Knowing whether to submit a CV or a resume can make or break your job application. These two documents may seem similar, but they serve distinct purposes and can significantly impact how Hiring Managers perceive you.
This guide will cover what a CV and resume are, their unique features and how to determine which one you need to submit. To help you overcome this common job search challenge, we will discuss distinctions between a CV and a resume, the content each document should include and how to determine which one you’ll need to provide.
Understanding the distinctions between a Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a resume is crucial for effective job applications.
What Is a CV?
The term CV stands for “Curriculum Vitae”, a Latin phrase that means “course of life”.
It is a detailed list of your academic career and employment history. A CV is often required for academic positions and roles that emphasize professional qualifications.
In the United States, CVs are primarily used in academic and research positions. When a hiring officer asks for a CV, they are seeking an in-depth document that outlines your academic achievements, including publications, research and presentations.
Below is an example of a CV:
CV Template
Jane Doe
(555) 123-4567 | [email protected]
EDUCATION
Ph.D. in Linguistics, University of Excellence — 2020
Thesis: “Exploring Syntactic Patterns in Multilingual Environments”
Advisor: Prof. John Smith
M.A. in Applied Linguistics, City University — 2015
Thesis: “Analyzing Language Acquisition in Bilingual Settings”
Advisor: Dr. Mary Johnson
B.A. in English Language and Literature, City College — 2013
Thesis: “Symbolism in Modern Poetry”
Advisor: Prof. David Williams
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Assistant Professor
Department of Linguistics, University of Excellence — September 2020 – Present
Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in advanced syntax and semantics, achieving an average student satisfaction rating of 4.8/5.
Supervise and mentor graduate students, supporting their research projects and co-authoring two journal articles.
Organized departmental workshops and seminars to foster interdisciplinary research collaboration.
Research Assistant
Center for Linguistic Studies, City University — June 2018 – August 2020
Conducted comprehensive literature reviews to identify research gaps in syntactic theory and proposed innovative approaches to study multilingual syntax.
Collaborated on experimental studies, analyzing linguistic data, and contributed to three peer-reviewed publications.
Assisted in securing research grants by preparing compelling proposals and presenting findings to funding committees.
PUBLICATIONS
Doe, J. (2021). “Syntactic Structures in Multilingual Environments.” Journal of Linguistic Studies, 25(3), 45–67.
Doe, J., & Smith, R. (2019). Syntax and Semantics: Exploring Linguistic Structures. Academic Press.
PRESENTATIONS
“Challenges in Multilingual Syntax,” Linguistics Conference 2022, Cityville.
“Syntax and Semantics Workshop,” Linguistic Society Seminar 2019, City University.
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
Excellence in Research Fellowship, University of Excellence — 2021
Outstanding Teaching Award, Department of Linguistics, University of Excellence — 2022
PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Advanced Linguistic Analysis Workshop, Linguistic Research Institute — 2018
Teaching in Higher Education Certificate, City University — 2019
AFFILIATIONS
Member, Linguistic Society of Cityville
Member, International Association of Linguists
SKILLS
Expertise in syntax, semantics, and bilingual language acquisition research.
Proficient in SPSS, Python (linguistic data analysis) and LaTeX.
Skilled in designing and conducting experiments, analyzing qualitative and quantitative data and drafting academic publications.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Languages: Fluent in English and Spanish; conversational proficiency in French.
Interests: Supporting underrepresented linguistic communities, organizing academic events and exploring the intersection of language and technology.
What Does a CV Include?
A CV can be categorized into three sections: the core section, the optional section and supplementary documents.
- Core section: This includes personal details, educational background and professional associations.
- Optional section: This section may feature relevant skills, acquired languages or organizational memberships that enhance your candidacy. While this information is not mandatory, include it only if it aligns with the position you are applying for.
- Supplementary documents: Additional attachments that reinforce your qualifications, such as a statement of research, dissertation abstract, recommendation letters, cover letters or transcripts.
