The Difference Between CVs and Resumes
Have you ever wondered what the difference between a CV and resume is or when to use one or the other? Thankfully, the answer is right here!
CVs and resumes both play important roles in the application process. CVs, or curriculum vitae, are in-depth overviews of one’s achievements. CVs are much longer than resumes and contain copious amounts of detail on accomplishments including publications, awards, honors, previous positions, etc. They can be much longer than two pages, and are a full chronological record of one’s career history. CVs are static, or don’t change based on the role you are applying for. The only thing that changes when submitting one is the cover letter. In most cases, one will use a CV when applying for a job abroad or when applying for a research-oriented or academic position. Many other countries actually prefer CVs over resumes.
Resumes, on the other hand, are much shorter and concise documents that summarize one’s skills and history. They are usually no longer than a page, and their primary role is to make one stand out from other candidates for the position. Resumes change with each position that one may apply for. For example, an individual would not turn in the same resume for a position as an EMT and a position at McDonald’s. The resume is “adaptable” to each position that it is used for. Resumes do not have to be in chronological order. In fact, many people organize their resumes based on how closely the previous roles or skill sets they have pertain to the new job. Resumes are used primarily in the US for all jobs other than ones mentioned for CVs.
For examples of CVs, you can visit the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences’ faculty page here: https://liberalarts.tamu.edu/psychology/people/faculty/. Just click on the faculty member and where it says “CV,” you will then be taken to a downloadable version of their CV where you can find publications, honors, etc.
You can also visit https://careercenter.tamu.edu/ for extensive information on resumes. Consider making an appointment with them to go over your CV or resume. They can offer very helpful suggestions.