Difference Between Resume and Curriculum Vitae (CV)

What is the difference between a Resume and a Curriculum Vitae (CV)?

Most of the people get confused between these two words (i.e. Resume and Curriculum vitae). Job seekers always get confused about the title of their job application.

Let’s make it simple and clear. The differences that are mentioned below will help you out to get rid out of your confusion.

Meaning of the words

The word “Resume” is a French word and the meaning of it is ‘Summary”. The word “Curriculum vitae (i.e. CV) ” is a Latin word which means “Course of life”. The only meaning of these two words is making it clear or helping us out to know the differences between the two words.

Both of these documents are used for job applications. The Main thing which makes the difference is the length. The resume is of one or two pages & Curriculum vitae is of two or more than two pages.

The Resume is short in length and concise. Whereas Curriculum vitae is lengthy and having detailed information about person’s experience, skills etc. That means overview of his / her life’s accomplishments.

Tht Resume is nothing but the summary or basic information of an individual, about his / her education, achievements, extra curricular activities, training, skills etc. Whereas CV is brief and detailed information about a person regarding his / her education, expertises and experience, skills, knowledge, projects handled, presentatios made, publications made in reputed journals, job profile into previous institutes or organisations, achievements, etc.

When to Use “Resume” and When to Use “CV (Curriculum Vitae)”?

One more thing that makes the difference between the Curriculum vitae and the the Resume is the “Purpose of Application”.

Whenever you are applying for job into private sector or public sector then you can use the Resume. Whenever you are applying for job in academics or applying for PhD then Curriculum vitae is to be used.

Note: Use of these terminologies might vary from country to country. Before applying for any job kindly do research about the terminologies that are used in different countries. Use the appropriate terminology and then apply for relevant job.

“All the Best”!!!!