Is there a differnce between a resume and a curriculum vitæ in the states?

Question

If so how do you define them?

Answer 1

A résumé is usually 1-2 pages long and briefly chronicles your past experience - usually chronologically with the most recent experience first. A résumé can be general or if it is being sent in for specific job - the keywords in the job description should be mirrored in the résumé.

In general a curriculum vitae is usually reserved for teaching or research positions. It should include all positions held, all university information, all published articles/books, presentations, academic achievements, non-profit work etc. The last person I worked for in the academic field had one that was 37 pages long and still growing.

In both the résumé and CV you are allowed to "brag" about your accomplishments - but keep in mind to be truthful or it may come back to "bite" you later. Use good action or numerically related terms. For example: “Increased ROI on 3 product lines by 125%” or “Designed web cite for the County of Wellington”. Keep lots of white space – don’t want to irritate those readers eyes.

GPA's higher than 3.2 should be put on your résumé and CV.

No photos or references - photos are a "no-no" in this country and references should only be given when asked for - but always have them ready! I put this information in re: the photos since I know that in many other countries is it normal to send a photo with your résumé.

Oh you should also have a text only résumé and CV for sending on the Internet. About 50% of the companies hiring on the net ask you to submit a text only résumé or CV so keep one of those handy too!

BTW – some people like functional résumés – yet most hiring managers I know HATE them. So I don’t recommend them. They believe you are hiding something when you write functional vs. chronological.

Some good links:

TEXT ONLY resume/CV
http://www.ischool.utexas.edu/technology/tutorials/webdev/digital_resume/step3.html

CHRONOLOGICAL resume/CV
http://www.quintcareers.com/sample_resumes.html#MBA

How to make a CV
for a good example of what to include on a CV
http://www-cs-faculty.stanford.edu/~knuth/vita.html

If you are good at HTML you may also want to make an HTML site that has your “online” résumé and links to text and pdf versions.

Oh yes make sure you do your homework on cover letters and thank you notes...thank you's are VERY important and often over looked!

good luck!

Answer 2

If you look up examples of each, you will see the difference. Resume is generally 1 page listing education, work experience. CV (used often in the medical field and scientific fields) lists all articles you have published, research, grants, papers, teaching & lectures, speaking engagements at medical conferences, medical associations etc and can go on for pages if the person has published a great deal, speaks a lot or is generally "famous". A CV also usually doesn't have an objective; as that's implied at this level.

Answer 3

Different names for the same thing.... More commonly referred to in the states as a resume unless applying for a position in education....