The terms "resume" and "curriculum vitae," also called CV, are sometimes intermingled when speaking about a job application. Both documents outline some of the achievements and skills of a given candidate but have major differences in the content, structures and the situations where it is appropriate to use them. Know the difference between the two documents before you prepare your job or grant application.
Definitions
A resume is one or two pages, and highlights a candidate's qualifications and skills. Relevant information includes past education, current and past employment experience, relevant skills and abilities for the given job and additional accomplishments, awards and recognition that can add to the overall appeal. Curriculum vitae are longer documents that outline all accomplishments and information about a candidate, even if they are not directly related to the position or purpose in question. Additional information includes fellowships, grants, affiliations, research experience and personal interests.
When to Use What
Use a resume when you are applying for a job or when an employer specifically asks for a resume. A curriculum vita is for faculty, clinical, scientific or research positions. Other positions for a curriculum vita include international job applications, academic or grant applications, research or scientific applications or health-related job positions.
Writing Resumes
The purpose of a resume is to stand out from other applicants, so it must present relevant information and qualifications to the job position. This means that a resume needs to be rewritten for each job application, as the needs of each job differ. Include your contact information and professional objectives and goals. Also include relevant education, courses or achievements, workplace skills and a short presentation of previous work experience.
Writing Curriculum Vitae
Curriculum vitae are holistic overviews of a person, rather than selective information pertaining to the position in question. Besides work experience and education, curriculum vitae also need to include a personal profile and personal information, personal competencies and interests. Examples of such personal information include volunteer work and affiliations. The candidate also needs to include past jobs or skills that do not relate to the position, as the evaluator wants to know everything about the candidate.
