When looking through job postings, you may notice that an employer will request a CV submitted as part of the application process, rather than a resume. So what is the difference between the two?
The primary difference between a CV and a resume is the length and content. A resume is a concise, often, two-page document summarizing your skills, experience and education. CV stands for Curriculum Vitae, which translates to: course of life. It should be exactly that, a description of your life’s work, which is likely to be longer than two pages.
What does a CV contain that most resumes don’t? Monster.ca shares a quick list of items you might find on a CV that might not be include in a resume.
- Professional licences or certifications
- Description of relevant course work
- Scientific or academic research, laboratory experience or grants received
- Description of thesis or dissertation (if you have advanced degrees)
- Papers, books, and other related publications you have written
- Academic or professional presentations delivered
- Exposure to cultural experiences through travel
- Related extracurricular activities, professional and association memberships
- Additional information that may support objective or qualifications
- Professional development you have undertaken
As a health care professional, which format is right for you?
In the health care industry both formats are used, and it may be worthwhile to have both prepared. An article written by Kim Isaacs on Monster.ca summarizes how to distinguish the two formats for the best results.
Resume: A resume may be preferred for health care professionals seeking a position in administrative or back office operations. It may be required for management positions when soft skills are important to the job. A reverse chronological resume are usually preferred.
CV (Curriculum Vitae): Primarily used by people in medical, academic and scientific professions. The tone of the CV is understated modesty. The professional should list all credentials, but not necessarily boast (as in a resume) about the achievements. Typical headings of a CV include education/degrees, internships, professional experience, awards and honours, publications, speaking engagements, conferences, and professional affiliations. The length may depend on the level of experience—a CV for a new grad might be one page, whereas someone at the top of his or her profession might have multiple pages.
Make sure when applying to a job, you read any instructions provided by the employer. When it comes to CV’s especially, some employers can be very specific about what they want to see included and how the information should be laid out. Whether it’s a CV or a resume, your main objective is to leave an overall lasting impression with the employer. You’ll want to create a resume or CV that will highlight how your skills will be a perfect match for the job.
Have you submitted a CV as part of the job application process? What information did you include that’s not listed here? Share your tips with others in the comments section.