What is the Difference Between Resumes and CVs?
Discover the key differences between resumes and CVs, including their unique formats, purposes, and when to use each in your job search.
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What is the Difference Between Resumes and CVs?
Difference Between Resumes and CVs
Depending on the type of job you're applying for, you'll need to create either a curriculum vitae (CV) or a resume. Both documents showcase your qualifications in writing, but they cater to different audiences and follow distinct formats.
What is a CV?
A CV is a comprehensive written record of your entire scholarly achievements, usually including all aspects of your academic experience. As a living document, it will continue to grow throughout your graduate studies and beyond, with no length limit. Building your CV early and revising it regularly during your doctoral training is crucial to capturing the full scope of your academic career.
If you're curious about the detailed differences between a CV and a resume, please review our CV vs. Resume Guide:
When do I need a CV?
You will need a CV for various applications, including:
Academic positions such as tenure-track faculty roles (e.g., assistant professors), non-tenure track faculty positions (e.g., visiting assistant professors, teaching assistant professors, lecturers), and postdoctoral positions.
Research positions at national laboratories or research institutions.
Fellowships, scholarships, and awards.
Research grants.
How can I format my CV?
There isn't a single formula for formatting a CV, though some fields have style preferences. Follow these key rules to design an effective CV:
Choose a clear, concise layout that allows readers to easily skim and find necessary information.
Maintain stylistic consistency; if one heading is bold and in title case (e.g., EDUCATION), ensure all headings follow the same style.
No page limit means you should use fonts no smaller than 11 points and keep one-inch margins.
Organize headings by importance to highlight your most relevant accomplishments on the first and second pages.
Use reverse chronological order within sections, with the most recent information at the top.
Proofread to avoid spelling errors and grammatical mistakes.
What to Include in a CV
A CV emphasizes professional qualifications, education, experience, accomplishments, activities, and special qualifications. It can vary from two pages to several, depending on the depth of your academic career. Those seeking academic or non-academic positions in fields such as science, higher education, research, and healthcare typically use a CV. It's also commonly required for fellowships or grants and some positions overseas. Consult with faculty members in your field to understand what is expected.
Guidelines for Preparing a CV
Flexible order of topics: Arrange sections to highlight your strengths for the desired position.
Elaborate on accomplishments within categories.
Chronological listing within categories, starting with the most recent.
Additional headings: Include relevant certifications, workshops, languages, book reviews, etc.
Accessible style: Ensure the information is easily accessible and presented attractively.
When to use a Resume
In the United States, most employers require resumes for non-academic positions. A resume is a one or two-page summary of your experience, education, and skills. Employers typically spend only a few minutes reviewing a resume, so it must be concise with ample white space to be easily scannable.
For more information on developing your resume, visit Cornell Career Services' Career Development Toolkit. Reviewing resumes from graduate students who secured their first job outside of academia can be particularly helpful.
Transforming Your CV into a Resume
You may need both a CV and a resume during your job search. Sending the appropriate document shows employers that you understand the differences between academic and non-academic environments and can adapt your skills accordingly. Most industry employers prefer a resume. When transforming your CV into a resume:
Limit to two pages.
Re-evaluate your experience: Think creatively about how your academic experience translates into skills for a non-academic setting, such as project management, leadership, teamwork, effective communication, and meeting deadlines.
Use action verbs to describe your experience.
Highlight strengths first: List professional experience or your degree first, depending on what's most relevant for the position.
Include a job objective: Clearly state the type of position, work setting, skills, abilities, and long-term goals. Ensure your resume supports this objective.
Emphasize skills and accomplishments.
List relevant presentations, publications, and papers, but not all.
Proofread: Have someone else review your resume to catch any errors.