For example, a statement of research is a one-page document providing an overview of your research achievements, while a dissertation abstract is a one- to two-page summary highlighting key points of your work.
| Core Section | Optional Section | Supplementary Documents |
|---|---|---|
| Applicant information | Skills | Dissertation abstract |
| Education | Acquired languages | Statement of research |
| Experience | Professional and academic hobbies | Cover letter |
| Publications | Professional references | Transcript of records |
| Presentations | Projects and activities you did in your organization | |
| Awards/Honors/Fellowships | ||
| Professional Training | ||
| Professional Affiliations | ||
How Long Should a CV Be?
Most employers prefer it to be limited to two pages. However, for individuals with extensive experience, it is common for a CV to extend further, providing a detailed account of their professional and academic accomplishments.
A recent survey on 41 employers found that a staggering 27 of them (65%) preferred the CV of potential employees to be just two pages.
[Source: Keele University Research]
What Is a Resume?
A resume is a brief overview of an individual’s relevant education, experiences, skills and qualifications tailored for potential employers. “Résumé” is a French word meaning “summary”.
Resumes are typically tailored to specific job application documents and adhere to particular resume formats.
Its primary purpose is to quickly communicate to employers why you are a strong fit for a job through a concise, easy-to-read format.
Below is an example of a resume.
John Doe
Executive Chef
linkedin.com/in/[example] | [email protected] | +123-456-7890
Summary
Passionate and experienced Executive Chef with over 15 years in culinary leadership roles. Skilled in creating innovative menus, improving kitchen operations and leading diverse teams. Adept at maintaining high standards of food quality, safety and profitability. Known for increasing customer satisfaction and streamlining operational efficiencies.
Work Experience
Executive Chef
Gourmet Bistro, New York, NY
March 2020 – November 2023
- Designed and executed seasonal menus, leading to a 25% increase in overall restaurant revenue.
- Ensured strict adherence to health and safety regulations, maintaining a consistent 5-star customer rating.
- Collaborated with the management team to develop cost-effective purchasing strategies, reducing food waste by 10%.
- Trained and mentored kitchen staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performance team environment.
Head Chef
Culinary Creations, San Francisco, CA
February 2016 – January 2020
- Revamped the menu with locally sourced ingredients, driving a 20% increase in customer satisfaction scores.
- Implemented cost-control measures, reducing food costs by 15% while maintaining menu quality.
- Led a kitchen team of 15 members, promoting professional growth and skill development.
Sous Chef
Black Rabbit, Chicago, IL
April 2014 – December 2015
- Assisted in menu development, focusing on innovative, seasonal dishes that enhanced guest experiences.
- Optimized kitchen workflows, improving efficiency by 10% through process improvements and staff training.
- Monitored food inventory and collaborated with suppliers to ensure the freshest ingredients at competitive prices.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management
De Loureigh University — 2020
- Graduated Cum Laude
Relevant Skills
- Menu Development & Culinary Creativity
- Kitchen Operations & Team Leadership
- Budgeting & Cost Control
- Food Safety & Sanitation Compliance
- Staff Training and Development
Specialized Training
- Certified Executive Chef Program (CEC), Culinary Institute of America — 2020
- Leadership & Management in Hospitality, AHLEI — 2016
- Food Safety & Sanitation Certification, National Restaurant Association (NRA) — 2014
Notable Achievements
- Spearheaded a sustainability initiative at Gourmet Bistro, cutting food waste by 15% and receiving recognition in local media.
- Organized a series of pop-up dining events in San Francisco, generating $50K in additional revenue within six months.
- Contributed to a successful restaurant rebranding campaign, boosting foot traffic by 30% within the first year.
What Does a Resume Include?
A typical resume format includes the following components:
- Contact Information: Ensure your contact details are accurate and up-to-date for employers to reach you easily.
- Professional Experience: A concise statement summarizing the candidate’s key qualifications and career objectives.
- Education: Details about the candidate’s educational background, including degrees earned, institutions attended and graduation dates.
- Work Experience: A comprehensive section highlighting the candidate’s relevant work history, typically organized in reverse chronological order.
- Skills: An enumeration of the candidate’s skills, including technical, soft and industry-specific competencies.
On average, individuals spend around 1 hour and 10 minutes completing a resume. This process involves tailoring each section to highlight relevant qualifications and experiences.
