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writing cvs and resumes

differences between a cv and a resume

  1. Length and Detail:

    • ​​​CV: Typically longer and more detailed, providing a comprehensive overview of your academic and professional history. It may include details such as research projects, publications, presentations, and academic achievements.

    • Resume: Generally shorter, usually limited to one or two pages, and focused on highlighting key skills, experiences, and achievements. It may exclude detailed information about academic research.

  2. Purpose:

    • ​​CV: Commonly used in academic settings and research-oriented fields. It emphasizes research experiences, academic achievements, and a detailed chronological history.

    • Resume: Widely used in non-academic and industry settings. It highlights relevant skills, work experiences, and achievements, often tailored to a specific job or internship.

  3. Structure:

    • ​​CV: Follows a chronological format, providing a detailed account of your academic and professional journey. It includes sections like education, research experience, publications, presentations, awards, and affiliations.

    • Resume: Can be organized in a chronological or functional format. It typically includes sections such as contact information, objective or summary, education, work experience, skills, and achievements.

  4. Emphasis on Skills:

    • ​​CV: Emphasizes academic and research-related skills, such as data analysis, laboratory techniques, and specific research methodologies.

    • Resume: Places a strong emphasis on transferable skills applicable to various professional settings, including communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and technical skills.

  5. Publications and Research:

    • ​​CV: Includes a section for publications, research projects, conference presentations, and academic honors.

    • Resume: May include a section for relevant research experience but tends to be more concise, focusing on the practical applications of skills and knowledge.

  6. Customization:

    • CV: Tends to remain relatively static, with updates primarily for new academic or research achievements.

    • Resume: Is often tailored for each job application, emphasizing experiences and skills relevant to the specific position.

  7. Objective Statement:

    • ​​CV: May or may not include a career objective; the focus is on academic and research goals.

    • Resume: Often includes a clear and concise objective statement, indicating career goals and how your skills align with the position.

 

General Tips

  • Use templates provided by UGA or other universites.

  • Keep your writing concise. Highlight most important aspects of each section. 

  • Use power verbs as the first word for each bullet point. Ex:​

    • I analyzed the effects of music on plant growth. ​

    • Analyzed the effects of music on plant growth. (Better) 

  • Use numbers to quanitify your experiences and achievements.

    • Organized a banquet for URC. 

    • Organized a banquet for over 50 attendees for URC. (Better)

  • For resumes, highlight the most relavent information for the specific application because space is limited​.

  • For CVs, organize the sections so the most relavent or impressive achievements or experiences are towards the beginning. 

 

Other resources

Highly recommended resources when creating a CV or resume.

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