When you apply for a job, the recruiters might request your CV (Curriculum Vitae) or your resume. You might wonder if they are the same or if one is longer than the other, or which one is better to use.
In the Philippines, people use these terms interchangeably, and it seems like nobody knows the exact difference anymore.
When You should use CV and resume
A CV is usually lengthier than a resume
While both CV and resume offer a general overview of you and your experience, the CV is an opportunity to lay out all of your professional accomplishments. Your resume on the other hand, is more concise, lasts no longer than two pages and states only your relevant job experience.
The purpose
You can use both your CV and resume in a job application. Your CV can also be used for other purposes such as an academic scholarship or grant application.
These activities are costly and will require extensive consideration from the parties involved. Your CV in this case will give a better idea of your eligibility to be offered such support – whether it’s for business or academic use.
Resume in Philippines
Fortunately for us here in the Philippines, the consequences for candidates who can’t tell the two apart aren’t as dire compared to job-seekers living in the UK or US – where not knowing the difference can cost someone their job opportunity.
When a recruiter tells you to submit your CV or resume, most of the time they really mean your resume. This is unless you’re taking on a senior-level role, then it’s a whole different ball game altogether.
Recruiters spend no longer than six seconds examining each CV, especially when they’re looking to fill a junior-level role. But despite this, it is still your job as a job seeker to do due diligence and read all job descriptions carefully. Not all recruiters are the same and some may state requirements different from others.
At the end of the day, the responsibility lies on you as a job seeker to tailor your resume to fit the relevant job position that you will be applying for.
FAQs about CV vs Resume:
Q1. What is the main difference between a CV and a resume?
Answer: A CV (Curriculum Vitae) is a comprehensive document that includes a detailed overview of your academic and professional achievements. On the other hand, a resume is a concise summary of your skills and work experience, tailored for specific job applications.
Q2. When should I use a CV, and when should I use a resume?
Answer: Use a CV when applying for academic positions, research-based roles, or international opportunities. Use a resume for industry-specific job applications or when the employer explicitly requests one.
Q3. How long should a CV be, and how long should a resume be?
Answer: CVs are typically longer, often spanning multiple pages, as they provide an in-depth account of your accomplishments. Resumes are usually limited to one or two pages, focusing on key skills and achievements relevant to the targeted job.
Q4. What sections should be included in a CV?
Answer: A CV generally includes sections like Personal Information, Education, Work Experience, Research or Publications, Awards and Honors, Skills, and Professional Memberships.
Q5. Which one is more common in the United States – CV or resume?
Answer: In the United States, resumes are more commonly used for most job applications, except for certain academic or research-oriented positions that may require a CV.