How Long Should a Resume Be?
Length preferences vary depending on the job position’s level or seniority. A survey revealed that 52% of hiring managers for staff-level roles prefer one-page resumes, while 44% prefer two pages and only 3% favor three pages.
For executive-level positions, 7% liked one-page resumes, 61% preferred two pages and 31% favored three pages.
Key Differences Between a CV and a Resume
While people often use these terms interchangeably, they differ in content, purpose and structure. Here’s how:
- Approach to job applications: A CV serves as a comprehensive document that can be used for multiple applications, while a resume requires customization to align with the job description.
- Emphasis: A CV offers a thorough overview of your academic and professional journey, showcasing degrees, research contributions and scholarly accomplishments. A resume, by contrast, focuses on highlighting the most relevant qualifications tailored to the specific job.
- Length: CVs are typically longer and provide a detailed account of one’s entire career. Resumes, especially for those early in their careers, tend to be concise, often limited to a page to capture an employer’s attention quickly.
- Purpose: CVs are primarily used for academic positions, fellowships and grants, while resumes are commonly used in business, non-profit and public sector roles.
- Design Layout: CVs tend to have a plain and simple format, whereas resumes offer more flexibility, especially in creative fields.
Preferred Initial Section of the Document
A CV typically begins with details about an individual’s education, while a resume leads with work experience.
Regional Differences in CV and Resume Usage
The choice between a CV and a resume often depends on the industry, region, and job-specific requirements. Here’s a breakdown:
- By industry: For roles in the non-profit, private, or public sectors, a resume is typically requested. In contrast, academic and medical positions often require a CV.
- By region: In the U.S. and Canada, resumes are standard. However, in European countries, New Zealand and parts of Australia, CVs are more common for job applications.
- Job-specific requirements: Certain specialized roles may require elements found in both a CV and a resume. When in doubt, seek clarification from the recruiter.
CV or Resume: Which One To Submit?
Knowing the difference between a CV and a resume is crucial when job hunting. This understanding will help you make a stronger impression on potential employers and increase your chances of landing the job you want.
Key Takeaways
- Regularly update your CV or resume to reflect new achievements, experiences, and skills, especially when applying for new roles.
- Always customize resumes for each application, while CVs serve as a static record of your accomplishments.
- CVs and resumes serve different purposes. A CV provides a comprehensive overview of one’s career, while a resume offers a targeted summary.
- CVs are typically used for academic and research positions, while resumes are standard for roles in business and other sectors.
- Tailoring your document to the specific job and region is crucial to maximizing your chances of success.
- A CV is a comprehensive document detailing your academic and professional history, while a resume is a concise summary tailored for a specific job application.
CV vs Resume FAQs
A CV is a comprehensive document detailing your academic and professional history, while a resume is a concise summary tailored for a specific job application.
Regularly update your CV or resume to reflect new achievements, experiences and skills, especially when applying for new roles.
Yes, but it depends on your level of experience and the job you’re applying for. Many hiring managers prefer one to two pages.
Use a CV when applying for positions in academia, research or medicine, as well as for grants, fellowships and certain international jobs. In these contexts, a detailed account of your academic and professional background is essential. For most other job applications, especially in the private sector, a resume is appropriate.
Yes, regional differences do exist. In the U.S., a resume is commonly used for most job applications, while a CV is reserved for academic or research roles. In contrast, in countries like the UK, Ireland and New Zealand, the term CV is used universally for job applications, serving the same purpose as a resume in the U.S.
Written by Rea Gierran
With a background in Communication Arts, Rea’s expertise lies in content marketing and copywriting. Her published works can be seen on online news websites such as Rappler and Adobo magazine. Outside of her work, Rea takes on the role of a “momager” for Shiro, a TikTok dogfluencer.
Reviewed by Stefan Petrov
With over 10 years of experience as a writer and editor, Stefan has worked in the automotive, IT, health and hospitality industries. Familiar with Google Search Console and other SEO tools like Ahrefs and Semrush, Stefan uses his experience to create content that’s visually appealing to the user but also ranks in the SERPs.
