Creating a resume or curriculum vitae (CV) is essential when applying for jobs, internships, or academic opportunities. Both documents are used to present your professional background, education, and skills. Understanding the difference between a resume and a curriculum vitae and knowing how to structure each can help you stand out to potential employers. In this topic, we’ll cover what a resume and CV are, how to write them, and provide a clear resume curriculum vitae example to guide you.
What is a Resume?
A resume is a concise, one- to two-page document that highlights your skills, work experience, and education relevant to a specific job. Employers often prefer resumes because they quickly show qualifications and achievements.
Key Features of a Resume:
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Focused on relevant experience
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Typically one page (two pages if necessary)
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Tailored for each job application
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Highlights skills and accomplishments
What is a Curriculum Vitae (CV)?
A curriculum vitae (CV) is a more detailed document. It includes your full academic history, work experience, publications, research, presentations, and other achievements. CVs are commonly used for academic positions, research roles, and international job applications.
Key Features of a CV:
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Comprehensive and detailed
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No length limit
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Includes academic achievements, research, and publications
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Used in academia and for international jobs
Difference Between Resume and Curriculum Vitae
| Feature | Resume | Curriculum Vitae (CV) |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 1-2 pages | Can be several pages |
| Focus | Relevant work experience and skills | Complete academic and professional history |
| Used for | Jobs in most industries | Academic roles, research, and global jobs |
| Customization | Tailored to each job | More static but can be updated over time |
| Content | Summary, experience, skills, education | Education, research, publications, presentations, awards |
How to Write a Resume
1. Contact Information
Start with your name, phone number, email address, and city.
2. Resume Summary
Write a brief summary of who you are and what you can offer. Example:
"Results-driven marketing professional with 5+ years of experience in digital campaigns and brand strategy."
3. Work Experience
List your job history with the most recent job first. Include job title, company name, dates of employment, and key responsibilities. Use bullet points for clarity.
4. Education
Mention your highest degree, school name, and graduation year. You can also include honors and relevant coursework.
5. Skills
List hard and soft skills that are relevant to the job, such as:
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Project management
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Communication skills
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Data analysis
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Foreign languages
6. Additional Sections (optional)
Include certifications, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities if they strengthen your application.
Resume Example
John Smith
123 Main Street, New York, NY
john.smith@email.com | (123) 456-7890
Summary
Highly motivated sales professional with 6 years of experience in retail and business development. Proven ability to increase revenue and build client relationships.
Work Experience
Sales Manager
ABC Company | New York, NY | Jan 2020 – Present
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Increased regional sales by 25% within one year
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Trained and supervised a team of 10 sales associates
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Developed marketing strategies that improved customer retention
Sales Associate
XYZ Store | New York, NY | June 2016 – Dec 2019
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Provided customer service and exceeded monthly sales targets
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Maintained store inventory and managed displays
Education
Bachelor of Business Administration
University of New York, Graduated 2015
Skills
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Sales strategy
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CRM software
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Leadership
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Problem-solving
How to Write a Curriculum Vitae (CV)
1. Personal Information
Include full name, address, phone number, and email.
2. Academic Background
List all degrees, the institutions where you studied, graduation dates, and honors or distinctions.
3. Professional Experience
Similar to a resume, but include more detailed descriptions and all relevant positions.
4. Research and Publications
Include published topics, books, or research papers.
5. Presentations and Conferences
Mention talks or presentations given at academic or industry conferences.
6. Awards and Honors
Include scholarships, fellowships, or awards.
7. Skills and Languages
List technical skills, computer knowledge, and languages spoken.
8. Professional Memberships
Add affiliations with professional organizations or societies.
Curriculum Vitae Example
Dr. Emily Carter
456 Academic Lane, Boston, MA
emily.carter@email.com | (555) 123-4567
Education
Ph.D. in Biology
Harvard University, 2018
M.Sc. in Molecular Biology
Harvard University, 2014
B.Sc. in Biology (Honors)
University of California, 2012
Professional Experience
Assistant Professor of Biology
University of Boston | Sept 2019 – Present
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Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in genetics and molecular biology
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Supervise research projects and mentor graduate students
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Publish papers in peer-reviewed journals
Postdoctoral Researcher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 2018 – 2019
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Conducted research on gene expression regulation
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Presented findings at international conferences
Publications
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Carter, E. et al. (2020). "The role of microRNAs in cancer progression." Journal of Molecular Biology.
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Carter, E. et al. (2019). "Gene regulation in early embryonic development." Nature Genetics.
Conferences
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Speaker at the International Conference on Genetics, 2022
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Presenter at the Molecular Biology Summit, 2021
Awards and Honors
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Harvard Research Fellowship, 2017
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Best Paper Award, International Genetics Conference, 2020
Skills
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PCR and gel electrophoresis
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Data analysis (R, Python)
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Scientific writing
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Public speaking
Professional Memberships
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American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
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Genetics Society of America (GSA)
Tips for Writing a Strong Resume or CV
1. Keep It Clear and Organized
Use bullet points and headings to make the document easy to read.
2. Customize for Each Opportunity
Tailor the content based on the job description or academic position.
3. Highlight Achievements
Show what you’ve accomplished, not just your responsibilities.
4. Use Keywords
Match the keywords from the job description to help your resume or CV pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS).
5. Proofread Carefully
Check for grammar, spelling, and formatting errors. A polished document reflects professionalism.
Whether you are writing a resume or a curriculum vitae, knowing how to structure the document and what to include is key to success. A resume is short and targeted, while a CV is more detailed and academic. By following the examples and tips above, you can create a professional document that highlights your qualifications and makes a strong impression. Always tailor your content, keep it clear, and focus on achievements to stand out from other applicants.