Resumes & CVs

A resume and a curriculum vitae (CV) are essential professional documents that summarize your skills, education, and experience. These tools are designed to showcase your strengths and set you apart from other candidates.

Why Keep Your Resume or CV Updated

Whether you're applying for jobs, graduate school, scholarships, or networking opportunities, having an updated resume or CV is crucial. Even if you're not actively searching for a job, a well-prepared document can be invaluable when unexpected opportunities arise.

Resume vs. CV: Key Differences

While some employers use "resume" and "CV" interchangeably, there are distinct differences between the two:

  • Resume: Typically 1-2 pages, concise and tailored to a specific job.
  • CV: Often longer, can be 2+ pages, as it includes a comprehensive overview of your entire career.
  • Resume: Used primarily in industry or non-academic job applications, focusing on relevant skills and experience.
  • CV: Common in academia, research, or medical fields, emphasizing a complete record of academic and professional achievements.
  • Resume: Highlights work experience, skills, and accomplishments tailored to the job. May omit less relevant details.
  • CV: Includes detailed sections like education, publications, presentations, grants, awards, and professional affiliations, covering your full career.
  • Resume: Customized for each job application to align with specific requirements.
  • CV: Less tailored, serving as a comprehensive document that may be adjusted slightly for different roles.
  • Resume: Flexible format, often with bullet points and action-oriented language to emphasize impact.
  • CV: More structured, often chronological, with a focus on factual and detailed listings.
  • Resume: Standard in most industries, especially in the U.S., for corporate, tech, or non-academic roles.
  • CV: Preferred in academic, scientific, or international job applications, and sometimes for fellowships or grants.

In summary, a resume is a brief, targeted document for specific jobs, while a CV is a detailed, comprehensive record used primarily in academic or research contexts. Always check the job posting to confirm which is required.