CV or Resume: What's the difference?

The terms "resume" and "CV" are used in different ways all over the world.

• "CV" is used more often in Europe, New Zealand, and French Canada.


• In the United States and in the English-speaking areas of Canada, the word "resume" is used most of the time. These regions have begun to accept longer "resumes" that reflect CVs, the term "CV" is not particularly necessary.
  
• In India and Australia, the terms are generally interchangeable.

If there is any distiction made between the terms, then it is this:

A CV, or curriculum vitae is a longer (up to two or more pages), more detailed synopsis of your background and skills. A CV includes a summary of your educational and academic backgrounds as well as teaching and research experience, publications, presentations, awards, honors, affiliations and other details. As with a resume, you may need different versions of a CV for different types of positions.

Like a resume, a curriculum vitae should include your name, contact information, education, skills and experience. In addition to the basics, a CV includes research and teaching experience, publications, grants and fellowships, professional associations and licenses, awards and other information relevant to the position you are applying for. Start by making a list of all your background information, then organize it into categories. Make sure you include dates on all the publications you include.

Whether your prospective employer uses the term "resume" or "CV", make sure that you know what he or she is looking for in the document. Once you have this information, you can work on creating a knock-out CV or resume and cover letter that will help you land your job.

When should job seekers use a curriculum vitae, commonly referred to as CV, rather than a resume? In the US, a curriculum vitae is used primarily when applying for academic, education, scientific or research positions. It is also applicable when applying for fellowships or grants.

When asking for a job in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, or Asia, expect to submit a CV rather than a resume. Keep in mind that overseas employers often expect to read the type of personal information on a curriculum vitae that would never be included on an American resume, such as date of birth, nationality and place of birth. United States law on what information job applicants can be asked to provide does not apply outside the country.

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Go to How to write a CV, Resume and Cover Letter main page or read the first part of how to write a cv or resume.