Truth About the Difference Between Resume and CV
7 min read
What is the difference between a resume and a CV is a common query to most job seekers? Both look the same but are different from each other. But what is the difference? You will get all the points of difference between resume and cv in this article.
So, you do not interchange and make mistakes while drafting a resume or cv. It is rightly said that ‘First impression is your last impression‘. And if you fail in the first impression you can never impress.
The same is in the case of the job. Resumes and CVs are job seeker’s first impression. And you need to have an impact on this first impression. For this never make mistakes in your resume or cv. It is very depressing when you send your cv or resume to 30 recipients and end up getting any call.
After this failure also did not get to know the difference between a resume and cv. Then keep reading the article till the end.
What is a Resume
The simple answer to the question is – A resume is a formal document emphasis on the personal details, educational history, career background, and key skills of an individual.
Mostly, the resume is prepared to apply for a job or crack a job vacancy. The freshers require the cv to apply for the job. And, a person who wants to switch his/her job also needs a resume.
To conclude, a resume is a summary of professional skills, work history, and educational qualifications. But resume stresses more on work experience.
What is the CV
Now, let us understand what is a CV? The steps to draft a resume and CV are the same.
A CV is a formal document that highlights the personal details, educational history, career background, and key skills of an individual. Its emphasis on academic history, projects, and competencies.
The freshers require the CV to apply for the job. The candidates cannot apply for the interview without the CV. CV is long detailed information that focuses more on academics and educational details.
Full-Form of the CV
The CV stands for Curriculum Vitae. The meaning of this term is summary. So Cv can be said as a summary of academics, skills, projects, personal details. It is an overview of academics, achievements, and experiences.
Purpose of a Resume/CV
- The main purpose of a Resume/CV is to introduce the job seeker to the employer.
- A Resume/CV is a summary of your details, educational qualification, key skills.
- The purpose of the Resume/CV is to get shortlisted for the interview, crack the interview, and get the dream job.
- The main goal and purpose of the Resume/CV are to showcase your skills, educational background, in the most precise and presentable way by providing all possible details.
Difference between Resume and CV- Explained in detail
The terms Resume and CV may sound similar. But there is a vast difference between both the term. Let us understand in more detail what is the exact difference between resume and cv when to use what.
Points of difference between a resume and the cv are as follows.
1. Definition of the CV and a Resume
A CV summarizes your academics, educational qualification, and career history.
A resume summarizes your key skills and work experience. It is a very brief and precise document.
The main difference between a Resume and a CV is that a CV is a full detailed record of your academics and career history. Whereas, a Resume is a brief and precise detail of your key skills, work experience, and competencies.
2. The CV is a piece of in-depth information, whereas a Resume is a brief and precise document
CV gives detailed information regarding an individual’s qualifications, career history, achievements, and skills. Also, a CV includes honors, awards, and achievements.
A resume gives detailed information regarding an individual’s work experience, skills, and competencies. Also, the resume includes employee awards and achievements. Individuals try to keep their resumes as concise as possible.
3. The CV is a piece of static information and a resume is edited at every stage
To apply for any post CV remains the same. You need not edit it to apply for different positions. Changes can only be made in a cover letter if any.
The resume needs to be edited according to the job post. The competencies should be written according to the job requirement. You need to tailor the resume as per the need of the job requirements of specific posts.
4. The CV always has a chronological order that needs to be followed, whereas the resume does not have any set order that needs to be followed
CV is organized chronologically in a set format. The reason behind it is so that it is easy for a Recruiter to get an overview of an individual’s career history at a glance.
Whereas, is not ordered chronologically. The resume is edited according to the job requirement. It is customized according to the job need from time to time.
5. The CV focuses on educational qualification and career history, whereas a resume focuses on work experience and key skills
CV stresses more on educational qualifications and career history. It includes a degree achieved from a specific university, with grades. It also includes detailed information on the internship project- Job Title and details of the project. With this, it also includes career achievements and awards.
The resume focuses more on work experience and key skills. It includes the competencies required for a specific job. It also includes detailed information regarding the past work experience-Job Title and details of the job. With this, it also includes job achievements and employee awards.
6. The CV is a piece of long detailed information, whereas a resume is a short and precise information
CV is long detailed information which is of 2-3 pages. It includes all the detailed information. The format of the CV is longer than that of the resume.
Whereas a resume is short detailed information which is only of one page. It is very up to the point and precise. The format of the resume is shorter compared to that of the CV.
7. The length of a CV is generally 2-3 pages, whereas that of a resume is only one page
CV is a longer document with detailed information. It is generally 2-3 pages. Even the CV of freshers is of 2 pages. A CV includes more information than that of a resume.
A resume is short and precise only of one page. A resume just sums up an individual’s work experience and accomplishments.
8. The CV is generally preferred by freshers, whereas a resume is preferred by the experienced employers
CV is generally preferred by freshers, Ph. D holders, and candidates who have undergone internship programs. Even to enter the field of medicines CVs are widely used.
The resume includes work accomplishments and experience. Thus, it is generally preferred by experienced employees. A resume is used to give the future employer a brief and precise overview of an individual’s work history.
9. The CV contains career achievements, whereas a resume contains work achievements
A CV contains and focuses more on educational qualifications, career history, internship details, career awards, and recognization.
Resume stresses more on work achievements and accomplishments. It includes employee awards and company honors.
10. The CV highlights educational qualifications, whereas the resume highlights work experience details
CV highlights
- Educational Qualification
- Awards/Honours
- Internship Details
- Skills/Publications
- Extra-Curricular Activities
- Hobbies and interests
Resume highlights
- Educational Qualification
- Academic Achievements
- Work Experience
- Key Skills/Competencies
11. CV cannot be customized much, whereas a resume is customized according to the candidate’s preference
The CV remains static and the same for any job vacancy. The CV should not be customized and a chronological order should be followed.
The resume is customized according to the job post and its requirement. It changes as the need for specific job posts.
Points of Difference Between Resume and CV
| Resume | CV (Curriculum Vitae) |
| A resume summarizes your key skills and work experience | A CV summarizes your academics, educational qualification, and career history. |
| The resume focuses more on Work Experience and competencies | CV focuses more on academics and educational qualification. |
| It is very short, brief, and precise | It is with complete details and long. It is an in-depth information |
| CV is a static document | A resume is customized as per the job requirement |
| Also, it is of only 1 page | Also, it is 2-3 pages |
| The Resume does not a set chronological order. The applicant can change the order according to his/her convenience. | A CV has a fixed chronological the order that needs to be followed. |
| The Resume should highlight- 1. Educational Qualification Awards 2. Internship Experience 3. Extracurricular activities 4. Skills 5. Hobbies and interests. | The CV should highlight- 1. Work Experience 2. Key Skills 3. Competencies 4. Professional Achievements 5. Awards and Recognizations |
Final Thoughts
To sum up, this was a precise piece of informative difference between resume and CV. Hope this article now has made you clear what a CV and resume are. Your first impression of the CV or resume should be the last impression.
After drafting a CV or a resume in proper format interview calls should be expected. Do not forget to share your experience of CV or resume with us. In case of any queries, you can shot in the comment box.
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