Do you know the difference between a CV and a Resume?

By: Kellie Whitehead

You’ve heard people use these terms interchangeably. Most of the times, we mean the same thing, indicating the same document. But there has to be a reason differentiating CV from a Resume.

 What’s the difference? I always thought it was simply American terminology that deemed my CV a ‘resume’ – both the same thing but in name only.

 WRONG!

 There is difference between a CV and resume, the main ones being, the length, the content and the purpose.

 The key to a resume is its brevity. Quite literally a resume of your longer, more detailed Curriculum Vitae. So one page or two MAXIMUM for your resume, outlining all the important points the reader needs to know if they are taking , literally, a minute to read it. (and that could be a generous assumption).A resume is a real summary of your skills, experience and education.

 A CV then, should be longer and more detailed. In the United States, for example, A CV would usually only be used for more senior or academic type positions where lists of honours and achievements, articles published etc etc are vital to the post. In the Middle East and Europe however, a CV is usually the initial request for any type of post applied for.

It’s important to note however, that technically there is very little difference between a ‘good’ resume building and a ‘good’ CV writing – because the main objective is the same. Both are created to show the candidate off in the best possible light. Just remember to tailor your CV or make a resume specific to each particular job you are applying for.