February Newsletter 2025

Author

Career FindersTT
February 27, 2025

The Ultimate Guide: Understanding the Differences Between a Resume and a CV

đź“… February 2025 Edition | CFTT Insights Newsletter

Welcome to this month’s edition of CFTT Insights! Whether you're job hunting, applying for academic positions, or updating your professional documents, knowing the difference between a resume and a curriculum vitae (CV) is essential.

Many people use the terms interchangeably, but they serve different purposes. In this issue, we’ll break down the key differences, when to use each one, and tips to craft the perfect document for your career needs.

đź“Ś Resume vs. CV: The Key Differences at a Glance

Feature

Resume

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Definition

A brief, tailored document summarizing work experience, skills, and achievements

A detailed, comprehensive document outlining academic and professional history

Purpose

Used for job applications in most industries (business, tech, healthcare, etc.)

Typically used in academia, research, medicine, and international job markets

Length

1-2 pages

2+ pages (can be much longer)

Focus

Skills, experience, and achievements relevant to a specific job

Full academic and professional history, including research, publications, and certifications

Customization

Tailored for each job application

Generally remains the same, with updates as needed

Sections Included

Contact Info, Summary, Work Experience, Skills, Education, Certifications (optional: Projects, Volunteer Work)

Contact Info, Education, Research, Teaching Experience, Publications, Grants, Awards, Conferences, Professional Memberships

Preferred in

United States, Canada, and most private-sector industries worldwide

Europe, Asia, Africa, academia, research institutions, and government roles

đź“ť When to Use a Resume vs. a CV

âś… Use a Resume When:

  • Applying for jobs in business, technology, marketing, healthcare, finance, and other industries

  • The job description asks for a concise and tailored document

  • You want to highlight your skills and accomplishments quickly

âś… Use a CV When:

  • Applying for academic, research, or medical positions

  • Seeking jobs outside the U.S. (especially in Europe, Africa, or Asia, where CVs are standard)

  • Applying for grants, fellowships, or Ph.D. programs

  • Showcasing a long list of publications, presentations, or research work

✍️ Resume Writing Tips

âś” Keep it 1-2 pages max
✔ Use bullet points and active language (e.g., “Managed a team of 10” instead of “Responsible for managing…”)
✔ Tailor it to each job—use keywords from the job description
✔ Highlight measurable achievements (e.g., “Increased sales by 30%”)
âś” Use a clean, professional format with clear sections

đź“ś CV Writing Tips

âś” Include ALL academic and professional experiences
âś” List publications, research projects, and teaching experience
âś” Organize sections chronologically or by relevance
âś” Keep formatting clean and professional, even if the CV is long
âś” If applying internationally, check country-specific CV norms

đź’ˇ Final Thoughts: Which One Do YOU Need?

If you’re applying for a corporate or industry job, stick with a resume—keep it short and sweet. If you’re in academia, research, or an international market, go with a CV to showcase your full career history.

Until next time,
Career Finders TT

Email: [email protected]