A Resume or CV? When To Use Which One and Why

When the job of your dreams is on the line, you will find that it is of the utmost importance to make the right impression. While of course you know to dress well to the interview and to be professional, you need to remember that in many cases, the first impression that the facility that is interested in you has is from a piece of paper! Though many of us are familiar with a resume, a CV is something that you might be unclear on. The truth of the matter is that a CV is very different from a resume, and when you want to make sure that you are using the right one, there are several things to keep in mind.

What Is a CV?

CV stands for curriculum vitae, and is the type of paperwork that you will submit for certain professions. In many cases, when you are applying for a position in education, in clinical work and in some science and publishing positions, a CV is the standard choice over a resume. It tends to be more thorough, more detailed and in many ways, it will give them a clearer idea of what you are capable of. Not only will it list past jobs, it will also relate any special classes you have taken, any publication credits you have and any grants you have received, among other things.

What Is the Difference Between a Resume and a CV?

The most obvious difference between a resume and a CV is going to be length, but it is certainly not the only one. Where a resume should ideally be reduced down to a single page or two, a CV can be much longer and more thorough. A resume will give your employers a snapshot of what you are capable of and what makes you ideal for the specification that they are looking for, while a CV's attention to detail can help them see what you can do more effectively. There is also more of an educational focus on a CV.

When Do I Use a CV Versus a Resume?

In many cases, it is quite easy to tell when you need a CV over a resume. In the United States, you tend to only need a CV for certain types of professions. One way to remember this is that the more education the job requires, the more likely are to need a CV! While this is not a hard and fast rule, it tends to work because positions that require a CV tend to be largely concentrated in the research and educational fields. On the other hand, you will find that when you are considering moving forward and getting the right kind of work abroad, there are some countries that expect a CV as a matter of course, no matter what the position.

Writing up your CV is an important factor in getting the job you want, so make sure that you take some time and get the results that you need!

How To Write A Resume
Details on putting together your resume