Differences Between a Resume and a CV
The terms CV and résumé can be quite similar, but not always interchangeable. The CV (common terminology) is used in occupational resume help and occupational teaching when comparing one applicant to another, where the sole purpose is to avoid language that the employer will be confused with.
Whether it's a CV or a resume, many get extremely nervous whenever they have to write one, because they are often long and rather dry.
What is a CV?
A CV, which is the shortened name of the Latin phrase "Curriculum Vitae"(cur·ric·u·lum vi·tae | \ kə-ˈri-kyə-ləm-ˈvē-ˌtī) is a very detailed document about your work experience, education and personal achievements. It will help you land a great job, and when it comes to resumes in general, it’s a big deal.
What's a Resume?
A résumé, on the other hand, is a brief document and is not longer than one page. This format is often used for job applications, resumes, and other work documents. There are several different types of résumés, depending on the job for which they are written.
Common mistakes
It is important to think about the body of your CV when you are preparing it.
The CV doesn’t need to be long. Start with two to four pages for short-term positions, and one page for medium-term positions. That’s according to new guidelines from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), which recommends résumés are no longer needed for internships.
Three to four pages is appropriate for a large internship program.
Don’t include university information, unless you are applying for a job in your field or for a graduate degree.
Look at the body of your CV and decide which sections to include, which to cut and how to organize the sections.
Take into account whether a university will provide a copy of your transcripts, as well as whether the university requires a written recommendation.
So which one to use?
The difference between CV and résumé lays in length, layout and the focus of the author. How many times have you received an interesting and appealing CV that you felt compelled to read? Do you want to read it right away? Or do you want to read it just before giving a decision? Keep these in mind when crafting your next CV or résumé and you'll hear from them in no time!
Ask for help
Go to the library, or ask a friend or family member, to read the résumé.
If you are looking for a job, the best advice is to reach out to someone whom you know is already working in the field. Take a resume critique course and polish up the text.
With a little bit of help, you can show employers that you have the skills they are looking for, that you are the right person for the job, and that you can deliver on the job.
Summing up
If you think you have what it takes to work in the labour market, do some research on the type of work for which you are looking.
In addition, attend free workshops and take part in career fairs, so you can learn what employers are looking for.