Most people believe that the terms “resume” and “CV” are interchangeable, but that is far from correct. They are both documents which portray your career path, but there are major differences involved within the two documents. So what is the difference between a resume and CV?
Length: First off, a resume is around a page or two maximum, while a CV is almost NEVER just one page. If your “CV” is a single page, you most likely have a resume.
Details: While you want to be detailed in your job descriptions on a resume, there is also a lot you may leave out to save on space, or simply because if someone wants to know that much about a specific job duty, they can just ask you. For instance, you often won’t list specific projects within a job unless they were major achievements for you, or you earned special recognition for them. Meanwhile, a CV is exhaustive, meaning that you want everything about your career on that CV. This includes internships, publications, research experience, all levels of training (even if it is known within your job title/industry). For example, it is required for registered Nurses to hold an ALS certification, however it is very important to list it out, even though it is required to become an RN.
Who Should Use a CV vs. a Resume? CVs are most common used for people in or applying to the higher education field, including grad students, professors, etc. People with extensive knowledge or certifications/who have been in an industry for 10+ years also may use one, including doctors, scientists, firefighters, and engineers. Most people will use a resume simply because hiring managers would prefer a more concise document to look at than such a detailed and lengthy piece. Individuals in very specialized fields where a lot of certifications, areas of study, and/or research is required should use a CV. Unless you meet one of the above qualifications or you are asked specifically to present a CV, I suggest sticking to a resume.
What is Included on a CV? One word: EVERYTHING! Some of the major things that may be included on a CV but not a resume are classes/and areas of study within a major, any publications you have, research experience, work projects, (on a CV you may have a whole section devoted to projects) and personal research/projects as well. You’ll also tend to highlight your education towards the top of a CV, whereas you’ll have it at the bottom of your resume.
The Bottom Line: A resume is a picture of your career, all packed up in an easy to read and concise package to entice hiring managers to want to interview you, whereas a CV is much more in depth, and is used to see all of your experience in various areas of your career.
So those are the major differences between a resume and CV. Have any more specific question? Contact me, and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible. I may even feature your question as a blog post!