CV vs. Resume: Knowing Which One To Use Can Boost Your Chances

Stumbled upon a job posting that required you to submit a resume? Then found another posting that asked you to send in a CV? Nope, they aren't interchangeable; and yes, you should know the difference between a CV and a resume and why you should have both ready.

A CV and a resume are both documents containing pertinent information about an individual, usually submitted to secure a job. The two may seem identical because they have certain similarities in terms of content, but they also differ in many ways, including length, function, and format.

Here, acquaint yourself with the difference between the two so you can prepare them properly and land that job you have been targeting.

Difference by Definition

Understanding the etymology of curriculum vitae and resume offers a glimpse of how the two documents differ.

Based on these translations, a CV is a document that provides more detailed information regarding the individual. It is more specific as it follows the chronological progress of a person's life and milestones. Thus, a good CV should be constantly updated with your step-by-step career journey, in the same way that a JobStreet profile should always be up-to-date and relevant.

The resume, meanwhile, is a more concise document that contains information crucial to the job being applied for. Only the work experience and skills relevant to the position you are eyeing should be included. A common mistake by jobseekers is not customising their resume depending on the job. The lack of effort behind a "universal resume" could be recognized as unworthiness for the position.

Difference by Function

Another difference between a CV and a resume is their function. A CV is deemed to be more credential-based and focuses on what you have already accomplished. A resume, on the other hand, is competency-based and looks at your capabilities to fulfil the requirements of a role.

Because of this difference, certain industries have a preference for which to require.

Difference by Country

Preference may also be based on the country you are applying to. Some countries prefer CVs and do not recognise resumes at all. However, there are countries, too, that recognize both and may require either at different stages of the job application process.

Difference by Length

The resume is a one- to two-page document that already includes all the information you want to share with the hirer. Because a hirer goes through numerous resumes in a day, they usually focus on the first page and make decisions from there. Thus, a longer resume is not always better.

Since a CV contains all updates about one's life and career, it is expected to be lengthier than a resume. It can go from two pages to 15 pages or more.

Difference by Format

As it is meant to be in-depth, a CV is a comprehensive standard document that only changes when you garner new accomplishments in your life. A resume, meanwhile, constantly changes depending on the requirements of the company and the position being applied for. While it is important to keep all information truthful, one may choose to edit accomplishments and experiences that are only relevant to the current undertaking.

Difference by Content

Preparing a CV is your chance to promote yourself through your successes, achievements, and accomplishments. You can add in everything that you are proud of. On the other hand, the resume should be crafted more carefully and its content should be limited to what is essential.

Submitting a CV instead of a resume, and vice versa, isn't exactly more effective, especially if it's the latter that's being required. What is more critical is crafting your CV and resume properly to contain all critical information that will help boost your chances of landing a job. Submit whichever the hirer is asking for, but make sure you know and understand the difference between the two.

Always update your JobStreet profile and use #JobsThatMatter if you're searching for work-from-home opportunities. You can also use #WorkNow to inform employers that you are ready to take on an opportunity. For more tips, head to our Career Resources Hub.

At JobStreet, we believe in bringing you #JobsThatMatter. As a Career Partner, we are committed to helping all jobseekers find passion and purpose in every career choice. And as the number 1 Talent Partner in Asia, we connect employers with the right candidates who truly make a positive and lasting impact on the organisation.

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SEEK Asia, a combination of two leading brands JobStreet and JobsDB, is the leading job portal and Asia's preferred destination for candidates and hirers. SEEK Asia's presence span across 7 countries namely Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines and Vietnam. SEEK Asia is part of the Australian Securities Exchange-listed SEEK Limited Company, the world's largest job portal by market capitalisation. SEEK Asia attracts over 400 million visits a year.

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SEEK is a diverse group of companies, comprising a strong portfolio of online employment, educational, commercial and volunteer businesses. SEEK has a global presence (including Australia, New Zealand, China, Hong Kong, South-East Asia, Brazil and Mexico), with exposure to over 2.9 billion people and approximately 27 per cent of global GDP. SEEK makes a positive contribution to people's lives on a global scale. SEEK is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange, where it is a top 100 company and has been listed in the Top 20 Most Innovative Companies by Forbes.