Both a CV and a resume are essential documents that showcase your skills and experiences when applying for jobs, aiming to secure you an interview. While both serve to highlight your qualifications, a CV, or Curriculum Vitae, offers a comprehensive overview of your academic and professional journey. Conversely, a resume provides a more concise summary of your skills and experience, tailored for specific job applications.
The primary distinction lies in their purpose and depth. A CV is typically required for academic and research-oriented positions, providing an exhaustive account of your academic history, including publications, research projects, and teaching experience. In contrast, a resume is generally preferred for industry positions in the private or public sectors, emphasizing relevant skills and work experience for the specific role. It’s important to note that applications for graduate school often request a CV, seeking a more detailed document akin to an expanded resume, encompassing publications and research project descriptions. Therefore, if you’re targeting both academic and industry roles, preparing both a CV and a resume is advisable.
Interestingly, in many European countries, the term “CV” is used broadly to encompass all job application documents, including what is known as a resume in the United States and Canada. Even within the US and Canada, the terms CV and resume are sometimes used interchangeably. To avoid confusion, if you are unsure which document to submit, it is always best to seek clarification from the employer or institution.
For discipline-specific examples and various education levels, the Career Center offers valuable CV and resume samples. Furthermore, you can benefit from expert feedback on your CV and resume through services like Resume Review+ or by scheduling an appointment with a career advisor.
CV vs. Resume: Key Differences in Format and Content
| CV (Curriculum Vitae) | Resume |
|---|---|
| Focus: Emphasizes in-depth academic background, research, and comprehensive accomplishments. | Focus: Emphasizes relevant skills, work experience, and concise qualifications tailored to a specific job. |
| Ideal for: Applications for academic positions, research roles, graduate school admissions, fellowships, and grants. | Ideal for: Applications for industry positions in the private and public sectors, internships, and general job applications. |
| Length: Can be multiple pages, length varies depending on experience and field; aims for comprehensiveness. | Length: Typically concise, aiming for one page (two pages acceptable for experienced professionals) for impactful summaries. |
| Content Evolution: Sections and experiences may be adjusted or removed as your career progresses, maintaining a complete record. | Content Evolution: Sections and experiences are strategically selected and tailored for each specific job application, highlighting relevant skills and achievements. |
