Difference Between a CV and a Resume

Published on 06-May-2023

Feature	CV	Resume
Definition	A CV, or curriculum vitae, is a detailed document that provides an overview of a person's education, work experience, and professional accomplishments.	A resume is a concise document that summarizes a person's education, work experience, and skills.
Length	CVs are typically longer than resumes, often spanning several pages.	Resumes are typically shorter than CVs, usually only one or two pages.
Purpose	CVs are typically used for academic, scientific, or research positions, and are often required for applying to graduate school or postdoctoral programs.	Resumes are typically used for non-academic positions, and are required for applying to most jobs in the private sector.
Education	CVs place a strong emphasis on education, including information on degrees earned, academic awards, and research experience.	Resumes also include education information, but place less emphasis on it than CVs.
Work Experience	CVs include detailed information on all relevant work experience, including job titles, responsibilities, and accomplishments.	Resumes also include work experience, but typically only include relevant experience, and provide a brief overview of job responsibilities and accomplishments.
Professional Accomplishments	CVs provide an in-depth overview of a person's professional accomplishments, including publications, presentations, and research grants.	Resumes also provide information on professional accomplishments, but typically only include the most relevant accomplishments.
Formatting	CVs are typically more flexible in terms of formatting, and can include sections such as publications, research experience, and academic awards.	Resumes have a more standardized format, and typically include sections such as work experience, education, and skills.
Personal Information	CVs may include personal information, such as a person's nationality, gender, and marital status.	Resumes generally do not include personal information beyond a person's name and contact information.
References	CVs may include a section for references, or may simply state that references are available upon request.	Resumes typically do not include a section for references, but may state that references are available upon request.
Customization	CVs are typically customized for each application, and may be adjusted to highlight certain skills or accomplishments.	Resumes are also customized for each application, but tend to be more consistent in terms of format and content.
Language	CVs tend to use formal language and academic terminology.	Resumes use more conversational language and tend to be more concise.
Audience	CVs are typically reviewed by academic institutions or research organizations.	Resumes are typically reviewed by employers in the private sector.
Emphasis	CVs place a strong emphasis on academic achievements, such as degrees, publications, and research experience.	Resumes place a strong emphasis on work experience and skills relevant to the job being applied for.
Sections	CVs typically include sections such as education, research experience, publications, presentations, and academic awards.	Resumes typically include sections such as work experience, education, skills, and certifications.
Cover Letter	CVs may or may not be accompanied by a cover letter.	Resumes are typically accompanied by a cover letter that highlights the applicant's qualifications and interest in the position.
Review Process	CVs may go through multiple rounds of review and revision, particularly for academic or research positions.	Resumes are typically reviewed more quickly, and may be screened by software programs before being reviewed by a human recruiter.
Geographic Use	CVs are used more commonly in Europe, Asia, and Africa.	Resumes are used more commonly in North America, Australia, and some parts of Asia.