What is a CV (Curriculum Vitae)
What is a CV? This is a common question for job hunters. The answer might surprise you: it depends. A CV in Europe is not the same as one in the United States. But we’ll clear the air on that, don’t worry.
What does CV stand for? CV stands for curriculum vitae; that’s Latin for “course of life”. It is a recap of your work or academic experiences so far. Depending on where you are from, the content and length of a CV will vary.
Learn the ropes about the difference between an American CV and a European one.
Plus, get some great tips for writing a good CV! Read on!
What is a CV in the United States? And where should you use one?
An American CV is a lengthy recap of your academic career. It contains the conferences you attended, the publications you’ve written, and the school projects you’ve done. Because it should include your entire academic experience, it can have up to 12 pages.
In this instance, a CV is used for job applications in higher education, grants, or fellowships.
What is a European CV?
In Europe, a CV is a document that lists the experiences you had that are relevant to the job you are applying for. It should be 1 or 2 pages long and should list the key skills that make you a good candidate for that specific position.
A good practice is to always edit your CV before sending it to potential employers. Take out work experiences that are not suitable for the job you want, and lead with the ones that fit the job description.
In the US the equivalent of a European CV is a resume.
What to include in a CV
A CV for a job, or a resume if you are from the US, should showcase your qualifications and skills fit for the job you are applying for. Remember, this should be a short document. One page is preferred, but if necessary you can go to two pages. Never three.
This being said, every time you apply for a job, go to your CV and tweak it. Let’s say you are applying for a customer service job. It’s better to put in the salesperson experience and leave out the delivery job. The same goes for your soft and hard skills. We are all complex people, but when an employer looks at your resume they want to see if you fit the job requirements. And the way to do that is to list the ones that will stand out.
Here’s what a good CV or resume looks like:
- Contact Information – Name, address, phone number, email address
- Professional Summary – A short paragraph that showcases your relevant experiences, skills, and achievements. It is a summary of your curriculum vitae which should convince the HR manager to read the rest of the document.
- Work Experience – Relevant work history. Include your job titles, previous employers, dates of employment, and a brief description of your responsibilities and achievements.
- Education – Degrees earned, educational institutions attended, and dates of attendance.
- Skills: Technical or transferable skills relevant to the position, including computer skills and language proficiency
Read our in-depth guide on writing tips to make your CV stand out!
What should you include in an academic CV?
- Your contact information
- A list of your areas of expertise
- Professional experience: research and teaching experience, academic publications, grants and fellowships received, professional affiliations and licenses held
Pro tip! Before writing an academic CV make a list of all your background information. Then organize it into categories before adding it to your CV.
A basic CV for young professionals with little or no experience
When you have a lot of experience it’s quite easy to tailor your CV to match the job requirements. But what happens when you’re applying for your first job? This is where the functional resume comes in.
The functional CV, or skills-based, focuses on your abilities and personal qualities. Instead of listing your work experiences, you will highlight the skills you have that can transfer to the job you are applying for, describe who you are as a professional, and what you can offer the company. Make sure to put in your overall career objectives. This will draw the attention of employers with a strong employee growth culture.
Learn the best Customer Service skills to add to your CV!
Tips for writing a good CV for a job
An important thing to remember is that a resume is your personal marketing tool. You should always tailor it for the job you are applying for. It’s the gateway to that sought-after interview, your first impression of your potential employer. Here are a few rules you should always follow before sending out your CV.
Keep it short. One page is preferred, but you can spread it out on two pages tops. Put in your experiences and skills that match the job descriptions and leave the ones that don’t mirror the employer’s needs.
Use short sentences or bullet points. Don’t write long paragraphs. Give each sentence its purpose. Don’t overcomplicate the reader’s experience when skimming through your resume.
Have someone proofread your CV. A different eye will see mistakes that you might miss. And there’s nothing like a spelling or grammar mistake to ruin that first impression.
Always send out a cover letter along with your CV.
Quick recap
The meaning of a Curriculum Vitae might differ depending on where you’re from. Always pay attention to the job description and tailor your CV according to it. If you don’t have a lot of work experience, showcase your skills and convince the employer you are a good fit for their company. Be mindful of the rules of writing a good resume.
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