CV vs resume: What are the key differences?

All set to land a job? In the latest Future of Recruitment research for SEEK, it was found that 87% of surveyed Filipinos were approached with job offers by recruiters. This means that local talent like you is currently in demand! Strike while the iron is hot and join the jobseekers’ market. Craft a document that best highlights your skills and experience to potential employers.  

But first, let’s face the fact that sometimes, we don't know which document suits the employer’s needs. For instance, do you know the difference between a “CV” and a “resume”? Most Filipinos use these terms interchangeably. But in truth, they refer to two separate documents. While both disclose your key professional details, they have different information and purposes.   

Knowing these differences is important when you're applying for jobs in specific industries. Applying for jobs in academia usually requires a CV, while a resume is acceptable in almost every other situation. By tweaking your application, you can tailor it to match what employers are looking for. Let us give you some examples to help you succeed in your application.    

• What is the difference between a CV and a resume?
• What is a CV?
• Example of a CV
• What is a resume?
• Example of a resume
• How to Write an Effective CV or Resume
• Common CV and Resume Mistakes to Avoid
• CV vs Resume: Key Points to Remember
• FAQ

What is the difference between a CV and a resume?  

Before we delve into the specifics, let's outline the main differences between a CV and a resume: 

Length  

• CV - Can vary in length, but typically ranges from two to ten pages. More experienced candidates tend to have longer CVs because of the depth of their background. Provides a comprehensive overview of your academic and professional experience. 
• Resume - Typically limited to one or two pages. Resumes summarize your information concisely. When you submit resumes for specific roles, it's important to be direct and to the point. To make a great impression on hiring managers, it's essential to keep your resume's length to one or two pages. Remember, recruiters often review many resumes, so you'll want to be brief yet attention-grabbing.  

Content  

• CV - Provides an in-depth account of your academic and professional accomplishments, including details of your research, publications, presentations, and awards.  
• Resume  - Highlights your relevant skills, work experience, and achievements. It is more focused on demonstrating your qualifications for a specific job or industry.  

Purpose  

• CV - Preferred in educational institutions, creative positions, and grant-giving bodies. Typically used when applying for teaching and research positions, laboratory work, fellowships, and scholarships. It emphasizes your expertise, qualifications, and suitability for specialized roles.  
• Resume - Typically used for business and industry positions, government positions, non-profit positions, internships, and entry-level roles. It is designed to showcase your skills and experience in a way that is tailored to the specific requirements of the job. This helps you impress potential employers and secure job interviews.  

To summarize the key differences between a CV and a resume: 

[CV VS RESUME INFOGRAPHIC]

Now, let's explore each document in more detail.  

What is a CV?  

A curriculum vitae, or CV, is a very in-depth document that provides an overview of your academic and professional history. The term "curriculum vitae" is Latin for "course of life". As its name suggests, a CV presents a detailed account of your career journey including your work, education, and academic achievements. In Europe and certain parts of Asia, a “CV” is synonymous with a “resume”.  

What to include in a CV  

When writing a CV, it is important to include the following information:  

• Personal details: Start your CV with your name, contact information, and professional profile or summary.  
• ⁠Education: Include your educational background, starting with your highest qualification. Provide details of the institutions you attended, the degrees you obtained, and the years of study.  
• ⁠Professional experience: List your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position. Include the job titles, company names, locations, and employment dates. Provide a brief description of your responsibilities, achievements, and skills acquired in each role.  
• ⁠Skills: Highlight the skills that are relevant to the position you are applying for. This can include technical skills, language proficiency, and soft skills such as communication and teamwork.  
• Publications and presentations: If you have published academic papers or made presentations at conferences, include a section to highlight these achievements.  
• ⁠Honors and awards: Showcase any accolades or recognition you have received throughout your academic and professional journey.  
• ⁠Professional affiliations: If you are a member of professional organizations or associations, include this information to demonstrate your commitment to your field.    

When to use a CV  

A CV is typically used in the following situations:  

• Academic positions: When applying for teaching or research positions in universities or educational institutions, a CV is the preferred document.  
• ⁠Research positions: If you are applying for roles that involve research, such as positions in scientific or technical fields, a CV is often required to showcase your expertise and experience.  
• International positions: When applying for jobs in countries where CVs are the norm, it is important to adapt to their expectations and submit a CV rather than a resume. This is particularly relevant if you are targeting academic or research positions.  

