Here's a quick read-worthy test for this week's column: If you never have heard of curriculum vitae, or CVs, you probably don't need to know much about them. It's on to the comics for you!
But if the term CV has relevance in your life, here's your chance to bone up on the differences between CVs and résumés.
Here is a brief primer on each document and its use:
CURRICULUM VITAE
Purpose: A CV is meant to provide a comprehensive work and education history of the person sending it. The emphasis here is on comprehensive. A CV easily can run six to eight pages, or more.
Audience: CVs often are written for teaching or higher-level administrative positions in academia. A CV also may be requested of higher-level business executives and of scientists, physicians and lawyers. Search committees or recruiters who are filling corporate board positions also have been known to request CVs.
Features: A CV is written in a straightforward manner, and it is thorough and factual. It often begins with education, then moves to work history. The work history commonly is presented in reverse chronological order, although this wasn't always the case. The next categories might include publications, presentations, committees, research projects and board commitments. Because the emphasis is on being comprehensive, no work-related activity is excluded, except perhaps one's very early jobs.
Not to be confused with: Europeans and Britons often use the term CV, but they may or may not be asking for a document with the length and depth of a U.S. curriculum vitae. When sending documents to other countries, you'll find other differences, such as the inclusion of family status or age, which long have been dropped from U.S. paperwork. It's best to check before sending your materials, to be sure you're providing the expected information.
RÉSUMÉ
Purpose: A résumé should present a targeted message with the intent to influence a decision.
Audience: In the United States, résumés are used by employers in nearly every industry and for nearly every level of work. They also may be requested for volunteer positions and by bankers or investors when reviewing business plans.
Features: A résumé, which usually is not longer than two or three pages, should present the most compelling information in the top third of the first page. An addendum may be used to provide more specialized information, such as an extensive listing of equipment operated or projects managed. The résumé usually starts with an introductory category, such as an objective or profile, and then may include call-out sections, such as strengths, accomplishments and areas of expertise.
Not to be confused with: Biographies or narrative statements are more personal descriptions of a person's life and work that may be used in business brochures or on a Web site.
- Amy Lindgren owns Prototype Career Service, a career consulting firm in St. Paul, Minn. She can be reached at alindgren@prototypecareerservice.com or 1071 W. Seventh St., St. Paul, MN 55102.
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