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The brief comparison between a resume and CV
Resumes are ubiquitous during job searches. All resumes focus on one’s competency and attempts to stand out in a pile full of resumes screaming for recruiters’ attention, hoping to make it to the top of the pile. It’s essentially a marketing document that captures your career accomplishments and skillsets, targeted to the job you are applying.
CV or curriculum vitae are specialized document that are used by researchers, professors, medical professionals and PHD students to apply for roles in academia, scientific or medical positions. The document focuses on a person’s credential, it provides a list of ones past and current academic pursuit in details, any thesis they have performed, research undertakings, publications, awards/honors, certifications, professional affiliations or membership with any relevant authoritative body.
| Resume | CV | |
|---|---|---|
| When used | Resumes are used for job searches. | CVs are used for academic, medical and scientific purposes. |
| Length | 1 to 2 page long | Has no limit |
| Relevance | Only include career details that are relevant to the employer. | Outline your entire research or academic career. |
Expert Tip
When applying for a job in UK, and most Asian countries, they use the term CV interchangeably with resume. In other words, during job searches, they more commonly use the term CV, instead of resumes.
Things to include in your Curriculum Vitae
A CV, or "curriculum vitae", is a document that provides a complete picture of your professional and academic qualifications. It is usually required when applying for scientific or medical research jobs, fellowships, or admissions to PHD research programs. So what should you include in your CV? The answer may vary depending on your field, but there are some general guidelines to follow. First, include your contact information at the top of the page. Then, provide an overview of your research interests or personal profile. Next, list your education, including degree type and major(s). Then, list any professional academic appointments, such as postdoctoral fellowships or research positions. Include a list of any books or book chapters you have written, as well as any peer-reviewed publications or other scholarly outputs. Be sure to also list any awards and honors you have received, along with any grants and fellowships you have been awarded. If you have presented at any conferences, that should be included too. Finally, you can list any relevant teaching experience or research experience / lab experience / graduate fieldwork. You may also want to include non-academic activities or hobbies that could be relevant to the job or program you are applying for. Finally, don't forget to list any languages you specialize in.
The following is a list of information that can be included in a CV:
- Contact information: Name, address, email, phone number
- A research objective, professional profile
- Education: Institutions attended, degrees earned, GPA (optional)
- Professional academic appointments: Positions held at colleges and universities
- Books/Book chapters: Titles, publishers, dates of publication
- Peer-reviewed publications: Journals in which the publications appeared, dates of publication
- Other publications: Magazines, newspapers, online publications, etc.
- Awards and honors: Academic and professional awards received
- Grants and fellowships: Funding received from organizations and institutions
- Conferences: Professional conferences attended or presented at
- Teaching experience: Course titles and levels taught, institutions where courses were taught
- Research undertaking / lab experience / graduate fieldwork: Projects worked on, institutions where work was conducted
- Languages: List all your language fluency chart
- Skills: State your research and technical skillset
- Membership or affiliations: If have membership or affiliations with any relevant body, list them out.
- References: Your list of professional references should also be included.
Things to include in your resume
A resume is like a first date. You want to present your best self, but you don't want to seem desperate or high maintenance. So, what do you include? Education, work experience, and... blood type? (Just kidding.) In all seriousness, though, there are a few key things to remember when crafting your resume. First, keep it relevant. Hiring managers don't need to know that you were an All-Star basketball player in high school unless it's relevant to the job you're applying for. Second, make it clean and easy to read. No one wants to wade through a novel-length resume, so stick to the essentials and use clear, concise language. Finally, be sure to proofread! There's nothing worse than submitting a resume with typos or grammar errors. A little time and effort can go a long way in making a great first impression on a potential employer. So put your best foot forward and happy job hunting!
So, what should you include in a resume?
Well, first and foremost, you'll need to list your education and work experience. But don't stop there! Be sure to also include any skills or qualifications that might set you apart from the competition. And don't forget to list your interests and hobbies (if you’re in creative industry) - after all, your potential employer wants to know what makes you tick! By following these simple tips, you'll be sure to create a resume that will impress potential employers and help you land the job of your dreams.
The following is a comprehensive list of sections used in a resume:
- Your contact information: Name, Email, LinkedIn, Personal mobile number
- Resume Profile: a summary introduction to your career
- Work experience: Start by listing your most recent position and then work your way backwards
- Education: List your academic courses, and also mention GPA if it is over 3.
- Skills: The hard and soft skills relevant to the job you’re applying for.
- Memberships: If you have affiliation with any relevant professional body, mention them.
- Certifications: If you have made any professional development, do show them here.
- License: If hold any licenses to operate within your profession, do list them too!
- Languages: Being multilingual in a workplace sets you apart, so do mention them.
- Publications and Conferences: If you have made any publication or attended any conference relevant to the job, do mention them.
Difference between an international CV and USA CV
When looking for a job in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, or Asia, you may be asked to submit a curriculum vitae (CV) instead of a resume. However, these "CVs" are exactly like resumes than the academic U.S. curriculum vitae. For example, they are often shorter and more focused on work experience than education. They also include a photograph, which is something that would not be found on a U.S. resume.
If you are looking for a job in one of these regions, it is important to format your CV appropriately. Be sure to include relevant work experience and skills, and avoid any information that would not be found on a U.S. resume. With a little research and effort, you can ensure that your CV will help you stand out from the competition and land the job you want.