Example of a CV

JUANA DELA CRUZ   1 Bughaw Street, Dumaguete City, Negros   ⁠(0123)2467890   ⁠[email protected]   EDUCATION   Master of Science in Marine Biology (20XX-20XX)   ⁠Batangas State University, Philippines   Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology (20XX-20XX)   ⁠Silliman University, Philippines   RESEARCH EXPERIENCE   Graduate Research Assistant (20XX-20XX)   Department of Marine Biology, Batangas State University   Reviewed and summarized scientific literature on coral reefs in the Verde Island Passage.   Collected samples during dive expeditions and analyzed data   Conducting literature reviews   Writing progress reports and research papers   TEACHING AND MENTORING EXPERIENCE   Teaching Assistant   Department of Marine Biology, Batangas State University (20XX-20XX)   Assisted with lectures, lab experiments, and helping students with coursework   Helped prepare course syllabus, manuals and lecture presentations   Planning and organizing field activities   Maintaining  the course website, preparing lecture materials, and communicating with students via email   Thesis Consultant   Department of Marine Biology, Batangas State University (20XX-20XX)   Guided marine biology undergraduates in research and writing   Mentored the batch 20xx thesis group, which got the “Best Thesis” award from the university.   PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE   Aquaculture Specialist   Tropical Fish, Inc., Palawan, Philippines   Bred tropical fish, shellfish and seaweed   Conducted laboratory tests for fish diseases   Measured water conditions   SKILLS   Strong skills in research, conducting experiments, and interpreting results   Field sampling strategies in coastal and offshore settings with diving and boating skills   Competent in geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing techniques   Able to handle laboratory equipment, such as microscopes, spectrophotometers, incubators, etc.   Data analysis using statistical software, particularly SPSS and R   Oral and written communication–writing reports and papers, giving presentations, and collaborating with colleagues, field workers, and clients   Proficient in English, Filipino and Bisaya languages   PUBLICATIONS   Co-writer, 20XX, “Effects of Ocean Acidification”, Journal vol. XX, XX pp.   Co-writer, 20XX, “Investigating the Rich Biodiversity in the Verde Island Passage”, Journal vol. XX, XX pp.   Co-writer, 20XX, “Uncovering the Marine Life of the Coastal City”, Journal vol. XX, XX pp.   PRESENTATIONS   Co-presenter, 20XX, “Effects of Ocean Acidification”, ASEAN Marine Biologists’ Conference, Thailand, 20XX   Poster presentation, 20xx, “Assessment of Coral Reefs”, Aquatic Conference, Davao City, Philippines, 20XX     HONORS & AWARDS   Graduate College Dissertation Completion Award, Batangas State University, 20XX   Departmental Thesis Adviser Award based on student feedback, Batangas State University, 20XX   Graduate College Conference Travel Grant, Batangas State University, 20XX   Top 10 Outstanding Undergrad Thesis in Campus, Silliman University, 20XX   Merit Scholarship Award, Silliman University, 20XX   PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS   ASEAN Network of Coastal and Marine Educators (ANCE)   ⁠Marine Biologists of the Philippines (MBP)   ⁠Palawan Marine Conservationists Society (PMCS)   ⁠Batangas Marine Studies Association (BMSA)

What is a resume?  

Sometimes, we see job posts with a resume as a main need. But what is a resume and what should it contain? Résumé is a French word meaning "summary". A resume is a concise document that highlights your relevant skills, work experience, and achievements. It is commonly used in the United States and is favored by many employers in other countries as well.  

What to include in a Resume  

When writing a resume, include the following information:  

• Contact information: Start your resume with your name, phone number, email address. Optionally, you can add a link to your professional website or online portfolio such as a SEEK profile link.  
• Objective/Summary: Write a brief statement that summarizes your career goals and highlights your qualifications for the position you are applying for.  
• Education: Include your educational background, starting with your highest degree or qualification. Provide details of the institutions you attended, the degrees you obtained, and the years of study.  
• Work experience: List your job history in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position. Include the job titles, company names, locations, and employment dates. Describe your responsibilities, achievements, and skills acquired in each role.  
• Skills: Highlight the skills that are relevant to the position you are applying for. This can include technical skills, industry-specific knowledge, and transferable skills such as communication and problem-solving.  
• Certifications and licenses: If you have obtained any relevant certifications or licenses, include them to demonstrate your expertise and commitment to professional development.  
• Awards and honors: Showcase any notable achievements or recognition you have received in your professional career. These are concrete evidence of your excellent work and work ethic. An award for closing the highest number of sales shows interpersonal skills.  
• Volunteer experience: If you have volunteered for organizations or contributed to community initiatives, include this information to demonstrate your passion and dedication.   

