Resume vs. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
What are Resumes and CVs?
Resumes and CVs are documents that demonstrate the experiences you have that are relevant to the reader. In the United States,
- A resume summarizes your skills and experiences for a particular position.
- A curriculum vitae or vita (CV) is a more comprehensive document detailing education, experience, and professional qualifications, usually in academic settings.
Title
Who Might Ask For a Resume?
Body
- Full-time and Part-time Employers
- Internships
- Graduate/Professional School Applications
- Scholarship Applications
Title
Who Might Ask For a CV?
Body
- Graduate/Professional School Applications
- Fellowships and grants for graduate school
- Applications for faculty positions at colleges and universities
- (rarely) Employers
How long are resumes and CVs, and how do I decide which one to use?
Resumes for new grads and early-career professionals should only be one page long. CVs can be longer. While a CV for a mid-career professor can be 20 pages long, it's okay if your CV as you start graduate school is similar in length and content to your resume, including sections such as education, experience, relevant coursework, and honors and awards.
Below you will find more information about when and why resumes and/or CVs are used.
Body
|
Graduate and Professional School Applications |
Employment | Scholarships and Fellowships | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Document required | Resume, CV | Resume (in U.S.) | Resume, CV |
| What does the Reader want to know? | Do you have the academic and scholarly potential to succeed? | Will your skills and experience benefit the organization? | Do your experience and goals fit the criteria for the award? |
| Possible Section Headings? |
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| References | |||
| Length | 1-2 pages, as relevant | 1 page | Dependent on criteria and relevant experience |