What is the difference between a curriculum vitae (CV) and a resumé?
Many job seekers come across the terms curriculum vitae (CV) and resumé, but what are the differences?
It’s a common misconception that ‘CV’ and ‘resumé’ are interchangeable terms referring to the same thing. While they share similarities, they are distinct documents with unique features, structures, and uses.
In brief, a curriculum vitae is a detailed list of a person's career, academic achievements, and personal information, whereas resumés are much shorter, providing a quick summary of skills, experiences, and qualifications.
The differences go deeper than that. Keep reading to understand when to use a curriculum vitae versus a resumé.
Key differences between a curriculum vitae and a resumé
Length: A curriculum vitae is longer and more comprehensive, while a resumé is brief and focused.
Content: CVs cover a person’s entire professional and academic history, whereas resumés focus on key highlights relevant to a specific job.
Purpose: A curriculum vitae is used in academic, research, and international job applications, while a resumé is used for standard job applications.
Focus: CVs provide a complete career overview, whereas resumés highlight skills and experiences relevant to a role.
Style and format: CVs include detailed descriptions, while resumés often use concise bullet points.
What is a curriculum vitae?
A curriculum vitae (CV) is a comprehensive document that details an individual’s education, work history, skills, achievements, and personal information.
Definition
The term curriculum vitae originates from Latin, meaning ‘course of one’s life.’ A CV provides a comprehensive overview of a person's professional and academic history.
Length
A curriculum vitae is typically a multi-page document. While entry-level professionals may have a two- to three-page CV, experienced professionals or academics can have CVs spanning 10 pages or more.
Purpose
A CV serves as an in-depth career summary, offering a complete picture of one’s professional and academic journey. It is commonly used in academic, research, medical, and international job applications.
Common CV Sections
A curriculum vitae generally includes the following sections:
Personal information: Name, date of birth, address, contact details, languages spoken, and hobbies.
Education: A detailed breakdown of educational qualifications, including institutions, degrees, and certifications.
Professional experience: A chronological list of job roles, responsibilities, and achievements.
Skills: A list of relevant technical and soft skills.
Publications and presentations: Academic papers, books, or presentations given at conferences.
Honours and awards: Recognition received in professional or academic fields.
Professional affiliations: Membership in industry-related organisations.
Example of a curriculum vitae
[Your Full Name]
[Your Address] | [Your Phone Number] | [Your Email Address] | [LinkedIn Profile] | [Portfolio/Personal Website (if applicable)]
Professional Summary
Detail-oriented and results-driven finance professional with over 5 years of experience in financial analysis, reporting, and strategic planning. Adept at utilising financial modelling and data analysis tools to make informed decisions that improve business performance. Proven track record of managing budgets, forecasting, and identifying cost-saving opportunities. Strong communication skills, able to collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive organisational growth and efficiency.
Skills
Financial Analysis & Reporting
Budgeting & Forecasting
Data Analysis (Excel, SQL, Tableau)
Financial Modelling & Valuation
Risk Management
Investment Strategies
Accounting Principles (GAAP)
ERP Software (SAP, Oracle)
Regulatory Compliance (SOX, IFRS)
Advanced Excel (Pivot Tables, Macros)
Strategic Planning & Business Development
Professional Experience
Financial Analyst
XYZ Corporation, Sydney, Australia
March 2021 – Present
Developed and maintained financial models to project business performance, increasing forecasting accuracy by 15%.
Prepared monthly and quarterly financial reports, including variance analysis and key performance indicators (KPIs).
Collaborated with senior management to develop and implement strategic budget plans, optimising department expenditures.
Conducted financial risk assessments and provided actionable insights to mitigate potential financial setbacks.
Led the annual budgeting process, ensuring adherence to financial guidelines and cost control.
Junior Financial Analyst
ABC Financial Group, Sydney, Australia
June 2018 – February 2021
Assisted in preparing quarterly financial reports and participated in year-end audit preparation.
Analysed company spending and provided recommendations for cost reduction strategies, resulting in a 10% decrease in operational costs.
Supported senior analysts in developing cash flow projections and managing liquidity positions.
Coordinated with various departments to collect financial data and ensure accuracy in financial statements.
Education
Master of Finance
University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
Graduated: November 2018
Bachelor of Commerce (Finance)
University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
Graduated: November 2015
Certifications
Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Level II Candidate
Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) – Australia (Expected Completion: 2026)
Financial Modelling and Valuation Analyst (FMVA) – Corporate Finance Institute (2020)
Professional Development & Training
Advanced Financial Analysis & Reporting – Coursera (2022)
Financial Risk Management – Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP) (2021)
Excel for Financial Professionals – LinkedIn Learning (2020)
Volunteer Experience
Finance Mentor
Financial Literacy Program, Sydney, Australia
January 2020 – Present
Provide financial literacy coaching to young adults, helping them understand budgeting, investing, and debt management.
Lead workshops on personal finance topics for over 100 participants annually.
Languages
English (Native)
Mandarin (Intermediate)
References
Available upon request.
What is a resumé?
