Many professionals refer to resumes and CVs as similar entities but this is not true. It is crucial to understand the difference between a resume writing and a CV, especially when one is applying for jobs, dealing with migration issues or looking for cross-border employment. Choosing the wrong format might deny you opportunities for selection, even if your experience is strong.

Purpose Behind Resume Writing and CV Writing

The fundamental difference between the two is their main purpose. A resume is all about showcasing your skills and experience in a very brief and targeted manner to suit a particular job. In essence, a resume is a tool for employers to quickly learn your suitability for a role.

Whereas a CV details all your professional and academic milestones in a very thorough manner. Such a document is usually necessary when applying for academic jobs, research work, or professional evaluations where the whole career history is needed, like preparing a CV for Engineers Australia.

Length and Level of Detail

A resume needs to be concise and targeted, with most resumes being one or two pages long and containing only the most relevant information that supports the job you are seeking. This is the reason why resume writing services stress the importance of being brief and relevant.

A CV is more extensive and contains more detail. It can contain sections such as education history, work experience, certifications, publications, projects, and memberships in professional organisations. When applying to Engineers Australia, the CV for Engineers Australia generally demands detailed technical and project information.

Content Structure and Focus

In resume writing, the content is adjusted to fit each job application. Depending on the employer's requirements, the candidate's skills, achievements, and duties might be selected. The focus is on results and influence.

CV writing uses more of a standard structure. It records your employment history in detail and is less adapted to different job roles. A CV is planned to give a full professional background, not a focused summary.

Personalisation Needs

A lot of changes are made to resumes. It may not be the same resume that one uses when applying for different jobs. The focus given by experts in resume writing is on the use of certain words and phrases, as well as the tailoring of content to suit particular roles.