What is a CV (Curriculum Vitae)?

What is a CV (Curriculum Vitae)?

When I was searching internship during the summer I came across multiple company website where they are asking to upload CV. At that span of the time I really had no idea what CV means. I thought it was a alternate word/slang for resume but I was wrong. And then I researched everything about CV.

So, today this article will help you understand the ins and outs of CVs, including:

- What Is a CV?
- Who Needs a CV?
- CV vs. Resume: Similarities and Differences
- What should be included in a CV?

What Does CV Stand For?

The Latin word "curriculum vitae," which stands for "course of one's life," is the abbreviation "CV." Although the phrase may have originally referred to all of the experiences you have during your career, today a CV is a comprehensive summary of your professional life.

What is a CV?

Consider a curriculum vitae (CV) as a live document that expands as your career develops. It incorporates all of your accomplishments and professional experiences. Therefore, your CV also lists the places you've worked and attended school as well as your research interests, presentations you've given, and funding you've been awarded.

People who are applying for fellowships, grants, postdoctoral positions, teaching and research positions in higher education, or high-level research positions in industry, use CVs. Applications for graduate school often ask for a CV, but in general they're looking for a resume that lists all of your publications and summaries of your research projects.

Although they can be any length, most cv are one to three pages long (though some are much longer). But if your CV seems "short" in comparison to others, don't worry about it. The length of a CV varies from person to person and increases as a person's career progresses.

Who Needs a CV?

Generally speaking, unless a job applicant is pursuing a career in academia or medicine, they won't need a CV. When applying for grants or fellowships and for careers in academia or research, a CV is frequently the chosen professional document.

However, even though you might not use a CV when applying for jobs, you should still think about retaining one for yourself. It's a great way to keep track of your achievements and employment history, which can help you remember details you would otherwise forget while updating your CV.

CV vs Resume

What Distinguishes a Resume From a CV?
In contrast to a CV, a resume doesn't (and shouldn't!) list every aspect of your professional history. Your resume should only go back around 10 years as it is a concise summary of your abilities and expertise (or less). It is "a snapshot glimpse of your academic and professional background."

How lengthy should a resume therefore be?
Resumes are only one to two pages lengthy since they are succinct and don't include everything. "Strategically showcase content and assist you in obtaining the position you desire." So, as opposed to a resume, which is tailored to the position and organization you're applying for, a CV is all-inclusive and general.

For instance, you may use the job description's essential terms as inspiration for your CV. Alternately, you may edit your qualifications summary to showcase your relevant job-related talents.

For Jobs Abroad

The way the phrases are used differently around the world is an interesting contrast between a CV and a resume.

In the United States, you virtually always submit a résumé when applying for jobs outside of academia and research. However, you'll notice that job advertisements frequently state to apply using your CV if you're seeking for a position outside the United States.

Although the job posting calls for a "CV," that term actually refers to a "resume." Even though you'll provide the identical details on your CV as you would on your resume in this instance, there are some regional variations to take into account.

For example the term "CV" is frequently used in Europe to refer to all job application materials, including resumes. The terms "CV" and "resume" are occasionally used synonymously in the United States and Canada. It is best to get clarification if you are unsure of the type of paper to submit.

What should be included in a CV?

The majority of your CV is devoted to professional and academic accomplishments, even though it is far more thorough than your resume. What to include on yours is as follows:

  • Awards and Honors for Educational Degrees
  • Contact Information
  • Scholarships and Grants
  • Experience at Work, Research, and Interests
  • Presentations and Publications
  • Experience and Interests in Teaching
  • Additional Experience
  • Certificates and Licenses (optional)
  • Added Skills (languages, hard and soft skills)
  • Memberships

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