What is the Difference Between a Resume and a Curriculum Vitae

What is the Difference Between a Resume and a Curriculum Vitae Imagine that you have just found the perfect job opportunity. You have the right qualifications, experience, education, and expertise. You are getting ready to send your cover letter and resume to the potential employer and then you notice something: the advertisement asks for a curriculum vitae. Your next question is “What is a curriculum vitae and how is it different than my resume?” While both a curriculum vitae and a resume may be used during a job search, there are definitely differences between the two documents. First, the length between the two documents is different. A resume is typically used to detail a list of skills and abilities, experience, and education. The point of a resume is to deliver information to the potential employer in a brief and concise manner. Most resumes are one to two pages in length. In contrast, a curriculum vitae is a minimum two-page document and can be much longer. Rather than a list or bullet format, a curriculum vitae provides a much more detailed story regarding skills and experience. The next difference between the two documents is the summary. While a resume summarizes your skills, education, and work experience, the curriculum vitae goes further and details any teaching and research experience, publications where your work has been published, awards, honors, and any memberships or other affiliations. And, finally, not all industries are interested in a curriculum vitae or detailed synopsis. Typical industries that require a curriculum vitae may include education, science, or medical. For example, if I am applying for a position with a private company as a marketing manager, I would send my two-page resume. However, when I am interested in teaching at a local university, I have a seven-page document that details much more in-depth information that shows my qualifications and experience. Be sure to carefully read the job advertisement and send the document that is required. Many organizations do not require a curriculum vitae, but if the potential employer asks for one, then be sure to develop a more detailed document that showcases your core competencies, experience, and expertise.