When to use a Resume  

A resume is typically used in the following situations:  

• Business and industry positions: When applying for jobs in the corporate sector, such as roles in finance, marketing, or management, a resume is the preferred document.  
• Government positions: Many government agencies and organizations require applicants to submit a resume when applying for positions.  
• Non-profit positions: When applying for roles in non-profit organizations, a resume is often the preferred document.  
• Internships and entry-level positions: If you are a recent graduate or seeking entry-level positions, a resume is the most appropriate document to showcase your qualifications and potential.  

Example of a resume

JUANA DELA CRUZ   1 Bughaw Street, Dumaguete City, Negros   ⁠(0123)2467890   ⁠[email protected]   PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY   Driven social media specialist with experience in content creation and online community building. A fresh graduate with a Communications degree. Skilled in Canva and Filmora Video Editor, planning content calendars, and measuring engagement.    EDUCATION   Silliman University - Dumaguete City, Negros   ⁠Bachelor of Mass Communication, 20XX   PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE   Part-time Social Media Writer   Coffee Sense, Tagbilaran City, 20XX - 20XX   Developed and scheduled content   Wrote social media copy, including infographics, posts, articles, and captions   Analyzed metrics, such as engagement and reach across all platforms   Social Media Intern   Wonder Threads, Inc., Dumaguete City, May to July, 20XX   Engaged with online users by replying to comments and emailing about special offers   Tracked user engagement on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok   Documented events through photography and videography   SKILLS   Oral and written communication   Writing and editing   Filming and video editing   Deep expertise in social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram and Facebook   Social media strategy development   CERTIFICATIONS   Canva Social Media Mastery   ⁠Introduction to Filmora (Lucrative Skills)    ⁠Canva Design Skills for Students   AWARDS AND HONORS   Screenwriter, Best Short Film Award for “Kargado”, Students’ Cinematindi, 20XX   ⁠Vice President, Communications Association of Silliman University, 20XX   ⁠Dean’s Lister, 20XX     VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE   Rescuer, Care for Stray Animals   ⁠Assistant Facilitator, Mental Health for Dumaguete’s Youth Symposium, 20XX

How to Write an Effective CV or Resume  

A good CV gets you noticed and boosts your chances for a job interview invitation. To create a CV that convinces hirers of your potential, ensure that it’s comprehensive, accurate, and well-organized. This keeps potential employers reading until the end. Meanwhile, good resumes should be concise, logical, and honest. 

Let's explore some more tips for writing an effective resume and CV that wins over employers.   

Tips for Writing an Effective CV  

When writing a CV, consider the following tips:  

• Tailor your CV to the job offer: Take the time to customize your CV for a job application. Highlight the skills, qualifications, and experiences that are most relevant to the position you are applying for.  
• Highlight your academic and research achievements: Showcase your accomplishments and expertise. These triumphs spotlight your credibility, helping you build a reputation within your industry.  
• Emphasize your relevant work experience on your CV: If you have relevant work experience, highlight it on your CV. Start with your most recent job and provide a detailed description of your responsibilities, achievements, and skills acquired.  
• Showcase your language and technical skills: If you possess language proficiency or technical skills that are relevant to the position you are applying for, make sure to highlight them on your CV.  
• Use a clear and easy-to-read font: Choose a font that is legible and professional, such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Ensure that your CV is well-organized and easy to navigate.    

Tips for Writing an Effective Resume  

When writing a resume, consider the following tips:  

• Customize your resume for the role: Tailor your resume to match the requirements of the job you are applying for. Highlight the skills, experiences, and achievements that are most relevant to the position.  
• Focus on your relevant work experience: Highlight your work experience and accomplishments that are directly related to the job you are applying for. Use strong action verbs and quantify your achievements whenever possible.  
• Emphasize your achievements and contributions: Demonstrate the impact you have made in your previous roles by highlighting specific achievements and contributions. Quantify your accomplishments to provide context and showcase your abilities.  
• Showcase your skills and certifications: Include a section on your resume that highlights your relevant skills and certifications. Use keywords that are familiar to the industry and job you are applying for.  
• Format your resume for readability: Use clear headings, bullet points, and white space to make your resume easy to read. Avoid cluttered layouts and excessive use of formatting elements.  

How to Format Your CV or Resume  

CVs and resumes have similar formatting styles. To make them reader-friendly, break down walls of text into several sections and points.  

