Curriculum Vitae

What Makes a CV Unique?

In the midst of a job search, it’s not uncommon to hear references to a number of seeking tools, including resumes, cover letters, social networking sites and niche job boards. But depending on the type of job you’re hoping to apply for, you may even hear a reference to a document known as a CV or curriculum vitae. But what is this unique piece of information and how can it help you get hired?

What is a CV?

A CV, or curriculum vitae, is an overview of a person’s experiences and additional qualifications over the course of their career. The document, which looks similar to a standard resume, is used to help job seekers acquire employment opportunities.

The CV is used by employers to screen job applicants, helping them determine whether the applicants are initially qualified for a position. After reviewing curriculum vitae, a job candidate may be called in for an interview.

How is a CV Different than a Resume?

Because the CV serves a very similar purpose as the standard resume, many job seekers are unsure about whether they should use one or the other. Usually, the documents are not used interchangeably because, while they serve the same purpose of helping an employer determine a candidate’s qualifications, they deliver the message in different ways.

The resume serves as a brief synopsis of your professional strengths, usually delivering a quality message in one or two pages. It is sectioned off into a headline or job target, career summary, job history and educational background, also incorporating additional skills and possibly your hobbies.

Curriculum vitae, on the other hand, digs deeper to explore teaching experiences and research you’ve conducted, along with works you’ve published, major presentations and more. Because a CV asks for more in-depth information, it is typically much longer than a standard resume, sometimes stretching out to five or six pages.

When Is Curriculum Vitae Required?

In the United States, CVs are not commonly requested by employers; however, there are certain circumstances in which a company would prefer curriculum vitae over a resume.

For instance, many people who participate in research are required to provide in-depth information about their research backgrounds, thus making a CV necessary. Some people employed in the academic arena, including professors, must present curriculum vitae when applying for jobs.

Others working in the United States who usually submit curriculum vitae include medical doctors or scientific professionals who work in labs and conduct a fair amount of research, commonly give public speeches and presentations, or publish works in journals.

CVs are also common in many European and some Asian countries, being preferred over resumes for positions that fall outside of academia, medicine or science because they offer greater insight into a candidate’s qualifications.

It’s important as a job seeker that you understand the profession you have chosen to work in and pay close attention to job posting requirements to ensure that you submit a CV if required by an employer. If you find you need to submit a CV, it’s good to learn how to write yours effectively so that you can present an in-depth document that does a great job of showcasing just how qualified you are.