Understanding the difference between a resume and CV
Resume
Purpose: Brief and targeted highlight of professional accomplishments
Focus: Emphasizes transferable skills and related experiences (coursework/ projects, volunteering, internships, student clubs, etc.)
Length: Typically 1 page for entry-level
CV (Curriculum Vitae)
Purpose: Fully comprehensive record of education and career history
Focus: Emphasizes academic/ research related accomplishments (publications, presentations, grants, etc.)
Length: Typically multiple pages long
Common Sections
Resume
Basics: Contact information, education
Experience: Experience that’s relevant to the position you’re applying for
Other Sections: (Include only if relevant) activities, clubs, awards, memberships, trainings, skills, etc.
CV (Curriculum Vitae)
Basics: Contact information, education
Experience: Work experience including jobs, teaching
Other Sections: (Include all) Awards, professional organizations, publications, presentations, grants/fellowships, licenses and certifications
Used For
Resume
Most job and internship applications, especially those in professional industries
Some job postings may ask you to submit a “resume/CV.” In that case, use your best judgment. Evaluate the posting against the criteria for resumes and CVs. Which format will best communicate your skills and experience?
CV (Curriculum Vitae)
Primarily for academic or scientific research-based jobs, graduate school applications, or fellowship/grant applications that expect you to have published research and/or presented at academic conferences
Want help preparing your documents?
- Schedule a career advising appointment for one-on-one support on Handshake
- Attend an upcoming resume workshop with the Career Services Network
- Reference how-to guides and examples of quality documents with the Career Handbook