Resumes and CVs
Depending on the type of job, you may need to prepare a resume or a curriculum vitae
(CV). Both highlight your qualifications, but they differ in format, length, and purpose.
When to Use a Resume
In India, most private companies, MNCs, and non-academic employers prefer
resumes. A resume is a short summary (1–2 pages) of your education, skills, and work
experience.
Employers often spend only a few minutes reviewing a resume, so it should:
• Be concise and to the point
• Highlight your key strengths
• Be easy to read with enough white space
• Avoid unnecessary details
A resume works best for jobs in corporate sectors, IT, business, startups, and other
professional roles.
When to Use a Curriculum Vitae (CV)
A CV is more detailed than a resume. It is mainly used when applying for:
• Academic positions (professorship, lectureship)
• Research or scientific roles
• Government or fellowship applications
• Overseas universities, scholarships, or grants
A CV typically includes:
• Educational background
• Teaching/research experience
• Publications, presentations, papers
• Awards, honors, and scholarships
• Professional memberships, certifications, or training
Unlike resumes, CVs can extend to several pages, depending on your experience.
Guidelines for Preparing a CV
• The order of sections is flexible—highlight what matters most for the role.
• Use reverse chronological order (latest first).
• Emphasize achievements and skills, not just responsibilities.
• Add sections like certifications, workshops, languages, or technical skills.
• Keep formatting simple and professional—avoid too many graphics or colors.
• Ensure your CV is clear, consistent, and free from errors.
Converting a CV into a Resume
In many cases, you may need both documents. A resume is preferred for private
companies, while a CV is essential for academic/research fields.
When converting your CV into a resume:
• Keep it maximum 2 pages
• Focus on transferable skills like leadership, teamwork, project management,
deadlines, and communication
• Use action verbs (e.g., managed, developed, coordinated)
• Put your strengths first (work experience or degree, whichever is stronger)
• Include a clear career objective aligned with the role you’re applying for
• Highlight only relevant achievements and not everything
Tips for Both Resume & CV
• Start with your name and contact details (phone, email, LinkedIn if available)
• Use simple fonts (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman)
• Avoid spelling or grammatical errors—proofread carefully
• Save and share in PDF format unless otherwise asked
• Tailor your document for each job application rather than sending a generic one
In short:
• Use a resume for jobs in industry and corporates
• Use a CV for academics, research, or abroad applications
RESUME
CV
