Recruiters may ask for either your CV (Curriculum Vitae) or your resume, begging the questions, “Are they the same thing? Is one just longer than the other? Is a resume safer?”
When job searching in the Philippines, these terms are used interchangeably so often, no one really know the difference anymore. Just how different is a CV from a resume, and when should you use which?
A CV is usually lengthier than a resume
While both CV and resume offer a general overview of you and your experience, the CV is an opportunity to lay out all of your professional accomplishments. Your resume on the other hand, is more concise, lasts no longer than two pages and states only your relevant job experience.
The purpose
You can use both your CV and resume in a job application. Your CV can also be used for other purposes such as an academic scholarship or grant application.
These activities are costly and will require extensive consideration from the parties involved. Your CV in this case will give a better idea of your eligibility to be offered such support – whether it’s for business or academic use.
When should you use what?
Fortunately for us here in the Philippines, the consequences for candidates who can’t tell the two apart aren’t as dire compared to job-seekers living in the UK or US – where not knowing the difference can cost someone their job opportunity.
When a recruiter tells you to submit your CV or resume, most of the time they really mean your resume. This is unless you’re taking on a senior-level role, then it’s a whole different ball game altogether.
Recruiters spend no longer than six seconds examining each CV, especially when they’re looking to fill a junior-level role. But despite this, it is still your job as a job seeker to do due diligence and read all job descriptions carefully. Not all recruiters are the same and some may state requirements different from others.
At the end of the day, the responsibility lies on you as a job seeker to tailor your resume to fit the relevant job position that you will be applying for.
Unsure of how to start writing your CV? Learn more here.
