Curriculum Vitae (CV) V/S Resume

Hello everyone who is confused like me about “what's the difference between a resume and a CV? When should I use a resume and when should I use a curriculum vitae?” I was also much confused about these questions. But after an hour of manwork on my laptop I was able to make out the concrete difference between CV and Resume. Suddenly a thought stuck my mind and I decided to write on this so that my friends and mates need not to suffer like me. And so here I am with the differences between a curriculum vitae and a resume and when to use each.

The primary differences between a resume and a curriculum vitae (CV) are the length, what is included and what each is used for. A curriculum vitae includes a summary of your educational and academic backgrounds as well as teaching and research experience, publications, presentations, awards, honors, affiliations and other details. On the other hand a resume is a one or two page summary of your skills, experience and education.  While a resume is brief and concise - no more than a page or two, a curriculum vitae is a longer (at least two pages) and more detailed synopsis.

Writing a CV can be more complicated than writing a resume, because the format changes depending on what type of position you are applying for, where you are located, and what you need to include in your CV. When writing a curriculum vitae it's important to include all the right information so the hiring manager can see, at first glance, why you are a strong candidate for the job. In Europe, the Middle East, Africa, or Asia, employers may expect to receive curriculum vitae. In the United States, a curriculum vita is used primarily when applying for academic, education, scientific or research positions. It is also applicable when applying for fellowships or grants. So its need and skill of writing differs from country to country but a more general form is here below.

What information should a CV include?

• Education and qualifications. Most CVs start with these. Take care to include the names of institutions and dates attended in reverse order; university before school results.
• Work experience. The most widely accepted style of employment record is the chronological CV. Career history is presented in reverse date order starting with most recent. Achievements and responsibilities are listed against each role. More emphasis/information should be put on more recent jobs.
• Skills. Include computer skills and (genuine) foreign language skills and any other recent training/development that is relevant to the role applied for.
• Personal details. Take care to avoid superfluous details, such as religious affiliation, children's names and so on
• Hobbies and Interests. Keep this section short.
• Referees. These can simply be 'Available on request'.

Aim to ensure the content is clear, structured, concise and relevant. Using bullet points rather than full sentences can help minimize word usage. 

Start Your CV From a Template

Microsoft curriculum vitae (CV) templates are available as a free download for Microsoft Word users, to create a curriculum vitae which include options like basic resumes, job-specific and career-specific resumes. The curriculum vitae templates are mixed in with the resume templates, so the best way to find them is to search (search box at top of page) the Resumes and CVs section for curriculum vitae or cv. Alternatively you can use the following way also.

To access these curriculum vitae templates from your computer:

Open Microsoft Word.

Click on File → New → Templates or New from Template → Resumes and CVs

 If you are selecting resume then you will get 3 options

1. Basic Resume
2. Job-Specific Resume
3. Situation-Specific Resume.

Basic resumes are generally for the freshers in any field. Job-Specific resumes gives you a varitey of option to select from based on the job you are going to apply for. Situation-specific resume is one that you can choose in the case you are leaving your current job because of certain reason.

As I am a fresher, I selected Basic Resume and from the options it gives, I went for Photo-Resume. You can select as per your choice. If you will select Job-spaecific Resumes, a window like below will be opened. 

Once you have downloaded or opened a curriculum vitae template file, type over the text in the file to create your own, personalized cv. 

Include a Covering Letter With Your CV

A covering letter should be included with every curriculum vitae you send. Your covering letter provides detailed information on why are you are qualified for the job and explains the reasons for your interest in the company.

Before you start work on your curriculum vitae, review free CV samples that fit a variety of employment situations. These curriculum vitae examples and templates provide job seekers with examples of CV formats that will work for almost every job seeker. 

It definitely takes more time to write a custom CV, but, it's worth the effort, especially when applying for jobs that are a good match for your skills and experience.

So go with your elegant CV and get the best job that you always wanted to. Good Luck for your future my mates.