RESOURCE TYPE:

Information sheet
KIT TYPE: Tool kit

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A RÉSUMÉ AND A CV?

A résumé is a document that summarizes your education, experiences, and competencies. It’s designed to introduce you to an employer and
highlight your qualifications for a specific job or type of work.

A curriculum vitae (CV) is a more comprehensive document that details ALL your past education, experiences, and competencies, including
public presentations, academic writing and professional development. It’s designed to introduce you to employers in academics, advanced
research, post-secondary teaching and fine arts.

The terms résumé and CV are sometimes used interchangeably. However, a résumé is used for work search, and a CV is used when applying
for contracts, advanced research or post-secondary teaching positions. For those who use the two terms synonymously, the terms “academic
résumé” or “academic CV” are often used to differentiate between advanced research and post-secondary teaching documents.

Why develop a résumé or CV?

Both a résumé and a CV are meant to encourage an employer or a supervisor to consider you:
• as an employee
• as a candidate for further studies
• as the right fit for a contract

Key differences
• CVs are focused on academic work with an emphasis on research and teaching while résumés are focused on non-
academic work with an emphasis on related competencies (skills, knowledge and attributes)
• CVs aim to provide comprehensive information while résumés aim to summarize key information
• CVs are often long – 5, 10, 20 or more pages - while résumés are generally 1 to 2 pages maximum

When to use a résumé

You can use a résumé when you’re:
• applying for work
• networking with potential employers
• applying for some graduate schools, co-op programs, internships, scholarships, etc.
• participating in events like career fairs or recruiting events

See the WHAT IS A RÉSUMÉ AND WHAT CONTENT SHOULD IT INCLUDE? info sheet for details.

When to use a CV
You can use a CV when you’re:
• applying for work and/or contracts in academics, advanced research, post-secondary teaching, and fine arts
• applying for graduate school, scholarships, etc.
• showcasing your background prior to a presentation

See the WHAT IS A CV AND WHAT SHOULD IT INCLUDE? info sheet for more information, or check out the CV TEMPLATE info sheet.

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