What’s the difference between a resume and CV?
Posted By Amanda Collins on June 18, 2009
Some people use the terms résumé and CV interchangeably, but the truth is they’re not quite the same. CVs are used almost exclusively outside of the U.S. where employers are expected to share more about themselves and their personalities, so that’s very different. In the States, however, the differences are pretty clear.
CV: Curriculum Vitae
If you just look at what CV means, you get a better view into what’s included. CVs are typically reserved for folks in academia or the medical field because they include speaking engagements and publications, as well as additional information such as professional memberships and community involvement. For a university president, a CV can be 10 pages or more because it’s highlighting a depth of experience that may span a few decades. CVs tell a story.
Résumé
A résumé is a more standard introduction when looking for a job.They are between one and three pages and span only 10-15 years in depth. Résumés are succinct, acting as a marketing piece to highlight only the great things you’ve done that relate to that position. Additional information may be included as appropriate, but it’s also okay to allude to publications and speaking engagements, then include an addendum with the additional information.
So, unless you’re living outside the U.S., the terms CV and résumé shouldn’t be used interchangeably because they’re very different documents.
Questions about creating your résumé for the American market? http://www.grammardocs.com/resumes/