About C.V. (Curriculum Vitae) & Resume

The term C.V., curriculum vitae, and resume are used interchangeably by both job seekers and hiring managers/employers across the globe, although they are uniquely different.  The C.V. is mostly used for academic and scientific/research related positions and is much longer in length as it includes conferences, publications, presentations, affiliations, etc.  A resume is typically shorter in length and includes only information that is relevant to a particular position or a career area of interest; for example, accounting, civil engineering or nursing.  However, with the advent of resume screening technology, online application/resume submission processes and resume housing databases; employers are now allowing job candidates to upload a resume with 5 or even more pages.  One such employer is the Ontario Government; Ontario Public Service Careers.

A CV is a detail record of your academic achievements and credentials and is used in academic/research-related job searches; while a resume is used in business and other types of employment searches and focuses on a particular career field.  A resume can be up to 5 pages in length, while a CV can be 10 or more pages in length.  To generate employer interest and job interviews, your resume should be targeted to a specific position or a particular profession/career field.