CV vs Resume: What’s the Difference? Which One Do You Need?
What is the difference between CV and Resume? Which is best for a job?
Many people think that CV and Resume are the same thing. But in reality, there is a big difference in structure and usage between them. If you are applying for a job or preparing for higher education, it is very important to know this difference. Submitting the wrong documents can reduce your chances of getting an interview call.
In this article, we will discuss the difference between CV and Resume, their correct use, and which one is right for you in simple Bengali.
At a Glance: Basic Difference Between CV and Resume
In simple words, a CV (Curriculum Vitae) is a detailed description of your educational qualifications and experience in life, which is usually 2 or more pages. People mainly use it for academic or research work. On the other hand, a résumé is a short summary of your skills and work experience, usually limited to one or two pages, and people use it for corporate jobs.
What is a CV?
The full form of CV is Curriculum Vitae. It is a Latin term meaning “course of life.” It is a detailed document that lists your degrees, research, publications, awards, and other honours from the beginning of your career to the present.
CV is usually arranged in chronological order. The length of the CV increases as new achievements are added to your career. It can generally be from 3 to 10 pages.
When to use a CV?
- For higher education (PhD or MPhil) applications.
- For teaching jobs or fellowships.
- For research or scientific positions.
Summary: A CV presents a detailed history of your entire academic and professional life, and people more commonly use it in academic or research settings.
2. What is a Resume?
Resume is a French word, which means “summary.” It is a short document. A resume only mentions the skills and experience that are relevant to the job you are applying for.
The primary goal of a resume is to convey your qualifications to the recruiter in a concise manner. Its length is usually 1 to 2 pages at most. Here, only the work skills are highlighted, eliminating unnecessary information.
When to use a resume?
- For corporate or private job applications.
- For internships or management jobs.
- For jobs in the technology, business, or media sectors.
Summary: A résumé is a brief advertisement of your qualifications for a specific job and is widely used in the corporate world.
5 Key Differences Between a CV and a Resume
Below is a table that highlights the key differences between a CV and a resume:
| Characteristics | CV | Resume |
| Full form | Curriculum Vitae (course of life) | Resume (summary) |
| Length | Long (2 to 10 pages or more) | Short (1 to 2 pages) |
| Focus | Complete academic and professional history | Specific skills and current work experience |
| Usage | “Academic, Research, Fellowship” | “Corporate jobs, NGOs, Private sector” |
| Edit | “Generally remains the same; only new information is added.” | Must be customized for each job posting |
Summary: A CV is a detailed history, while a resume is a short summary prepared for a specific job. Select the document according to the type of job.
Is Bio-data different from them?
In South Asian countries, especially Bangladesh and India, people often use the word ‘biodata’ as an alternative to ‘CV’ or ‘Resume.’ But this is wrong.
Biodata mainly emphasizes personal information. It includes date of birth, religion, gender, marital status, height, skin colour, and family details. Currently, people don’t use biodata much in professional jobs. People mainly use it in marriage proposals or when filling out certain government job forms.
Summary: In the modern job market, do not use biodata unless specifically requested. A CV or resume is the standard in professional fields.
Which is better for freshers: CV or Resume?
If you are a fresh graduate or a fresher, your experience is not very heavy. Many people hesitate in this regard.
Generally, it is wise to create a 1-page resume for freshers. Employers are more interested in seeing your skills or expertise than your long academic history. However, if you are applying for a scholarship or PhD, then you need to create a detailed CV.
- Tips for creating a good resume:
- Use simple and fluent fonts.
- Be careful of spelling mistakes.
- Use a professional email ID.
- Present information using bullet points.
Summary: Create a strong resume for corporate jobs as a fresher, and keep your CV ready for higher education.
Conclusion
Your first tool in the fight for a job is your CV or resume. Understanding the difference between a CV and a resume will help you submit the right document to the right place. Remember, the international norm is to use a CV for academic or research work and a resume for corporate or general employment. Set your goals and create a professional document accordingly today. Harvard University CV Guidelines.
FAQ
No, it is not advisable. If the job advertisement clearly asks for a CV (especially for academic jobs), then submit a CV. And if nothing is mentioned, then it is better to submit a resume for corporate jobs.
In Bangladesh, government job applications often ask for detailed information, which is similar to a CV. However, in private companies, banks, or MNCs, a resume or a short CV is more acceptable.
In America or Europe, providing a photo in a resume is considered unprofessional. However, in the context of Bangladesh, most companies expect a photo with a CV. So, it is better to include a stylish photo for local jobs.
There is no specific number of pages for a CV. It can be from 2 to 10 pages, depending on your experience. But do not make it unnecessarily long.
Yes, the resume should be edited or customized separately for each job. Keywords should be placed in the resume as per the job description (JD).
