If you’re among the 65% of people considering a job change, you need to have your application essentials ready. Even if you’re not ready to make a move, it’s wise to be prepared. But how do you know whether you need a resume or curriculum vitae — or both?
Read on to learn about a resume vs curriculum vitae!
What Is a Resume?
A resume is a document detailing your qualifications for an industry or non-profit job. While different jobs may give applicants different directions on length, resumes typically are under 2 pages.
Any resume guide will tell you that skills should be the focus of the document. List previous positions and the dates you held the positions. And include presentations or volunteer experience that could help your candidacy.
Are you proficient with HTML or Adobe Suite? List technology skills as well as interpersonal ones. For instance, maybe you’re highly relational or analytical.
If the thought of starting a resume from scratch sounds daunting, you can find help easily. Use a free resume builder to start building your resume with a template.
Understand What a CV Includes
A curriculum vitae, or CV, can be thought of as a more comprehensive resume. While resumes can be contained within a page for some applications, CVs tend to be longer. They can even exceed 10 pages!
If you’re applying to graduate schools or certificate programs, you’ll probably need to provide a CV. Include all academic degrees and achievements. If you graduated cum laude or picked up another honor, list it.
CVs can grow in length if you’ve been an active researcher or student. You’ll want to list all projects and provide brief descriptions. For artists or writers, list exhibitions, publications, or invited talks.
And if you’ve secured any grants, include those as well. Your goal is to paint a picture of your scholarly achievements.
Keep Both Documents Ready
Ultimately, you’ll probably need to use both documents at some point, so it’s wise to develop both. Keep a running list of all achievements, jobs, volunteer work, and skillsets. And do monthly updates of both documents.
When it comes to resume tips, a key one is to focus on formatting. Aim to make a clean document with clear headers and a logical sense of structure. Keep the graphics and colors to a minimum since someone may be printing it out with black-and-white ink.
Understand that a recruiter might be scanning the document, too. Vary the font size so that your most valuable skills and experiences stand out.
And when it comes to curriculum vitae tips, make plans to update the document regularly. Don’t wait a few months after scoring a publication credit. Otherwise, it’s too easy to forget or get the details wrong.
Know About a Resume vs Curriculum Vitae
When you’re comparing a resume vs curriculum vitae, remember that it’s smart to have both on hand. For aspiring researchers or graduate students, a CV might get the most use. But if you’re looking to snag an industry job, you might find yourself sending out a resume more often.
Need more tips to land your next job? Check back soon for new articles.
