CV (Curriculum Vitae) or Resume? Here’s the Distinction:

Do you have a resume or a curriculum vitae? And, if there is one, what is it? Many people confuse the two terms. There are, however, significant differences between the two. So, what’s the difference, and when should you use a resume vs. a curriculum vitae?

For job applications, both a resume and a CV are used. However, they are not always interchangeable. The primary distinctions between a resume and a CV are what each is used for, the length of each, and the type of content included.

Knowing the Difference Between a Resume and a CV

A curriculum vitae, or CV, is most commonly used in the United States for jobs in the medical field, academia, and research. It offers a thorough examination of a candidate’s credentials, including education, training, work experience, research experience, publications, certifications, and professional memberships and affiliations. In comparison to a resume, a CV can be a rather lengthy document.

In contrast, a resume is competency-based. It is a professional marketing tool that highlights a candidate’s previous work experience, education, skills, and professional accomplishments. They are usually no more than two pages long, depending on the level of experience, and are required for the majority of job postings in the United States.

What is a curriculum vitae (CV)?

A curriculum vitae (CV) is a detailed record of your accomplishments and skills, with an emphasis on academic and research experience. Your name and contact information are at the top of your CV, as they are on a resume. It continues with information about your experience, awards, degrees, presentations, publications, relevant affiliations, and other notable accomplishments. Grants, fellowships, and professional licenses that are relevant to the position you are applying for are also included.

Entry-level candidates’ curriculum vitae are typically two to three pages long. They can be much longer for mid-level and higher-level candidates.

What does a CV summary entail?

A CV summary is a condensed version of your CV that gives employers a snapshot of your accomplishments, skills, and qualifications. Employers who anticipate a high volume of candidates for a position, for example, may request a one-to-two-page CV summary to begin the application process. Following that, those who are interviewed for the position are usually asked to submit a full CV.

Is there a distinction between a curriculum vitae from the United States and one from another country?

In a nutshell, yes. While curriculum vitae are primarily requested for academia, medical fields, and research in the United States, they are requested more frequently than resumes outside of the United States. In Europe, Asia, and Africa, for example, CVs are frequently requested for all job openings. Despite being more detailed, the format of an international CV closely resembles the structure and requirements of resumes in the United States.

When compared to US CVs, international CVs frequently require more personal information. This is due in part to more stringent employment laws in the United States, such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Act, which prohibits employers from requesting or asking for specific personal information. Employers in the United States, for example, cannot ask about race, marital status, or the number of children you have, whereas other countries may allow such inquiries.

What exactly is a resume?

A resume is a summary of your work history and education. A well-structured resume includes your contact information, summary, work history, and education – usually in that order.

A resume should be no more than two pages in most cases, and no more than one page for entry-level and inexperienced hires. To make resumes easily scannable by recruiters and hiring managers, use bullet points throughout.

CV and resume writing tips

The goal of writing a curriculum vitae or a resume is the same: to get an interview and the job. Though the structure and length differ slightly, some similarities exist between the two. The following pointers will help you write a strong CV or resume that will catch an employer’s attention.

Match your resume or CV to the job.

Examine the job description for the position and make sure your resume or CV highlights the relevant experience, accomplishments, and skills you have that match it.

Use keywords to optimize your resume or CV.

Examine the job description for keywords to include in your resume or CV. Keywords assist your document in passing applicant tracking systems (ATS), allowing it to be seen by recruiters and hiring managers.

Make certain that no stone is unturned.

A resume and CV should contain all relevant highlights that distinguish you from the competition. Be specific and use quantifiable data to describe your achievements and accomplishments whenever possible.

Select the appropriate industry format.

Though resumes and CVs have standard formats, there are often nuances and slightly different preferences between industries. Investigate the various types of resumes and CVs available online for your industry to determine which format is best for you. As mentioned below, you can also seek guidance from a professional writer or agency.

Make use of a template.

Using a template is one way to ensure the proper format and layout of your resume or CV. There are several free templates available online. Ladders provides 73 unique resume template examples, each with its own example text, that can be downloaded and edited for free. Each also includes a unique cover letter example.

Editing and proofreading

It should be obvious, but you might be surprised to learn that one of the most common mistakes recruiters say job candidates make is failing to proofread their resume or CV. Ask a friend to proofread your document for you if necessary, or hire a professional writer or editor to do it.

Employ the services of a resume or CV writing professional or firm.

If you don’t have time or don’t know where to begin, hiring a CV or resume writer or agency to assist you is a great option. Leet Resumes, a Ladders partner, rewrites professional resumes for free, based on years of experience with resumes, recruiters, and the evolution of applicant tracking systems.

With confidence, submit your application.

Use these pointers to create a strong resume or CV for job applications. Then you can confidently submit your application in order to secure an interview and, hopefully, the job!