The primary differences between a CV (Curriculum Vitae) and a résumé are their purpose, length, and content:
- Purpose:
- CV: Primarily used in academia, research, and education, as well as for medical and scientific positions. It provides a comprehensive overview of one’s professional career, including detailed information about educational background, work experience, publications, research, presentations, and other academic achievements.
- Résumé: Used in most other job sectors, focusing on summarizing work experience, skills, and achievements relevant to a specific job position. It’s tailored to each job application.
- Length:
- CV: Typically much longer than a résumé. It can span several pages (often 2-4 pages or more) because it includes detailed information about one’s academic and professional history.
- Résumé: Generally shorter, usually one to two pages. It’s a concise summary that highlights key qualifications and experience.
- Content:
- CV: Includes comprehensive details such as education, work experience, teaching experience, research experience, publications, presentations, honors and awards, affiliations, professional memberships, grants, fellowships, licenses, and certifications.
- Résumé: Focuses on work experience, skills, and accomplishments relevant to the job being applied for. It may also include a summary statement, education, and relevant certifications or professional memberships.
Jobs or Positions Requiring a CV vs. a Résumé
Positions Requiring a CV:
- Academic positions (professors, researchers, lecturers)
- Research roles in various fields (scientific, medical, social sciences)
- Medical professionals (doctors, specialists)
- Scientific positions in industry or academia
- Fellowship and grant applications
- Positions in higher education administration
Positions Requiring a Résumé:
- Most corporate and business positions (marketing, finance, human resources, etc.)
- Technology roles (software developers, IT specialists)
- Creative roles (designers, writers, marketing)
- Sales positions
- Administrative positions
- Service industry jobs
- Any non-academic or non-research positions
Key Takeaways
- Use a CV if you are applying for academic, research, scientific, or medical positions. It should be detailed and comprehensive.
- Use a résumé for most other job applications, especially in the corporate, creative, and service sectors. It should be concise and tailored to the specific job you’re applying for.