Whether you are a fresher or an experienced professional, before applying for a job in any company, you need a CV or a Resume. Are you wondering about the difference between CV and Resume? If you are confused about the two, thinking that the content is similar but unsure how they differ, this article will clarify the distinction between a CV and a Resume.
The history of CVs and Resumes dates back to 1482 when Leonardo da Vinci wrote a letter to the Duke of Milan highlighting his skills and experience. There is no single person credited with the idea of creating Resumes and CVs.
Both a CV and a Resume contain information that describes a candidate’s background. Let’s dive deeper into the topic.
What is a CV?
Curriculum Vitae, abbreviated as CV, is a comprehensive document that provides detailed information about a candidate’s education history, skills, work experience, research, and achievements.
A CV is usually required for a few major profiles, such as Academic and Research positions, Medical and Healthcare roles, Scientific and Technical fields, Fellowships and Grants, and International jobs. Each of these profiles includes various designations, and you can tailor your CV accordingly.
The length of a CV depends on the profile. It can be more than 3 to 4 pages, and for those in Academic and Research fields, it might extend beyond 5 pages — whether you’re a fresher or have experience.
What is a Resume?
A resume is a brief document that highlights a candidate’s work experience, skills, education, and sometimes little bit about their family biodata. It is commonly used for private-sector job applications. Unlike a CV, a resume is shorter — typically about two pages long. Resumes are customized to prioritize specific experiences and job-relevant skills. They are simple, easy to read, and designed to help interviewers quickly understand a candidate’s qualifications.
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Key Difference Between CV and Resume
Feature | CV | Resume |
Length | Usually 2 or more pages | 1-2 Pages |
Purpose | Used for academic, research, and government jobs | Used for private and professional jobs |
Details | Very detailed, including all achievements | Brief and to the point |
Order | Chronological order (from past to present) | Skills and experiences in a relevant order |
Customization | Same CV can be used for multiple jobs | Should be customized for each job |
Usage | Suitable for educational, research, and fellowship applications | Suitable for corporate and business jobs |
Tone | Formal and detailed | Professional and concise |
Example for an Experienced Person
If you are experienced, you can add the following information to your CV. Here’s an example with a real image to help you understand clearly.
CV Example:
- Name: Aman Kumar
- Education: Bachelor of Mechatronics Engineering with Honors
- Work Experience: 5 years
- Skills: MSI, AET, Project Management
- Achievements: Published 5 research papers
- Certifications: Professional Engineer (PE) License, Project Management Professional (PMP)
Check the below CV
Resume Example:
If you are experienced, we can add the following information to your resume. Here’s an example with a real image to help you understand clearly.
- Name: Jiya Shah
- Skills: Family Assessment, Conflict Resolution
- Work Experience: Family Wellness Counselor
- Education: Master of Science in Marriage & Family Counseling
Check the Below Resume
Example for a Fresher (New Candidate)
Below is an example of both a CV and a resume. We’ve also added real photos of each to help you create your own.
CV Example:
- Name: Sara Khan
- Education: Bachelor Of Arts Photography
- Internship: 6 months at XYZ Company
- Skills: Digital and Analog Photography
Check Below the Real CV
Resume Example:
- Name: Arjun Kumar
- Skills: Financial Management, Project Management
- Internship: 6 months at XYZ Company
- Education: Business Administration career, in progress.
Check Below the Real Resume
When Should You Use a CV or Resume?
Use a CV for:
- For academic, research, and government jobs, use a CV.
- Use a CV if applying for scholarships, fellowships, and teaching jobs.
Use a Resume for:
- For private companies, startups, and corporate jobs, use a Resume.
- Use a Resume when applying for job fairs, internships, and entry-level jobs.
Tips for Writing a Good CV and Resume
- Keep it Clear: Avoid unnecessary details; make sure it is easy to read.
- Use Bullet Points: It helps in quick reading and understanding.
- Highlight Achievements: Show what makes you stand out.
- Use a Professional Format: Proper fonts, headings, and alignment make a big difference.
- Proofread: Always check for spelling and grammar mistakes.
- Update Regularly: Keep your CV and Resume updated with new experiences and skills.
Conclusion
You’ve learned the difference between CV and Resume. Now you know their purposes and how they differ. A CV provides detailed information about your education, work experience, and achievements. On the other hand, a resume is a short, customized document that highlights your relevant skills and experiences, mostly used for private-sector jobs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before sharing your CV or resume for an interview, make sure you understand the job profile and tailor your CV or resume accordingly.
It is always better to check the job description. Some companies ask for a Resume, while universities and research jobs require a CV.
Length – A CV is longer, while a Resume is shorter.
Purpose – A CV is for academic and research jobs, while a Resume is for private-sector jobs.
Detail Level – A CV includes all details, while a Resume is brief.
The difference between CVs in the UK and India and resumes in the USA and Canada is not always clear. However, in the USA and Canada, a CV and a resume are seen as two different things.
No! A resume is short and to the point, while a CV is more detailed.
If you are editing your CV or resume, you can add new skills, certificates, and work experience.
Use professional fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Keep the format clean with clear headings and bullet points to make it easy to read.
It depends on the job and the country. Some countries require a photo, while others don’t recommend it.
Yes, you can! Even if you’re a fresher, you can create a CV that clearly explains your education, projects, internships, and skills.
PDF is the best format because it keeps the layout unchanged and looks professional.
