How is a CV different from a Resume?

A CV and resume are different in terms of length, layout, and purpose. While CVs can be long, resumes can be max 2 pages long. Besides, CV can detail the entire course of a candidate's academic career while a resume just summarizes work experience and skills.

When should a CV be used?

A CV is an in-depth document and it should be used only if you are asked by the employer to apply for a job in this format.

When to use a resume?

When no specific format is mentioned in a job posting by a recruiter, one can apply for it and attach a resume along. Since a resume is a concise document, it will suffice the purpose of the employer or reader.

CV vs Resume – Which is Better?

10 min read 40,992 views 10 likes

Posted by Aarna Tiwari Oct 03, 2024

As a college student or a fresh graduate entering the job market, you’ve probably come across the terms “CV” and “resume” quite often. But what exactly is the difference between a CV and a resume? How do you know which one to use when applying for jobs?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the 10 differences between CV and resume, delve into the nuances of CV vs resume, and even touch upon the difference between CV and resume and biodata. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of these crucial job application documents and know how to create them effectively using tools like the Naukri Campus Free Resume Maker.

Table of Contents

What is the Difference Between Resume and Curriculum Vitae?

Before we dive into the specifics, let’s start with the fundamental question: what is the difference between CV and resume? While both documents are used in job applications, they serve different purposes and are structured differently.

Purpose and Focus

The primary difference between CV and resume lies in their purpose and focus:

Resume: A resume is a concise document that summarizes your skills, work experience, and education. It’s tailored to a specific job application and focuses on highlighting your most relevant qualifications for that particular role.
CV (Curriculum Vitae): A CV, on the other hand, is a comprehensive document that provides a detailed overview of your academic and professional journey. It includes all of your educational qualifications, research experience, publications, presentations, and other achievements.

Length

One of the most noticeable differences when comparing CV vs resume is the length:

Resume: Typically, a resume is 1-2 pages long. It’s designed to be a quick snapshot of your most relevant experiences and skills.
CV: A CV can be much longer, often 3-8 pages or even more, depending on your experience and field. For academic positions, CVs can be even lengthier.

Content Detail

The level of detail provided in each document is another key difference between CV and resume:

Resume: A resume provides brief, bullet-pointed summaries of your work experiences, skills, and education. It focuses on highlighting achievements and results rather than providing exhaustive details.
CV: A CV offers in-depth information about your academic and professional background. It includes detailed descriptions of research projects, publications, presentations, and other scholarly activities.

Customization

When it comes to tailoring the document for specific job applications:

Resume: Resumes are highly customizable. You’re expected to tailor your resume for each job application, emphasizing the skills and experiences most relevant to the position.
CV: While you can make minor adjustments to a CV, it generally remains consistent across applications. The comprehensive nature of a CV means it includes all your experiences, regardless of their direct relevance to a specific job.

Use of Keywords

In the age of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), the use of keywords is crucial:

Resume: Resumes often incorporate industry-specific keywords to pass through ATS filters and catch the attention of hiring managers. Tools like the Naukri Campus Free Resume Maker can help you optimize your resume with relevant keywords.
CV: While CVs may naturally include field-specific terminology, they’re less focused on incorporating keywords for ATS purposes.

Career Level Focus

The career level at which these documents are most commonly used differs:

Resume: Resumes are widely used across all career levels but are particularly common for entry-level and mid-career positions in most industries.
CV: CVs are more commonly used for academic, scientific, or research positions, as well as for senior-level roles in certain industries.

Geographic Usage

The preference for CV vs resume can vary depending on the geographic location:

Resume: Resumes are the standard job application document in the United States and Canada.
CV: CVs are more commonly used in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. In some countries, the terms “CV” and “resume” are used interchangeably.

Structure and Format

The structure and format of these documents also contribute to the difference between CV and resume:

Resume: Resumes often follow a more flexible format. They may use various resume formats, including functional, chronological, or combination formats, depending on the applicant’s experience and the job requirements.
CV: CVs typically follow a more standardized, chronological format. They usually start with personal information, followed by education, research experience, publications, and other relevant sections.

Objective Statement

The inclusion of an objective statement is another point of difference:

Resume: Modern resumes often replace the objective statement with a professional summary or profile. However, for freshers, a well-crafted objective statement can still be beneficial.
CV: CVs typically don’t include an objective statement. Instead, they may have a brief personal statement or research summary, especially in academic fields.

References

The handling of references is the final key difference we’ll discuss:

Resume: References are usually not included on a resume. Instead, you might add a line stating “References available upon request” or provide them separately when asked.
CV: CVs often include a detailed list of references, complete with contact information and sometimes brief descriptions of your relationship with each referee.

The choice between the two depends on the industry, job requirements, and the stage of one’s career.

Is CV and Resume the Same?

Yes, in many contexts, ‘CV’ and ‘resume’ are used interchangeably and essentially refer to the same document: a summary of your professional and academic qualifications and experiences.

However, there can be subtle distinctions depending on the region and the specific job you’re applying for.

CV (Curriculum Vitae): Generally more comprehensive and detailed, often used in academia, research. It can include a full publication list, detailed research projects, and a more extensive list of skills and achievements.
Resume: Typically shorter and more concise, focusing on the most relevant skills and experiences for a particular job.

Ultimately, the key is to tailor your document to the specific requirements and expectations of the employer or institution. If in doubt, it’s always best to check the job posting or inquire with the hiring manager for their preferred format.

In summary, while “CV” and “resume” often overlap, a CV is generally more comprehensive and detailed, while a resume is typically shorter and more concise and focused on specific job requirements.

