vitae (CV)?

Curriculum Vitae (CV) can be defined as “a brief account of a person’s education, qualification, and the previous occupation typically sent with a job application.”

In simple words, it is a detailed description of a candidate. It is usually longer than a resume, and there is no page limit for CV.

Mostly famous in the academic world for researchers, masters’ and Ph.D. students and academicians. Almost all the educational institute wants a CV with details about research publication and academic records.

For freshers, who are just about to start their academic career. CV can be of two-pages. Because they are new in their professional career. So, a two-page CV will satisfy their recruiter.

Expectations of Employers / Recruiters

Now let’s discuss the places where you can use either CV or Resume. You must have a basic understanding of where a resume is needed and where CV.

United States of America (USA) and Canada, in both countries’ recruiters, are looking for a resume. But if you apply as a researcher, then you have to draft a CV.

United Kingdom, Ireland, New Zealand, and Europe; all the recruiters are looking for CV. Whether you are applying as a researcher or professional, you have to draft CV.

Australia, South Africa, India, and Pakistan, in these countries, CV and Resume interchangeably have the same meaning. But if you are applying for a public sector like the University of Punjab, you have to draft a CV. Whereas, private sector demand Resume.

Either you are drafting CV or Resume, you have to include that information your employer or educational institution wants to here.

Difference Between Resume and CV

Most of the differences between Resume and CV are discussed above. Lets now critically analyze the significant difference between them.

Length

Remember, you have to include all that information that your prospective job demands. There is no page limit for CV. On the other hand, a resume should be of one-page, in exceptional cases, it can take two-pages.

This doesn’t mean drafting a resume is easy, and the CV is difficult. Both require critical analysis of the job, nature of the organization, job description, job specification, and place (country) where you apply.

Purpose

The purpose of the Resume is to impress your recruiter by showcasing your skills and knowledge. Whereas, CV is all about displaying your accomplishment of life.

Layout

A resume is dynamic in nature. It keeps on changing with the change in job nature. On the other hand, CV is relatively stable. CV represents your contact, education, work experience, and achievements over the years. No information is left out.

The Resume also considers all the information that the CV includes. But this information is sorted according to nature and place of the job. That is why the Resume should be of one-page.

Adrian Wallwork explained the difference between Resume and CV in this way. “A CV is more like a technical description of a product (i.e., candidate). Whereas a resume is more like a sales brochure.

Read: How to Write an Effective CV?

Read: How to Build an Effective Resume?

Summing up

Both Resume and CV are essential documents when you are on the job hunt. Their template or audience may differ.