CV vs. Resume: The Difference and the Basics

Many people do not know that a curriculum vitae (CV) and a resume are different. Although they are usually used for the same purpose - finding employment, they do not fulfill the same function. What further adds to the confusion is the fact that many employers use both terms as if they were synonyms when announcing new vacancies.

You must know that a CV and resume are similar, but they are not the same. Both are documents that summarize our professional experience, our educational qualifications and skill sets. However, the major difference between the both lies in the length. While both are used in job applications, but they are not always interchangeable. To understand the difference between a resume and a CV, we need to understand what they exactly mean.

Also Read - 7 Secrets for Making Your CV Ready for 2018

Curriculum Vitae

A CV provides a summary of professional experience and skills. This includes one’s academics, research, awards, publications, presentations, and other achievements. CVs are longer and include the detailed information. It may also include a person’s area of interest, hobbies and other extracurricular activities.

Resume

A resume offers the summary of education, work history, skillsets and other accomplishments. It is a snapshot of an individual’s professional profile. A resume also includes two optional sections, which are resume objective and career summary.

Which One Should You Use?

The usage of a CV and a resume varies depending on the employers as well as the country where you are applying. In countries like the US and Canada, a resume is the preferred application document, while in the entire Gulf & Middle East, and in the mainland Europe, use of CV is more prevalent.

Interestingly in countries like India, Australia and South Africa, resume and CV are used interchangeably. For private sector jobs, people tend to use a resume, while CV is used for public service positions.

Also Read – Make Your Resume Stand Out, Create an Impressive Job Description Segment

Difference between CV & Resume

How to Create an Effective CV or Resume?

There are many websites which offer professional services to draft an impressive CV or resume. CVs or resumes are drafted by the experts who give a professional touch to the document and help you have an edge over your competition and boost your chances of getting hired. In addition, you can also search for articles which will guide you step by step towards creating an industry competent resume or CV. Offering samples suiting the job requirements, these sites provide you a cost-effective way out.

Using Effective Keywords

Recruiters sort the CVs or resumes based on the keywords of their interest. If you want to get noticed in the first glance, you must give some reason to the recruiter to stay hooked to your profile. Whether you are drafting a CV or resume on your own or seeking help from an expert, ensure that the document possesses powerful words and effective keywords to help hiring managers find you. Check for the usage of common keywords like –

‎- Accomplish

‎- Supervise

‎- Innovate or innovative

‎- Strategic planning

‎- Performance

‎- Productivity

‎- Team-building

‎- Leadership

‎- Competitive

‎- Excellent communications

‎- Problem-solving and decision-making

‎- Business development

Be it a CV or a resume, the primary objective of both the documents is to sell your skills. An impressive CV or resume will show your potential employers that you are the perfect candidate for their company. Also, it can help you create an effective first impression and get hired in the company of your choice.

All the best for your job search!

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