1. Use a clear and easy-to-read font  
   ⁠This improves your document's readability. Clear fonts like Arial, Calibri, and Garamond are easy to scan. This lets hirers pick out important points for consideration.  
2. Organize your sections  
   ⁠You're also telling a story when you write your CV and resume. Ensure your story is easy to follow by letting the information flow from one section to another. A messy order distracts employers from your document's contents.  
3. Use bullet points to highlight important information  
   ⁠A sea of text without breaks turns off readers because it doesn't have breathing space. Bullet points cut down on reading time. They also direct the hirer's eyes to crucial details and create a professional look.  
4. Keep it concise and error-free  
   ⁠It's your chance to make an excellent first impression with your resume! An error-free document shows your attention to detail and diligence. Also, watch out for formatting errors that can ruin a hirer's reading experience.    

Common CV and Resume Mistakes to Avoid  

When writing a CV or resume, it is important to avoid common mistakes that can hinder your chances of success. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:  

• Using the wrong format for the job application: Make sure you understand the specific requirements of the job application and submit the appropriate document. Using a CV when a resume is expected, or vice versa, can create confusion and reflect poorly on your application.  
• Including irrelevant information: Keep your CV or resume focused on the skills, experience, and qualifications that are relevant to the job you are applying for. Avoid including unnecessary details or information that is not directly related to the position.  
• Making grammatical and spelling errors: Proofread your CV or resume thoroughly to ensure there are no grammatical or spelling errors. Typos and mistakes can create a negative impression and suggest a lack of attention to detail.  
• Not tailoring your CV or resume to the job application: Customize your CV or resume for each job application. Highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the position, and demonstrate how you can contribute to the organization.  
• Failing to follow instructions: Pay close attention to the instructions provided in the job application. Follow any specific formatting guidelines or submission requirements to ensure your application is complete and professional.  

CV vs Resume: Key Points to Remember  

Understanding the differences between a CV and a resume is essential because they have different lengths, contents, and purposes. By knowing when to use each document and how to write an effective CV or resume, you can enhance your chances of success in the job application process. Tailor your application to meet the expectations of potential employers, and highlight your qualifications and achievements in a way that aligns with the specific requirements of the position.  

Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to job applications. Consider the industry, country, and specific job requirements when deciding whether to use a CV or a resume. With the right document and a well-crafted application, you can showcase your skills and experiences effectively and increase your chances of landing your dream job. Best of luck with your job search and those upcoming job interviews!  

FAQs  

1. Can I use a CV instead of a resume?  
   ⁠⁠If the job posting calls for a resume, it's best to submit a resume. Remember that CVs and resumes serve different purposes. If you turn in a lengthy CV instead of a concise resume, your document might not be read.  

2. Should I include references on my CV or resume?  
   ⁠It's unnecessary to list your references during the first stage of your application. Employers ask for them during the interview or later in the hiring process. But if you're asked to submit it, you should keep a list of resources handy. This includes their contact info and professional relationship with you.  

3. How can I make my CV or resume stand out to employers?  
   ⁠To make your document stand out, keep it well-organized and as concise as possible. Keep your sentences brief yet informative. Use a formal tone and avoid slang or jargon to keep it professional. A strong career summary can also catch the hirer's eye.  

4. Is it necessary to tailor my resume or CV for a job application?  
   ⁠Yes! Each job requires unique expertise, skills, and duties. Tailor your CV or resume according to the position's needs. Customizing your application document doesn't mean overhauling it every time. You can tweak your skills, experiences, and choice of words.  

5. How do I highlight my skills on my CV or resume?  
   ⁠First, read the job description and list the skills it requires. Highlight the ones you consider your strengths. Explain how you used them in previous roles. Pepper your document with power words. Quantify achievements to make your story dynamic and exciting. 

6. Should I submit a CV or resume?  
   ⁠If the job ad doesn’t state a specific document, remember this general rule: Use CVs to apply for grants, fellowships, and academic and research positions. Resumes are for industries. Both have their own strengths and purposes depending on the need and the type of job you’re aiming for.  

7. Which is better, CV or resume?   
   ⁠A CV (Curriculum Vitae) and a resume serve different purposes and cannot be directly compared. The choice between a CV and a resume depends on the specific requirements of the job you are applying for. 

8. Why is a CV or resume important?   
   ⁠A CV or resume is important because it serves as a marketing tool for job seekers. It provides potential employers with a summary of your skills, experiences, and qualifications relevant to the position you are applying for. A well-crafted CV or resume can help you stand out from other applicants and increase your chances of being invited for an interview. 

9. Should a CV or resume be handwritten or typed?   
   ⁠In most cases, it is recommended to type your CV or resume. Handwritten documents can be difficult to read and may create a less professional impression. Typing your CV or resume allows you to use a consistent format and easily make edits as needed. However, there may be exceptions, such as if a job application specifically requests a handwritten document.