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Finding the right answer: CV vs. resume

A job applicant is expected to tailor his resume for each new position. On the contrary, a curriculum vitae is a comprehensive paper that can remain intact even for years. Of course, there exist other differences including format, length, focus, update frequency, etc.

Everything you need to know about a resume

It’s a concise document, no more than two pages. This paper lists the candidate’s accomplishments, education, experience. This paper is normally built around the applicant’s experience.

In Canada and America, a candidate should adapt a resume for each position. Applicants need to pay special attention to job titles, accomplishments, and keywords in their applications because HR managers use special tracking systems to scan and choose the proper applications. One shouldn’t use the same document for all jobs.

Composing a modern application suggests that you shouldn’t do some things. For instance, you shouldn’t include references in your paper. On the contrary, references are welcome in a curriculum vitae.

Defining a curriculum vitae

While a resume puts an emphasis on work experience, its counterpart covers a broader life experience and ensure more comprehensive professional coverage. The ‘course of life’ – that’s what a curriculum vitae stands for in Latin. This interpretation shows that this document provides a full overview of the candidate’s academic, professional as well as related achievements.

A CV has a larger length than its counterpart. In some cases, the length of this crucial document can reach up to fifteen pages. It lists the following:

  • Work experience;
  • Awards;
  • Professional and scholarly affiliations;
  • Publications;
  • Grants;
  • Teaching positions;
  • Honors;
  • Research;
  • Education;
  • Achievements;
  • Presentations;
  • Degrees.

A CV normally uses a chronological format in contrast with another paper. Applicants don’t change it to adapt to each new position. CVs remain intact.

The only exception when you should update the information is a new accomplishment. A typical example is a fresh research study that has been published in a respected journal. A candidate should mention this fact in her/his CV.

What should you use: a resume or a CV?

As a rule, job descriptions clearly state what you need to submit: a CV or a resume. However, in some cases, they won’t mention it. Fortunately, there exist several factors, which can help to determine the required type of document you can use for your application.

A region matters

Well, the use of CVs and other types of applications is mainly defined by a region. Resumes are often utilized in Canada and the United States. As for CVs, they’re employed worldwide. The greatest popularity of this format is observed in New Zealand, Ireland, Great Britain as well as other European countries.

Type of job

Even in Canada and America, a number of professions need a curriculum vitae instead. For instance, curriculum vitae is utilized by university teaching applicants, Ph.D. candidates and also in certain post-graduate application scenarios.

In academia, curriculum vitae’s used mainly to provide publication information. Moreover, CVs are widely used in clinical medical professions. They highlight education and research in those cases.

However, if you reside in the European Union or Great Britain and apply for a position in Canada or America, you can’t do without a resume.

Use both documents

Since a curriculum vitae and a resume have different purposes, applicants would better have both documents within reach. Use a curriculum vitae as a career management paper or master resume.

Don’t forget that both CV and resume demonstrate the maximum effectiveness when applicants use the right keywords. You have unlimited space for keywords when dealing with a CV. Unfortunately, it doesn’t apply to a resume. In this case, you’ll have to make some effort to stiff the proper keywords in a cramped space of this document.

No matter what type of application you have chosen, you have a good chance to succeed if your paper is properly composed and you really have what to offer to your potential employer.