Let's know the difference between a CV and a Resume!

I've decided to publish biweekly articles to offer concise, helpful information and advice in response to the growing number of inquiries from the Asian community looking for jobs in the Middle East.

How Do Resumes and CVs Differ?

The CV and resume are two distinct documents you may encounter when looking for a job. Although they may initially appear identical, they have varied functions and are applied in various ways worldwide.

Let's dive into their brief history, origins, and which countries prefer each.

A Brief History

The term "CV" stands for "Curriculum Vitae," which is Latin for "course of life." It originated in ancient Rome when individuals listed their achievements on parchment. As we get into the present day, the CV has evolved into a detailed document outlining an individual's academic and professional journey.

On the other hand, the résumé (french for "summary") first appeared in the early 1900s. It's a brief document highlighting the necessary credentials and professional experiences to leave a lasting impression on hiring managers.

What Makes a Difference?

Length and Specifics: A curriculum vitae is usually longer and more comprehensive, frequently consisting of multiple pages, particularly for individuals with substantial academic or professional backgrounds. It covers everything from awards and honors to articles, presentations, work experience, education, and publications.

Purpose: The purpose of a resume is to highlight your most relevant experiences and skills in a way that is particular to a job. It is typically one, two, or three pages long. Recruiters can more easily determine whether you're a suitable fit for the position because it's meant to be a snapshot of your career.

Worldwide Usage Trend

Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA)

The term "CV" is commonly used in Europe, where it is assumed to be comprehensive. Employers in Europe want to see a candidate's whole professional background. There is a mixture in Africa and the Middle East. The conventional CV is still widely used, especially in academic and public sector positions, even though many international corporations have shifted toward the resume style due to Western influence.

Pakistan and India

Although the phrases CV and resumes are frequently used interchangeably in Pakistan and India, there is a slight bias towards the former. Here, job applicants typically draft a comprehensive document that covers their employment history, educational background, and personal information. It resembles a CV. Shorter, resume-style documents are becoming increasingly popular, especially in the private sector and international organizations.

UAE and Saudi Arabia

Eastern and Western customs influence the work market in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. While locals and some industries may still prefer the complete CV, expats use resumes more frequently. A resume may be more appropriate for mid-career employment or when applying to foreign businesses. However, a thorough CV is recommended for top positions, especially when there is a shift from academia to industry.

Advice for Job Seekers

Know Your Audience: Ensure your CV is updated if you're searching for a job in Europe. Keep your resume short when applying for employment in the US or Canada. For the Middle East and Asia, it might be wise to have both documents ready and tailor them according to the job and company culture. I recommend that candidates have a master copy of their resumes.

Be Relevant: Whether you're looking for a job through a CV or a resume, make sure your document is tailored to highlight your most relevant experiences and skills.

Keep it Updated: Regularly add the latest accomplishments, skills, and experiences to your CV or resume. This ensures you're always ready to apply for new opportunities.

In conclusion, understanding the differences between a CV and a resume and knowing which one to use can significantly boost your job search efforts. Tailor your approach to match the expectations of the region and industry you're targeting, and you'll be well on your way to landing that dream job.

Happy job hunting!