Resume vs CV

A lot many people do not understand the differences between a CV and a Resume. Even, job applicants, themselves, are not sure of what they have to write. Well, if you are one of them, then this article CV vs Resume will make sure you understand the differences.

What is a CV?

A Curriculum Vitae is a long and detailed description of one’s education, qualifications, and work experiences.

It includes your accomplishments, awards received, published works and other relevant information. Students in the field of academia are the ones who prefer this format.

What is a Resume?

A resume is a short description of the educational and professional details of an individual.

There are different types of resume formats for various job positions. Also, you should be very selective about what to include in your resume. Your chances of getting selected are reduced significantly if your resume is not to the point.

How are Resume and CV different from each other?

The major difference lies in their length. A resume is a one-page description, while a CV can be of 2, 6 or 10 pages according to your qualifications and achievements so far. Basically, you need to include everything relevant that you have done in your curriculum vitae, while a resume should include only the significant and recent ones.

Another difference lies in their purpose. Students, pursuing an academic or research-oriented position, prefer using a CV. While candidates opting to work somewhere else other than these fields go for a resume.

Where to use Resume and CV?

Now, the most important thing regarding all these is to know where you need to use which type.

Well, in America and Canada, a resume is the preferred type of application, if not a CV is explicitly mentioned.

In countries like the UK and New Zealand, everyone uses CVs.

In India, the terms are used side by side – resumes are used for private sector jobs and a CV for the public sector.