Not the same: Breaking down key differences between CVs and resumes

Seasoned and novice job searchers alike are familiar with the general notion of a resume and what it entails, but many professionals are woefully off the mark when it comes to actually composing a compelling, engaging resume sure to attract interest and interviews. Right off the bat, it may shock many readers to learn that certain openings don’t actually call for a resume at all.

That’s right, contrary to the popular misconception, a resume and a CV are not interchangeable terms. A resume is not a CV, and a CV is certainly not a resume. While both documents serve the same purpose for the quintessential professional (or academic!) looking to explore new opportunities, it’s a major mistake to assume they’re one and the same. Let’s break down the key differences separating CVs and resumes. 

What is a resume?

Often used as a universal term referring to any document detailing an individual’s professional past, a stricter definition of the word tells us a resume should be a concise summary of an applicant’s job history and relevant accomplishments. Many professionals craft specialized resumes for specific job openings, while others stick with a universal account of their professional past. Educational background and skills sections are also essential portions of every winning resume.

What is a CV (Curriculum Vitae)?

No doubt the less familiar term among the two for the majority of people, a curriculum vitae (Latin for course of one’s life) is primarily applicable across academia as opposed to public or private sector job opportunities. So, while a CV will also display one’s work history, skills, and successes, a far greater emphasis is placed on academic credentials. 

A resume should only touch on, so to speak, your education, but a CV serves as a full-blown explanation. More specifically, typical CVs feature details pertaining to coursework, published articles, research projects, and notable presentations or seminars. Curricula Vitae are usually a much better choice when applying for opportunities like academic/teaching openings, residency programs, grants, fellowships, and research positions. 

CV versus Resume: Key differences to keep in mind

Now that we have a general understanding of both types of documents, let’s talk about some of the biggest practical differences between resumes and curricula vitae. Both documents may be used to apply for openings and opportunities, but each is formatted in a very different way. And, as is the case in most other professional dealings, the tiniest of details absolutely matter. 

• To start, length is a big factor to keep in mind. A great resume is absolutely never longer than two pages (one page is ideal). On the other hand, a CV’s page count can hit double digits depending on the individual’s academic credentials.

• It’s a good idea to start both CVs and resumes with your name and contact information, but a curriculum vitae should always feature educational background and information prominently right under your name. Meanwhile, on a resume, the education section is usually closer to the end of the document. 

• Resumes focus far more on professional work experience and accomplishments/achievements/successes, but even when it comes to the professional history section, a stellar resume is as brief as it is thorough. A resume is not the right document to dive into every single small detail of a job, and paragraphs in general are a big no-no. A handful of bullet points highlighting your best moments at each position is advisable. 

• Conversely, brevity isn’t nearly as important to a CV. Curricula Vitae are often packed with pertinent academic information such as coursework specifics, dissertation descriptions, references, relevant fieldwork, advisor information, and any special collegiate honors, awards, or scholarships.

Location matters!

It’s important to note that while CVs and resumes are distinctly different documents in the United States (and Canada), the same rules don’t apply outside of North America. In the United Kingdom and many European countries, the term curriculum vitae is used to refer to any document listing an individual’s professional experience and qualifications (similar to how the word resume is used colloquially in the USA). Meanwhile, in other areas of the world like India and South Africa, it’s common for professionals to use both terms interchangeably.