Curriculum Vitae vs Resume: Definition, Differences and Components

In this article, you will learn what curriculum vitae and resume is, distinct differences and components of one of the most complicating terms applicants misuse in their application documents.

Organizations frequently request a Curriculum Vitae (CV) or a resume as part of the application process, which can be confusing for most applicants who are unable to tell a CV from a resume. The issue here is not whether something is the same for some people or different for others, but rather how to discern the difference.

What is a Curriculum Vitae?

A Curriculum Vitae (CV) which is common among most individuals presents a full history of your academic credentials.

Components of a Curriculum Vitae.

• Contact Information: This is the most significant section of a curriculum vitae; it includes the date, addresses, email, phone, social media handles, etc. of the applicant.
• Bio-Data: This includes personal information on a specific person, such as birth date, gender, local government area, state of origin, nationality, spoken language, etc.
• Educational Background: This section offers information on an applicant’s academic background, including the schools they have attended and the dates they attended them. While some employers may require a first-grade diploma, it all depends on the company and the position they are hiring for.

  Note: The qualifications (certificates) can be included beneath any institution stated or written as a section on its own.

• Work Experiences: This section includes the various companies an individual has worked for, the roles held there, and the length of time they worked there. It is recommended that a person only uses three to four work experiences or organizations.
• Achievement(s): This section contains an individual’s achievement such as being part of professional organization, holding special positions etc.
• Skills and Abilities: This contains an individual special characters, skills and abilities such as, good communication skills, ability to work under pressure, etc.
• Hobbies: This is the exciting portion of a CV; after all, work without play makes Jack a dull student. However, one should be careful not to include a typical interest; instead, choose something fun instead, like reading, traveling, exercising, or cooking.
• Referees: This section includes at least two (2) individuals who are eligible to serve as guarantors and includes their full name, address, and either their home or place of employment.

Other things that can be included in a Curriculum Vitae include

• Academic and professional appointments
• Publications
• Honours and Awards
• Seminars / Conferences
• Work Languages and Skills Research
• Memberships

What is a Resume?

A resume is a one-to-two page document that highlights your qualifications, educational background, and professional experience. It often gives a brief overview of your abilities and qualifications for a particular post, as well as any publications and summaries of research projects.

Components of a Resume.

• Contact information: This section as be the same as that of a curriculum Vitae, although in addition, a passport can be attached at the top right corner of the resume.
• Objective: This contains an individual intention towards his career and the organization. An objective can simply be to help the organization attain their motive or goal.
• Education: Similar to a curriculum vitae, this section includes information about each applicant’s educational background, including the universities attended, dates of attendance, and degrees earned.
• Professional history: The professional history includes a listing of all professional coursework, research projects, and other professional endeavours.
• List of relevant skills, tools and certifications: On the other side, this includes a list of qualities, talents, and tools that the individual is adept with, such as Microsoft Office and Corel Draw graphics. Certification is an extra advantage to an individual, and can be stated in this part.
• Additional relevant accomplishments and volunteer work: Achievements include tasks completed and outcomes, such as the creation of a biometric attendance verification system for FUT Minna in Niger State.

Recommended: How to write a good CV for a job step by step?

Frequently Asked Questions.

[saswp_tiny_multiple_faq headline-0=”h4″ question-0=”Why is a good CV important?” answer-0=”It is a crucial document that can show how qualified and skilled the applicant is to the firm. It includes an applicant’s contact information, employment history, education, and accomplishments from the past to help hiring managers determine whether you’re a suitable fit for a certain role. ” image-0=”” headline-1=”h4″ question-1=”Which is more lengthy between a CV and a Resume? ” answer-1=”Due to the amount of information that each curriculum vitae and resume contain, they are more likely to be longer.” image-1=”” headline-2=”h4″ question-2=”Which should be more concise between a Resume and CV? ” answer-2=”When applying for a job that calls for a certain skill set or relevant prior work experience, you may want to specialize your resume to demonstrate your suitability for the position. A resume should be shorter than a CV.” image-2=”” headline-3=”h4″ question-3=”What information shouldn’t be included in a Resume?” answer-3=”It is not required for hiring managers to know your age, marital status, religion, place of birth, or whether you have children, so these details shouldn’t be included in your application.” image-3=”” headline-4=”h4″ question-4=”What file format is best when submitting a soft copay of your Resume / CV?” answer-4=”The majority of applicants submit their resumes electronically, therefore this has changed how resumes are submitted as well. Although these formats aren’t common, some candidates employ their technological expertise to build intricate e-portfolios and attractive CV layouts. Candidates are frequently requested to submit their electronic resumes in Word or Portable Document Format (PDF). A fantastic way to guarantee that the formatting of your resume will be preserved when a hiring manager opens the file on their computer is to use a PDF.” image-4=”” headline-5=”h4″ question-5=”How many versions of my CV / Resume do I need?” answer-5=”Many job seekers decide to create multiple resumes in an effort to catch the attention of hiring managers in various fields or at other organizations. As was already noted, several professions call for particular resume formats, so if you’re applying to employment in more than one industry, you’ll probably need various copies of your resume.” image-5=”” headline-6=”h4″ question-6=”What if I don’t have any experience in the job field I’m applying to, what should I do?” answer-6=”Candidates who are advised to specialize their resumes by listing just experience that is pertinent to their industry frequently ask this topic. Try to emphasize various prior experiences and activities that may help depict any desired soft skills you possess if you lack work experience in the industry for which you are applying. Even if you don’t currently have the technical abilities required for a position, you could still be able to develop those talents and succeed in your job. You should therefore show that you are professional, competent, and willing to learn new things.” image-6=”” count=”7″ html=”true”]

Conclusion.

A CV (Curriculum Vitae) is a lengthier document that covers every aspect of your professional history, while a CV is used for academic purposes, a resume for job searching.