Resumes and CVs & Its Purpose
Resumes and CVs
Resume vs. CV: Key Differences
- Aspect
- Length
- Usage
- Geographic Variations
- Resume
- 1 2 pages, concise and role specific
- Industry roles (private/public sectors)
- Differentiated in the U.S.
- CV (Curriculum Vitae)
- No defined length; comprehensive career and academic history
- Academic roles, research, fellowships, PhD programs
- In UK, India, Australia, the term "CV" often covers both formats
Structuring & Formatting (Resume & CV)
Layout & Readability
- Use clean, professional fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica, sized between 10–12 pt for the body and larger for headings
- Ensure consistent formatting headings bolded, logical alignment, clear spacing, margins (1–1.5 inches)
- Save as a PDF, unless otherwise specified to preserve formatting across platforms).
Content: What to Include & How to Highlight It
- Tailor for the Role: Customize your document to fit the job description; use a master template and select relevant details per application
- Use Action Verbs & Quantify: Clearly describe achievements (e.g., “Increased sales by 20%”) rather than vague duties.
- Avoid Overused Phrases: Terms like “hard working” or “team player” are weak opt for concrete accomplishments instead.
- List Key Skills: Include both universal (e.g., leadership, communication) and role specific tools or languages
- Explain Gaps & Be Honest: Don’t conceal gaps; explain them briefly e.g., travel, volunteer work, or personal projects
- Academic Details (for CVs): Include research, publications, dissertations, teaching roles, honors and awards
Best Practices from Recruiters & Experts
- Stand Out in Seconds: Recruiters scan CVs in mere seconds; the top quarter should pack your strongest value points
- Formatting Consistency: Avoid inconsistent formats, multiple bullet styles, odd fonts or emojis these make CVs seem unprofessional
- File Naming Matters: Name your file something like YourName_Company_CV.pdf to ensure clarity and professionalism
- Professional Email Address: Use something like firstname.lastname@domain.com rather than informal handles
- Avoid Sensitive Personal Data: Don’t share details like your CNIC or bank info irrelevant and unsafe
- Include LinkedIn: A clickable, polished profile adds credibility avoid personal social links
Navigating AI in Resume Writing
- Use AI for Refinement, Not Replacement: Tools like ChatGPT and Jobscan can optimize formatting and keyword matches but don’t let them replace your personal voice
- Personality Matters: Recruiters are using psychometric assessments more often to assess traits beyond resume claims.
Quick Reference Table
- Element
- Document Type
- Length
- Fonts & Formatting
- Personalization
- Language
- Credibility
- Honesty & Integrity
- File Naming
- Proofreading
- Key Takeaway
- Resume for roles; CV for academic/research roles
- Resume: 1–2 pages
- Clean, professional (Arial, Calibri), consistent
- Tailor content for each job
- Use action verbs, quantify achievements
- Back up claims with evidence
- Be authentic no exaggeration
- Name as YourName_Company_CV.pdf
- Use spell-check, read aloud, and revise carefully