A resumé is a concise summary of an individual’s work experience, skills, and qualifications, tailored specifically for a job application.
Definition
The word resumé comes from the French term ‘résumé,’ meaning ‘summary.’ It is designed to highlight relevant qualifications and experience for a specific role.
Length
A resumé is usually one to two pages long, focusing only on the most relevant information for the job at hand.
Purpose
A resumé provides a snapshot of an applicant’s most relevant skills and work experience. It helps employers quickly assess suitability for a role.
Common sections of a resumé
A resumé typically includes:
Contact information: Phone number and email address.
Summary: A brief overview of key skills and qualifications.
Education: Highlighting only the most relevant qualifications.
Professional experience: Key job roles and achievements relevant to the application.
Skills: A short list of essential skills for the job.
Certifications and licences: Any relevant industry certifications.
Awards and honours: Recognition that enhances professional credibility.
Volunteer experience: If relevant to the job or industry.
Example of a resumé
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, Postcode]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[LinkedIn Profile or Portfolio Link]
Professional summary
A highly motivated and customer-focused professional with over [X] years of experience in providing exceptional customer service and delivering effective marketing campaigns. Adept at communication, problem-solving, and building relationships with clients to ensure satisfaction and drive business growth.
Demonstrates strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment. Looking to contribute my expertise in customer service/marketing to a dynamic team at [Company Name].
Key skills
Customer service excellence
Brand development and management
Campaign management and optimisation
Conflict resolution and issue management
Data analysis and reporting
Social media management
Microsoft Office Suite, CRM software
Email marketing (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact)
SEO and SEM
Communication and interpersonal skills
Professional experience
Customer Service Representative
[Company Name] | [City, State] | [Month/Year] – Present
Deliver exceptional service to over [X] customers daily via phone, email, and live chat.
Resolve customer complaints, ensuring quick and effective solutions, resulting in a [X]% increase in customer satisfaction.
Upsell products and services, contributing to a [X]% increase in monthly sales revenue.
Manage customer feedback and provide insights to management to enhance service quality.
Train and mentor new team members on best practices for customer interaction and problem-solving.
Marketing Assistant
[Company Name] | [City, State] | [Month/Year] – [Month/Year]
Assisted in the development and execution of digital marketing campaigns, increasing brand awareness by [X]%.
Coordinated content creation for social media platforms, growing engagement by [X]%.
Managed email marketing campaigns, improving open rates by [X]% and click-through rates by [X]%.
Analysed market trends to provide insights for strategic decision-making.
Created and maintained marketing materials, including brochures, email templates, and newsletters.
Education
Bachelor of Business (Marketing)
[University Name] | [City, State] | [Year of Graduation]
Certifications
Customer Service Excellence | [Issuing Organisation] | [Year]
Digital Marketing Strategy | [Issuing Organisation] | [Year]
Volunteer experience
Marketing Volunteer
[Organisation Name] | [City, State] | [Month/Year] – [Month/Year]
Developed content for social media channels, increasing follower engagement by [X]%.
Assisted with event planning and promotion for charity events, contributing to [X]% increase in attendance.
References
Available upon request.
Global differences in CV and resumé usage
The use of a curriculum vitae versus a resumé varies across different countries.
Australia and New Zealand: The terms CV and resumé are often used interchangeably, but ‘resumé’ is more common in private sector job applications. A curriculum vitae is typically used for academic, government, and medical roles.
United Kingdom and Europe: CVs are the standard for all job applications. They are usually two pages long but can be longer for senior positions.
United States and Canada: A resumé is the preferred term for job applications, typically one to two pages long. A curriculum vitae is used mainly in academia, medicine, and research roles.
South Africa and India: CVs are commonly used for all types of job applications, regardless of industry.
Understanding these global differences ensures you use the correct document based on location and industry expectations.
When to use a curriculum vitae vs a resumé
Use a curriculum vitae when applying for:
Academic positions
Research roles
Government jobs
Medical or scientific careers
International roles where CVs are the standard
Use a resumé when applying for:
Private sector jobs
Positions where brevity and clarity are prioritised
Jobs requiring a tailored, role-specific application
Both a curriculum vitae and a resumé serve essential purposes in job applications. Understanding their differences will help you choose the right document for your job search.
If you’re applying for a role in Australia, check the job description or industry standards to determine whether a curriculum vitae or resumé is more appropriate.
FAQs
What is the difference between a CV and a résumé?
A CV is a longer, more detailed document covering a person’s entire career history, while a résumé is a shorter, tailored summary of relevant experience and skills.
When should I use a CV instead of a résumé?
Use a CV for academic, research, and international job applications. Use a résumé for private sector and industry-specific roles.
Can a CV replace a résumé?
It depends on the employer’s preference. Some companies accept both, while others specify one format.
How long should my CV or résumé be?
CVs can range from 2 to 10+ pages, while résumés should be 1-2 pages max.
Should I tailor my CV or résumé for each job?
Yes, always customise your application to highlight relevant skills and experience.
By understanding these distinctions, you can create a strong job application that aligns with employer expectations and industry norms.
