Difference Between CV and Resume RNTalks 2025

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Difference Between CV and Resume

Applying for a job? Will you submit your CV or hand over your Resume? The terms CV and Resume are often confused for being the same thing. But, the matter of fact is, that the two documents are different.

Let us understand the difference between the two and take a quick look at the points that are important while framing these two important documents.

CV (Curriculum Vitae):

CV is short for ‘Curriculum Vitae,’ which is a Latin word meaning ‘course of life’. As the meaning signifies, it is a detailed document that includes everything that a person has achieved or accomplished so far, academically or professionally.

It is an extensive document that not only contains basic personal information about the candidate but also details of the career journey.

Basic personal information includes a brief family background along with the details of the school, college, and university the candidate has attended to acquire educational qualifications.

CV is a meticulous description of an individual’s entire career graph, stating the beginning to the present status of one’s career, marked by various achievements and accolades the person has attained in due course of time.

Achievements can be anything ranging from a certificate of participation or excellence, a publication bearing one’s name, recognition for any project report or presentation, etc.

There is no prescribed limit or a thumb rule regarding the length of the CV. It varies from person to person depending on the amount of experience a person has. It can range from two to seven or eight pages.

Resume:

The word ‘Resume’ is derived from the French word ‘Resume’, which means ‘summary’. It includes a summary of an individual’s work life or professional life.

Unlike a CV, a Resume is a concise and pertinent document made, keeping in mind the job, post, or purpose, for which the candidate is applying.

An impressive resume spotlights the contributions made at the prior workplace and highlights how your skill set can be beneficial for the present position for which you are applying.

Though the length of a resume might vary from person to person, it is advisable to keep it as short as possible.

It can be a page long or in case your experience exceeds ten years or more and some extra information needs to be mentioned or added, it can be two pages long.

So, the length of the Resume is not the determining factor for it to be impressive or unimpressive.

One of the important features of a Resume is that it does not include any references.

Comparison between CV and Resume:

Length:

CV- The overall length of the CV can be anywhere from two to twenty pages since it is a detailed document.

Resume- the length of a Resume is shorter, as compared, to that of a CV. It can be a page or two pages long, varying from person to person.

Scope:

CV- It is a detailed document that states even the minutest detail of the first job or role played after finishing high school.

Resume – It is a snapshot of the most relevant skill set and work achievements.

Purpose:

CV – It is used to apply for academic work positions, fellowships, or programs, in most cases.

Resume – it is used for applying to all other kinds of jobs except educational.

Customization:

CV- It remains the same. CV does not change much, generally. The information stated remains the same.

Resume- it is highly customizable. The information can vary according to the role or job for which an individual is applying.

References:

CV – It includes the references.

Resume – The references are not included in this document.

Depending upon the country where an individual is applying for a job, the requirement for a CV or Resume might differ.

For example, applying for a job in the US would require you to submit your Resume, whereas countries like Brazil, India, and The United Kingdom would demand the CV while applying for a job there.

CV and Resume: Necessary Prerequisites

Let us quickly go through the necessary prerequisites for an effective CV or Resume:

The document should be concise and clear.
The prospective employer should be able to navigate through the entire document with ease.
It should incorporate a well-written personal statement to leave a lasting impression.
The document should be free of grammatical and spelling errors.

Conclusion:

Now that you know the difference between a CV and a Resume, depending on the nature of the job and purpose, you will be able to decide the apt document to submit to help you qualify for the job.

After all, having the right document is crucial for getting your dream job. Hoping this article has made the job-hunting process a bit simple. All the best!

Difference Between CV and Resume