What's the difference

CV or Resume?

When job hunting, you often encounter the requirement to provide either a CV or a resume. Although many use these terms interchangeably, there are key differences between them.

1

Curriculum Vitae

What is it?

Curriculum Vitae or CV, which translates from Latin as "course of life," is a detailed overview of your academic and professional history.

Features

Detailed description of education, academic work, publications, grants, academic achievements, and other educational activities.
Typically used in the academic environment, scientific circles, and when looking for jobs abroad.
Length can exceed two pages, depending on experience and achievements.

2

Resume

What is it?

A resume is a brief summary of your experience, skills, and education, intended to present your candidacy to an employer.

Features

Focused on professional experience, relevant skills, and a brief description of education.
Used in most industries and when looking for jobs in the private sector.
Usually one to two pages long, emphasizing the most important aspects for the specific job vacancy.

What's the Difference?

Purpose

A CV details your entire career and academic life, while a resume focuses on specific skills and experiences relevant to a particular position.

Length

A CV can be very lengthy and cover your entire career, whereas a resume is concise and to the point, describing your professional path.

Usage

CVs are often required in the academic field and abroad, while resumes are the standard for most job positions and industries.

When choosing between a CV and a resume, consider the objectives of your job search and the requirements of potential employers to determine which format will be most suitable for your situation.

Read more about how to optimize your CV in our career guides.