The Difference between a CV and a Resume

Many Job Seekers are not aware that there is a difference between a resume' and a CV. Most use these as inter-changeable words when referring to a document detailing their work credentials and experience. As many Job Seekers are not aware of the distinction between a curriculum vitae and a resume', nor do many Recruiters know these differences.

Recruitment agencies have been known to request a resume' but in fact required a CV and wrongly discounts a potentially successful applicant for not supplying the accurate information. In truth there is a very big difference between CV's and Resume's and it is vitally important that each differing document contains the relevant information.  Some speculate and suggest that the main difference between a CV and a resume' is purely from a format and layout point of view. Others suggest the only difference is the name and that the word resume' is a more commonly used abroad such as fries or ketchup.

It is true that the term resume is more commonly used abroad; however this is not because of the popularity of the word but rather the style of Recruitment. Recruitment outside of South African is quite different and each county has their own varying labour legislations. Some places don't even have labour legislations protecting the rights of employees and employers alike. Recruitment can be a lot swifter in such job markets and there is a real requirement for the use of resume's rather than CV's. Confused? After reading the following differences between CV's and Resume's perhaps things will start to make more sense.

Jobs.co.za highlights the differences between a Resume' and a Curriculum Vitae (CV):

In summary, think of your Resume as a short introduction of your key skills and achievements while your CV is the more comprehensive description of your work and educational background.   The choice is yours to either make use of a punchy resume' to get the dream job interview or to woo employers with your wordy CV.  Consider introducing yourself to a prospective recruiter by means of an introductory summary of your skills using your Resume and then explain that a more detailed, comprehensive CV is available upon request. 

Either way, when preparing your CV or your resume for job applications always remember to send accurate and truthful information. Always start sentences with action verbs (power words). Tailor CV's and resume's for each job application and ensure that the information detailed is relevant to the vacancy. Present your CV or resume' on clean A4 paper and use a font that is easy for the recruiter to read. It has been said that when reviewing applications, Recruiters spend no more than thirty seconds scanning the document for relevant keywords. Relevant keywords that are easy to find and relate to the job vacancy.

Regardless of the differences between resume's and CV's, keep this statement top of mind when preparing either document. Each document is required to deliver the same result; to secure a job interview. This is why it is important to know the differences between these documents and how they apply during the recruitment process.

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