As a student or an employee, you are often asked for your resume. It is not surprising when you are asked for your CV, too. It is impossible not to wonder what the difference is between a CV and a Resume, and it will shock you.
Many people use these terms interchangeably while both are quite different and have unique roles. In this amazing article, we are going to understand the difference between a CV and a Resume to help you understand which one to use in your next interview.
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So, What is a CV?
A CV (or curriculum vitae) is a document that summarizes your whole academic and professional history, including publications, conferences, teaching experience, educational background, dissertations, and more.
An academic CV is specifically used when applying to graduate school, PhD programs, or academic positions. Furthermore, there is no limit to the length of a CV, which can sometimes be more than ten pages long.
For a detailed, check out our article on how to write a perfect CV.
What Comes Under the CV
If you are wondering what to include in your Academic CV, make sure you include the following.
- Contact information
- Personal statement
- Education
- Employment history
- Skills
- Publications
- Honors and awards
- Certifications
- Grants and fellowships
- Teaching experience
- Research projects
- Memberships
- Dissertations
- Conferences
Example of an Academic CV
Here’s an academic CV example for a Ph.D. student from Harvard, personal details have been changed to protect their privacy.
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Now, What is a Resume?
A resume is a one- or two-page description of your employment history, key skills, and job-related qualities. Resumes are used to apply for jobs that are not related to academia. From your first job out of high school to your last, you must understand how to create a solid CV if you want companies to take you seriously.
The primary distinction between a resume and a CV is that a resume prioritizes work experience and job abilities over schooling and is incomplete. In other words, while producing a resume, include the most relevant experience and leave out any specifics that you do not believe employers will be interested in.
What Comes Under a Resume
Here is a list of sections you should include while writing a resume:
Header/Contact Information
- Full name
- Phone number
- Email address
- LinkedIn profile or professional portfolio (if applicable)
- Location (optional or just city, state)
Professional Summary or Objective
- A brief, 2-3 sentence summary highlighting your skills, experience, and career goals. You should read the job description and customize this section matching to the needs of your next employer.
Work Experience
- List your work experience in reverse chronological order (most recent job first).
- Include your job title, company name, location, and dates of employment.
- Add bullet points summarizing key responsibilities, accomplishments, and skills used.
Education
- Include your highest degree first, the institution, and the date of graduation.
- Mention relevant honors or coursework if applicable.
Skills
- A concise list of technical and soft skills relevant to the job.
Certifications or Licenses (if applicable)
- Include any professional certifications or licenses relevant to your industry.
Additional Sections (optional based on your experience)
- Projects: Mention any personal or professional projects that showcase your skills.
- Volunteer Work: Highlight any volunteer experiences that align with the job.
- Awards or Honors: If you’ve received any, list them here.
- Hobbies or Interests: If relevant to the company culture or role.
Credit: CANVA
What is the Difference Between A CV & A Resume
In the Above Para, we Understand what is CV and Resume. Let’s Understand, What is the Difference Between a CV and a Resume. When you’re preparing to apply for jobs or internships, you might wonder: “What’s the difference between a CV and a resume?” They both serve the same general purpose—introducing you to potential employers—but they have key differences in terms of length, content, and focus. In a nutshell, a resume is a concise snapshot of your skills and experience, often limited to one or two pages. On the other hand, a CV (Curriculum Vitae) is a more detailed document that covers your entire professional and academic history.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the main differences:
| Feature | CV | Resume |
| Purpose | Used for academic or research positions | Used for most job applications |
| Length | No length limit, usually 2-3 pages or more | Typically 1-2 pages |
| Content | Detailed, covers education, research, publications, awards, etc. | Focuses on relevant work experience and skills |
| Geographic Usage | Common in academia and outside the U.S. | Popular in the U.S. and for non-academic roles |
| Customization | Often remains the same, with minimal updates | Tailored specifically for each job |
Both documents have their strengths, so it’s important to choose the right one based on the position you’re applying for.
