You have heard of a curriculum vitae (CV), and most likely heard of a résumé. Both are used when applying for jobs. However, there is a difference between the two documents.
Grammarly explains the difference between a CV and a résumé.
What is a CV?
A CV is a lengthy document that provides an all-inclusive overview of the candidate’s academic and professional achievements, skills, and other relevant information. It is typically used when applying for an internship, academic programme or job.
A CV usually includes a header, professional summary, education, work experience and skills.
Below is an in-depth look at the above-mentioned sections:
- Header: The header includes your name, address, phone number, email, and other contact information.
- Professional summary: A brief statement that summarises your experience, skills, etc.
- Education: Information about your educational background (institution you have attended, degrees earned, etc).
- Work experience: An in-depth description of your past and present employment (including roles and responsibilities, achievements, job titles, etc).
- Skills: An overview of your skills that are relevant to the post you are applying for.
What is a résumé?
Unlike the CV, a résumé is a one-page document that summarises the potential employee’s work experience, education, skills, and achievements. Résumés are often used when applying for a job or internship and should be tailored to each post applied for.
A résumé usually includes a résumé header, professional summary/objective statement, work experience, education, and skills.
Below is an in-depth look at the above-mentioned sections:
- Résumé header: The résumé header includes your name, address, phone number, and email.
- Professional summary/objective statement: A short statement that summarises your career goals and highlights your related skills and experience.
- Work experience: A record of relevant previous employment provided in reverse chronological order.
- Education: Information about your educational background. This can include your degree(s), graduation date(s), etc.
- Skills: An overview of your skills that are relevant to the post you are applying for.
Also see: Four steps on how to secure employment and get you job-ready
