The Not So Subtle Differences Between a Resume and a CV

By: Steve Brainard, Recruiter, Professional-Technical, Northeast Strategic Account

The terms ‘resume’ and ‘CV’ have been used interchangeably by job seekers, employers and recruiters for so long that the differences between the two, which are quite stark, have been shaded gray. 

 I liken the use of the two terms in today’s society to ordering a pop or a soda at your favorite restaurant. None of us really want just any pop or soda; rather, we may want a Coke, Diet Pepsi, or Sprite with lemon. The same specificity should apply when deciding between creating a resume or Curriculum Vitae. 

The intent of both a resume and a Curriculum Vitae is to chronicle your past (pop or soda), but the content, structure and target audience differ significantly (Diet Coke or Pepsi). It is critical for job seekers to understand which document is applicable for their specific career pursuits so that they may be able to obtain their ideal positions in the science industry.

When to Use a Resume

A resume is generally accepted as the document used by individuals seeking careers in industries. Resumes should be one to two pages in length and include your educational background, work history, and career objectives. As you gain experience, your resume should incorporate more tangible results, while also depicting career progression. Achievement awards, promotions, additional responsibilities, certifications, published articles, and professional references should be added as your duties expand. 

Resumes should not read like grocery lists of things you have done. Instead, you should craft a document that shows your career progression. What did you do in each of your past positions to stand out? How did you demonstrate leadership skills or respond to challenging business conditions? These are questions employers want answers to, so do not become so enamored with the technical aspects of your past work experiences that you omit your interpersonal and leadership skills, which are crucial for obtaining positions in the science industry.  

When to Use a Curriculum Vitae

A curriculum vitae (CV) is most often used by individuals who are seeking careers in academia, teaching, or scientific research, but it also has utility for individuals applying to graduate or post-graduate programs or for grants and fellowships. 

Unlike a resume, a CV should be expansive in scope, as it chronicles your professional and academic histories. Curriculum vitas typically include the following – 

        • Academic achievements 

        • Research experience

        • Published works 

        • Honors, awards, and scholarships received

        • Membership and participation in niche organizations, like the American Chemical Society or the Institute of Food Technologists, that are directly related to a field of study. 

Due to the amount of detailed information required, CVs typically range from six to eight pages in length, with roughly one third consisting of published works and research projects.  

Creating Resumes and CVs: The Most Common Mistakes of Science Professionals

1) Not understanding the difference between a CV and resume:  I receive dozens of emails each week from individuals interested in transitioning from academia to industry, yet when I ask for their resume, I receive a CV. 

If your professional interests are outside the scope of academia, teaching, and scientific research, you  will need to create an adequate resume of past professional experiences that can be provided to  prospective employers in science industries. Hiring managers, recruiters, and human resources  professionals do not have the time to decipher eight  pages of academic and research experiences to  determine if you are qualified for a position within their organization.  

2) The ‘One Size Fits All’ approach: Whether you are creating a resume or a CV, it is your responsibility to be certain the document is relevant to the position you are applying to. If you are pursuing both teaching and research positions, you need to craft two versions of your CV that highlight your expertise in each field. The same concept applies to resumes. 

For example, if you are interested in research and development or laboratory assistant positions, you  will need a resume for each that amplifies your experience relative to the skills required, according to  descriptions of the positions. In either scenario, if you do not take the time to customize your resume or  CV to the specific job you are applying to, you can rest assured that your document will be recycled  upon receipt.

3) Lack of resource utilization: Many science professionals use the Internet to order pizza, buy shoes and airline tickets, and even make dinner reservations, yet they do not tap into the vast resources that are available online in regards to CVs and resumes. A simple Yahoo or Google search on the differences between resumes and CVs results in dozens of helpful links that compare and contrast the two and provide tips and strategies for creating both documents. 

If the Internet is not interactive enough, you can reach out to a career services center, a scientific recruiter, a hiring manager, or an academic colleague in order to ask for some  guidance. Simply put, not knowing the differences between resumes and CVs in today’s technological era is no longer excusable as you apply for positions.

Resumes and CVs may differ greatly in content and purpose, but neither should be viewed lightly by job seekers, as each document will either improve or decrease your chances of finding scientific positions. Both documents are direct reflections of you and should be as meticulously groomed as your suit or dress on the day of your interview and evaluated as critically as data from an important research project. 

Some people’s career paths may not be clearly defined as they are vacillating between industry and academia. If that is the case, they must craft a CV and a resume and use their CV as a reference guide for their resume. If a certain position requires specific instrumentation experience, they can refer to their CV to add more specificity to their resume. 

Throughout your job search, you may hear the words ‘resume’ and ‘CV’ used interchangeably, but you must not fall into the trap of actually using them interchangeably as you apply for jobs. Each document has a specific design, purpose and flavor. Remember, if an employer asks for a ‘Diet Coke’, be sure to give them exactly what they want.

Kelly Scientific Resources (KSR) is a specialty service of Kelly Services, Inc., a leader in providing workforce solutions. Since its launch in 1995, KSR has provided staffing and placement services to a broad spectrum of industries, including biotechnology, chemical, consumer products, cosmetics, environmental, food sciences, medical/clinical, pharmaceutical, and petrochemical. Today, KSR leads the world in dedicated scientific and clinical research staffing. Visit www.kellyscientific.com.