A resume and a CV (curriculum vitae) are both documents that list your work experience, education, and skills. However, there are some key differences between the two.
1. Length
A resume is typically one or two pages long, while a CV can be much longer, sometimes up to 10 pages or more. This is because a CV is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of your entire career, while a resume is more focused on highlighting your most relevant experience for the specific job you are applying for.
2. Format
A resume is typically formatted in a chronological order, listing your work experience from most recent to least recent. A CV, on the other hand, can be formatted in a variety of ways, including chronological, functional, or combination.
3. Content
A resume typically includes your work experience, education, skills, and awards. A CV can also include additional information, such as your publications, presentations, and volunteer experience.
4. Purpose
A resume is used to apply for specific jobs. A CV is used to provide a comprehensive overview of your career, and it can be used for a variety of purposes, such as applying for jobs, fellowships, or grants.
5. Audience
A resume is typically read by human resources professionals. A CV can be read by human resources professionals, hiring managers, and other decision-makers.
6. Style
A resume should be written in a clear and concise style. A CV can be written in a more academic or formal style.
7. Tone
A resume should be professional and objective. A CV can be more personal and subjective.
8. Keywords
A resume should be optimized for keywords that are relevant to the jobs you are applying for. A CV does not need to be optimized for keywords.
9. Design
A resume can be designed in a variety of ways, but it is important to choose a design that is easy to read and scannable. A CV does not need to be designed in a visually appealing way.
10. Updates
A resume should be updated whenever you have new work experience or education. A CV can be updated less frequently, such as once a year or every few years.
Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between a resume and a CV:
| Feature | Resume | CV |
|---|---|---|
| Length | Typically 1-2 pages | Can be up to 10 pages or more |
| Format | Chronological | Chronological, functional, or combination |
| Content | Work experience, education, skills, and awards | Work experience, education, skills, publications, presentations, volunteer experience, and other achievements |
| Purpose | Apply for specific jobs | Provide a comprehensive overview of your career |
| Audience | Human resources professionals | Human resources professionals, hiring managers, and other decision-makers |
| Style | Clear and concise | Academic or formal |
| Tone | Professional and objective | Personal and subjective |
| Keywords | Optimized for keywords | Not optimized for keywords |
| Design | Easy to read and scannable | Not necessary to be visually appealing |
| Updates | Updated whenever you have new work experience or education | Updated less frequently, such as once a year or every few years |
Ultimately, the best way to decide which document to use is to consider the specific job you are applying for and the audience who will be reading it. If you are unsure, it is always best to err on the side of caution and submit a resume.