One of the most common questions job seekers have is, “What is a CV versus a resume?” While both documents are used to apply for jobs and contain information about your academic and professional background, there are some differences. Here we will cover the following:
What to include in a CV and who should use one
CVs offer a lot of variety and many choices in terms of which sections you should include. Some are required and others are optional. What you include will depend on your experience level and the role to which you’re applying.
Here are 11 sections to consider when learning how to write a CV:
Curriculum vitae sample
Required CV sections:
Optional CV sections:
Who should use a CV?
In the U.S., CVs are used primarily when applying for positions in academia, sciences, medicine or law.
What to include in a resume and who should use one
Resumes have five standard sections. However, as you learn how to write a resume, you’ll learn that, like CVs, there are other sections you can opt to use. Which you choose will depend largely on whether you choose a chronological, combination or functional resume format. You can learn more about which is right for you by reading our page on resume formats. For more information about how to incorporate optional resume sections, review one of our resume examples for the job title you seek.
Who should use a resume?
In the U.S., resumes should be used by almost every job seeker, regardless of industry or experience level.
CV vs resume differences in the U.S. and Europe
Now that we’ve gone through all of the differences in the structure and uses for CVs and resumes, let’s look at the difference between a CV and resume by geographical location.
In Europe, the word CV refers to the same document that in the U.S. is called a resume. So, as an American, if you’re applying for a job anywhere in Europe and are asked to forward your CV, what the hiring manager is really asking for is your resume.
However, in the U.S., there is a difference between an employer asking for a CV vs a resume. Again, most job seekers will want to use a resume, but applicants in some fields, including the sciences, academia, law or medicine will want to prepare a CV.
Add a cover letter to your CV or resume
Savvy job seekers know that a cover letter can help you stand out from the crowd. Taking the time to write a cover letter shows employers that you are willing to go the extra mile. It also allows you to expand upon highlights from your resume.
If you don’t consider yourself a writer, don’t worry. Resume Now offers a selection of cover letter examples that show you what a strong cover letter should look like. Use them as you learn how to write a cover letter.
Or, check out our Cover Letter Builder, which can help you craft a well-written cover letter from start to finish. With a selection of templates to choose from and auto-generated text suggestions written by career experts, you’ll have a strong cover letter completed in a matter of minutes.
FAQ
CV versus resume? That’s the question. Whether you choose a resume or a CV will depend on the industry and the role you seek. The vast majority of job seekers in the U.S. will want to choose a resume. However, those job seekers who are applying for work in academia, the sciences, law or medicine should choose to write a CV.
No. In the U.S., CVs and resumes are different documents and have different uses. However, if you are an American who is applying for work in Europe and you are asked to send the hiring manager a CV, what they actually mean is to send in your resume.
In the U.S., CVs are used primarily by job seekers who are applying for positions in academia, sciences, medicine or law. All other job seekers should choose a resume, unless the job listing states you can submit a CV.
Yes, Resume Now offers a wide selection of both CV templates and resume templates. Our Resume Builder contains a library of designs for professionals in a range of fields.
No, a CV and cover letter are totally different documents. A CV is different from a resume but similar in that they are both documents that outline your professional experience and skills when you’re applying for a job. A cover letter, on the other hand, is a letter that introduces you to a hiring manager and elaborates on elements of your resume. Therefore, a CV and a cover letter are not interchangeable documents but are used together to make a complete application package.
Heather is the Content Strategy Manager for Resume Now and a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with more than ten years of experience writing about job search and career topics. She is based in San Francisco.
Learn more
Want to know more about how to make a CV stand out? These articles will help.
