What’s the difference between CV and resume

Surely, during the search for work, you came across the abbreviation ‘CV’ (curriculum vitae). This is usually perceived as a synonym for resumes. But if the employer asks a candidate to send or provide a CV for the interview, is the usual resume suitable?

A CV implies a more voluminous document than a classical resume. It should list all the specialties that an applicant received, additional courses, places of work, positions that you held, and responsibilities in chronological order.

In fact, several key criteria distinguish curriculum vitae from resumes. It’s important to note that the main difference is that the biographical data in as much detail as possible indicate the various academic achievements of the candidate. Besides, it’s in a CV that the experience and professional career will be described as detailed as possible for a potential employer.

In turn, an employment record implies a shorter description of the professional experience and the main nuances of the qualifications and skills. Thus, the employer can understand the level of competence quickly and whether candidates seem suitable for this position.

In addition, do not forget that, depending on the country of residence, these two terms may have a different purpose and, accordingly, be used in different situations. However, remember the most straightforward rule:

• Сurriculum vitae is larger in volume and describes everything in detail;
• Resume performs the same functions but in a short volume.

Main objectives of curriculum vitae and resume

If an applicant needs to demonstrate the unique achievements to the employer, then it’s obligatory to write a CV. In this case, one can describe in detail the information about the features of education and the full history of the career path.

Nevertheless, if the main goal is to attract the attention of an HR manager, it’s better to use an employment record. In this case, a job seeker can focus more clearly on the qualifications and the skills he/she possess.

Length of curriculum vitae and summary

We have already said that CV is a more voluminous document and, accordingly, can occupy a significantly more significant number of pages than a resume. In some cases, a CV can take from 2 to 20 pages. Basically, it depends on the individual experience of the candidates. However, if you want your potential employer not to get bored when reading your document, then the volume should include from 5 to 10 pages.

In turn, the summary is a fairly short document mainly written on one or two pages. In doing so, you need to provide the essential information about your previous employment and specific skills. Do not forget that you need to indicate the skills directly stated in the vacancy.

CV Layout Vs. Resume Layout

For some specialties, for example, journalists and researchers, all their publications, conferences in which they took part, internships, etc. should be included in the CV. In some cases, even texts of scientific papers may become a part of the CV. Thus, curriculum vitae can reach several tens of pages.

Unlike a CV, a resume’s a more concise document that identifies the key, most important points of your professional career. Also, in the employment record, places of work are indicated in reverse chronological order.

Emphasis on experience, skills, and achievements can be individually indicated for a specific vacancy. Thus, the resume of one candidate may have different content depending on the job for which it’s sent. Such a competent approach allows you to attract the attention of the employer to your candidacy and increase the chances of finding a job.

What to send to the employer: a CV or a resume?

In the classical sense, CV’s now used quite rarely. Employers or agencies often have time limits and have to consider a large number of job postings. And thanks to the employment record, the employer can quickly make up his impression of the candidate, which significantly saves time.

If you’re asked to send a CV or this requirement is indicated in the vacancy announcement, then most likely, the usual resume is implied. Sometimes a candidate needs to compose a CV in a foreign language if knowledge of the language’s a crucial requirement. If possible, of course, it’s worth clarifying what exactly they want from you. But in most cases, you can safely send your usual resume, if, of course, it’s correctly composed.