WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A RESUME AND A CV?
A resume is a document that summarizes your education, experiences, and competencies. It’s designed to introduce you to an employer and highlight your qualifications for a specific job or type of work.
A curriculum vitae (CV) is a more comprehensive document that details ALL your past education, experiences, and competencies, including public presentations, academic writing and professional development. It’s designed to introduce you to employers in academics, advanced research, post-secondary teaching and fine arts.
The terms resume and CV are sometimes used interchangeably. However, a resume is used for work search, and a CV is used when applying for contracts, advanced research or post-secondary teaching positions. For those who use the two terms synonymously, the terms “academic resume” or “academic CV” are often used to differentiate between advanced research and post-secondary teaching documents.
Why develop a resume or CV?
Both a resume and a CV are meant to encourage an employer or a supervisor to consider you:
• as an employee
• as a candidate for further studies
• as the right fit for a contract
Key differences
• CVs are focused on academic work with an emphasis on research and teaching while resumes are focused on nonacademic work with an emphasis on related competencies (skills, knowledge and attributes)
• CVs aim to provide comprehensive information while resumes aim to summarize key information
• CVs are often long – 5, 10, 20 or more pages - while resumes are generally 1 to 2 pages maximum
When to use a resume
You can use a resume when you’re:
• applying for work
• networking with potential employers
• applying for some graduate schools, internships, scholarships, etc.
• participating in events like career fairs or recruiting events
When to use a CV
You can use a CV when you’re:
• applying for work and/or contracts in academics, advanced research, post-secondary teaching, and fine arts
• applying for graduate school, scholarships, etc.
• showcasing your background prior to a presentation
Why develop a résumé or CV? Both a résumé and a CV are meant to encourage an employer or a supervisor to consider you: • as an employee • as a candidate for further studies • as the right fit for a contract