Difference Between Resume and Curriculum Vitae and Biodata

Now that we’ve explored the 10 differences between a CV and a resume, let’s briefly touch on another document type: biodata. Understanding the difference between a CV and resume and biodata is crucial for job seekers, especially in certain regions.

Purpose: Biodata is primarily used for marriage proposals or government job applications in some countries.
Content: It includes personal information such as date of birth, religion, race, nationality, and even family background.
Format: Biodata follows a fixed format and is usually much shorter than both a CV and a resume.
Usage: It’s less common in professional job applications compared to CVs and resumes.

In contrast to both CV and resume, biodata focuses more on personal attributes and background information rather than professional qualifications. It’s important to note that in most professional settings, especially in Western countries, biodata is not used for job applications.

Choosing Between Resume and Curriculum Vitae

As a college student or fresh graduate, you might be wondering which document to use for your job applications. Here are some tips to help you decide:

Consider the Job and Industry: Research the standard practices in your target industry. Some fields, like academia or research, prefer CVs, while most corporate jobs ask for resumes.
Check the Job Description: Sometimes, the job posting will specify whether they want a CV or a resume. Always follow these instructions.
Think About Your Experience: If you have extensive research experience, publications, or academic achievements, a CV might be more appropriate to showcase these in detail.
Consider the Company Culture: Some companies, especially startups or creative agencies, might prefer a more concise resume over a lengthy CV.
Geographic Location: If you’re applying for jobs internationally, research the preferred document type in that country.
Use Tools to Your Advantage: Utilize resources like the Naukri Campus Free Resume Maker to create professional-looking documents that adhere to industry standards.

By utilizing the Naukri Campus Free Resume Maker, you can ensure that your CV or resume is polished, professional, and optimized for your job search.

CV vs Resume – Which is Better For a Fresher

For freshers, the choice between a CV and a resume depends on the role and industry. A CV (Curriculum Vitae) is detailed, covering academic achievements, projects, certifications, and internships, making it ideal for academic, research, or higher education roles. In contrast, a resume is concise, typically one page, focusing on relevant skills, internships, and achievements tailored to a specific job, making it more suitable for corporate or private sector roles.

ATTRIBUTES	CV	RESUME
Length	Are longer (upto 10 pages)	Are short ( 2 pages max)
Focus	Focus is on career	Focus is on skills
Format	Static, Customization not allowed	Customization allowed
Address	One can mention multiple addresses, phone numbers and email IDs	Only phone number & email ID would suffice
Work experience	Provide details	Provide internship/work experience with designation, duration, & name of company
Cover letter	Not needed	Required
Skills	Add all certification names only in chronological order	Add all skills in the order of priority, related to the job

A resume is generally better for freshers as it effectively highlights key qualifications relevant to entry-level jobs. However, for research or academic positions, a CV might be more appropriate.

While a CV and a resume both aim to communicate a person’s qualifications, there are several key differences between the two. These discrepancies mostly revolve around the document’s length and complexity, intent and usage, and format and appearance.

Related Reads:

FAQs on Difference Between CV and Resume

What is the CV vs Resume difference?

A CV (Curriculum Vitae) is comprehensive, listing academic history and publications, while a resume is concise, focusing on skills and work experience. Choose based on job requirements.

When to use a CV or resume?

Use a CV for academic and research positions. A resume suits most job applications. Tailor your document to the job’s expectations for optimal impact.

What is the CV vs. resume format?

A CV includes all academic details, publications, and awards. A resume focuses on work experience, skills, and achievements. Format according to the document’s purpose and industry norms.

Are CV and resume the same?

No, they differ in purpose and content. A CV is more extensive and suited for academia or research, while a resume is concise and emphasizes skills for diverse job roles.

Which is better, a CV or a resume?

The choice depends on the job and industry. Use a CV for academic and research roles. Opt for a resume for most job applications in other sectors, showcasing skills and experience.

What is the main difference between CV and resume?

The main difference is length and detail. A resume is a concise 1-2 page summary of skills and experience, while a CV is a comprehensive multi-page document detailing your entire academic and professional history.

When should I use a CV instead of a resume?

Use a CV for academic, scientific, or research positions, and when applying internationally. Use a resume for most corporate jobs, especially in the US and Canada. Check job descriptions for specific requirements.

How long should a CV be compared to a resume?

A resume is typically 1-2 pages long, while a CV can be 3-8 pages or more, depending on your experience. There’s no strict limit for CVs, but ensure all information is relevant.

What are the key components of a CV vs resume?

A resume includes contact info, a summary, work experience, education, and skills. A CV additionally includes research, publications, presentations, grants, awards, and professional affiliations.

Can I use the same document for all job applications?

It’s best to tailor your resume for each job application. CVs remain more consistent but may need minor adjustments. Use tools like Naukri Campus Free Resume Maker to create customized versions easily.

How do I choose between CV and resume for my first job?

For most entry-level corporate positions, use a resume. If applying for research or academic roles, or positions requiring detailed educational background, use a CV. Always check the job description.

What’s the difference in formatting between CV and resume?

Resumes often use varied formats (functional, chronological, or combination) and may include graphics. CVs typically follow a standard chronological format with a more academic, text-focused layout.

How do CV vs resume differ in presenting skills?

Resumes often include a dedicated skills section with bullet points. CVs may incorporate skills within project descriptions or research experiences, focusing more on academic and technical skills.

Is the difference between CV and resume the same globally?

No, usage varies. In some countries, “CV” and “resume” are used interchangeably. Research country-specific norms when applying internationally. In the US, resumes are standard for most jobs.

How does the Naukri Campus Free Resume Maker help with CV vs resume differences?

The Naukri Campus Free Resume Maker offers templates for both CVs and resumes, guiding you on the appropriate length, content, and format for each. It helps tailor documents to specific job requirements and industries.