For fresh graduates or those currently seeking employment, it can be confusing to distinguish between two key documents used in job applications: the CV (Curriculum Vitae) and the Resume. While both serve as summaries of personal background and professional experience, they differ significantly in purpose and format. Understanding these differences will help you choose the right document for each situation, ultimately increasing your chances of landing the right job.

Resume

Resume comes from the French word meaning “summary,” which perfectly reflects the purpose of this document. A resume is a concise summary of personal information, educational background, work experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the position being applied for. Its focus is on being clear, direct, and impactful, capturing the attention of HR quickly and effectively.

Key Features of a Resume

• Tailor Every Time: Don’t use the same resume for every job. Always read the Job Description (JD) carefully and adjust your content to match the position.

• Focus on Results, Not Just Duties: Instead of saying “Responsible for customer service”, say “Managed 50 client accounts and increased sales by 15% within 6 months.”

• Use Keywords: Incorporate important terms related to the position so that your resume passes through the company’s Applicant Tracking System (ATS).

• Keep It Simple but Professional: Use an easy-to-read font, maintain a clean layout, and avoid overusing colors or graphics.

CV (Curriculum Vitae): 

CV stands for the Latin term 'Curriculum Vitae,' which means 'course of life.' A CV is a document that presents a detailed account of your educational background, work experience, and professional achievements. It provides an in-depth and comprehensive overview of your career, covering more aspects than a resume.

Key Features of a CV

• Length: Usually spans 2 A4 pages or more; for those with extensive experience and academic achievements, it can extend to several pages.
• Content: Provides comprehensive details, including personal information, educational background (from high school or university), work experience (detailing responsibilities and accomplishments), academic achievements (research, published articles, presentations), awards, honors, scholarships, training, professional licenses, languages, skills, and interests.
• Purpose: To present your complete academic and professional history, demonstrating your potential, expertise, and credibility in your field.

 When is it appropriate to use a CV?

• Applying for academic positions: such as university lecturers, researchers, scientists, doctors, or roles related to higher education.
• Applying for scholarships or research grants: especially for international or advanced-level grants.
• Positions requiring specialized expertise: where it is necessary to present detailed academic or research achievements.
• Applying for jobs in certain countries: particularly in Europe, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and New Zealand, where CVs are commonly used for general job applications.

 Tips for Creating a CV

• Organize sections clearly: Divide the content into easy-to-read sections such as Education, Research Experience, Publications, Awards, and Professional Memberships.

• Use concise and formal language: Focus on academic accuracy and professionalism.

• Check for accuracy and neatness: Due to the extensive content, carefully verify all information, spelling, and grammar.

• Update regularly: Whenever you have new academic achievements or additional experience, make sure to keep your CV up to date.

Between a CV and a Resume, which one is more commonly used?

For job seekers in Thailand, beginners typically use a Resume for general job applications. However, if you are interested in academic positions or roles that require highly specialized expertise, preparing a CV in advance can be very beneficial. Choosing the right document and presenting it professionally will help you stand out among other applicants and increase your chances of advancing toward your desired career path. Wishing you the best of luck in your job search!