CV vs. Resume: Key Differences and How to Write a CV

What is a CV?

• CV (Curriculum Vitae) means "course of life" in Latin.
• Detailed document highlighting professional and academic achievements, including:
• Work experience
• Education
• Awards, grants, publications, and research
• Typically 2-3 pages but can be longer for senior professionals.
• Commonly used in academia, research, grants, and international jobs.

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What is a Resume?

• French for "summary" or "abstract."
• Concise document focused on skills, work history, and relevant achievements.
• Typically 1-2 pages.
• Used for most non-academic jobs.

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Key Differences: CV vs. Resume?

| Feature | CV | Resume |
|---------------------|-----------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------|
| Purpose | Academic, research, grants, international roles | General job applications (non-academic roles) |
| Emphasis | Academic credentials | Skills and work experience |
| Length | 2-3+ pages | 1-2 pages |
| Structure | Always begins with education | Often starts with work experience or summary |
| Formats | One main format | Reverse chronological, functional, or combined |

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How to Write a CV?

1. Contact Information
2. Full name, phone number, email.

3. Optional: city, state, ZIP.

4. Academic History

5. List institutions in reverse chronological order.

6. Include degrees, dates, and major fields of study.

7. Professional Experience

8. Include job titles, company names, dates, and accomplishments.

9. Use action verbs (e.g., developed, achieved) and quantify results.

10. Skills and Qualifications

11. Highlight relevant hard and soft skills based on the job description.

12. Awards and Honors

13. Name of award, organization, year, and significance.

14. Publications and Presentations

15. Use consistent citation style. Include title, journal, date, and DOI for publications.

16. Professional Associations

17. Include memberships with dates and chapters if applicable.

18. Optional Sections

19. Volunteer Work
20. Personal Information (hobbies, interests)

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Tips for Crafting a Strong CV

• Tailor It: Align your CV with the job or grant requirements.
• Be Detailed: Don't cut crucial information for space.
• Use Numbers: Quantify achievements (e.g., "$20K grant secured" or "15% efficiency increase").
• Proofread: Check for errors; get a second opinion if possible.
• Update Regularly: Keep your CV current to save time later.

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Sample CV Template?

[Your Full Name]
[Address] | [Phone] | [Email]

Education
- Degree, Major (Year of Graduation)
Institution, Location

Professional Experience
- Job Title (Start Date–End Date)
Company/Organization, Location
- Key responsibility or accomplishment

Skills and Certifications
- Bullet list of key skills and certifications

Awards and Honors
- Award Name, Year, Organization

Publications and Presentations
- “Title,” Journal/Conference Name, Date

Professional Associations
- Association Name (Years of Membership)

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Example CV Summary

Joe Smith
1234 Main Street, Atlanta, GA | 770-555-1234 | [email protected]

Education
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, 2018
University of Texas College of Science, Austin, TX

Professional Experience
- Professor (2012–2018)
University of Southern California, Herman Ostrow School of Veterinary Sciences
- Taught undergraduate and graduate courses
- Advised first-year veterinary students

Skills and Certifications
- Team leadership
- Specialization in livestock research

Awards and Honors
- AVMA Advocacy Award, 2018

Publications
- Yang, J. et al. “Study of Cocoa Product Component and Danger to Canines.”

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Summing it up

A CV and resume serve different purposes but are both critical tools for career advancement. Use a CV for academic and research opportunities, and a resume for most other jobs. Tailor your documents to each role for maximum impact!

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