Difference Between A Cv And A Resume

Content, length and what they are used to accomplish are the three main differences between the CV and the resume. A good resume is to be a one-page affair while a CV (Curriculum Vitae) is allowed to reach up to two full pages in length. The resume is a way to briefly impart information pertaining to your education and skills. This has to be done in as clear and concise manner as possible. The CV is more about who you are as an individual not a cog in a wheel.

You are encouraged to summarize your educational experiences in the CV whereas in a resume all they want is the bare facts, dates and institutions. The CV is more like a mini-biography talking in detail about your education, job skills and even skills picked up from volunteering. The CV is used mainly for obtaining positions that are in the education, scientific or research fields in the US and Canada.

Applying for a position in the countries of Far East, Asia, Africa and anywhere in Europe you will need a CV. This is the form of choice in those countries and most companies demand them. below is a comparison of each document.

Curriculum Vitae
This Latin word literally means, "term of life" and this paper will be just that. The CV is snap shot your complete educational history. It is a lot more detailed and allows you to include parts of your educational history that are not relevant in a resume. Start with the most recent stuff and work your way backward.

Use subheadings in a CV as a way to organize your information and as a guide for the reader. IN this manner the reader twill be able to quickly look over the document, getting straight to what interest them. Use clear wording and phrasing, do not get into prose or start to brag. State the facts and only the facts in as few words as possible.

A CV should be something like this:

• Your profile or objectives - statement of introduction and purpose
• What qualifies you for the position - list any special training received and what certifications you have with a bearing on the job you are seeking
• What are you skilled in - training of any kind that will equip you to perform effectively for this company
• Level of education - what schools you attended, courses you took, academic awards and include all of the dates for these as well.
• time line of your career path - answer the who, what , when , where and how of the places you were employed before.

Resumes include

It is much shorter but needs much of the same information. The difference is really in the details. The resume can be written to include only the information pertaining to the job you want now. The organization of the resume is definitely similar to the CV. Though the focus is more on the education and skills than the other events in your past. Resumes can be:
Focused
Chronological
Functional

You present the same information with a slightly different emphasis to different prospective employers. Even if you live in a country where CV's are not the norm you should have one ready just in case you want to go global.


Copyright (c) 2011 Joe Maldonado