Confused over differences between CV and resume

[sequi001]

Good evening everyone,

I would really appreciate if someone could help me clarify the differences between a resume and a CV. I guess I am confused because in French, my native language, we only use the term CV. From what I have read on the other threads, a resume is used to apply to a job, whereas a CV is more suited to the academic field. What am I supposed to include in my CV? Am I supposed to integrate work experience only if directly related to the skills expected from a (history) PhD student? Is there a length limit to a CV?

I was at first thinking about adding an extra document to my application listing all the history classes that I took throughout my B.A. and M.A. in American and English studies and my M.A. in Women's studies, as it is not very obvious from looking at my transcripts that I actually have a substantial background in history. Should I keep this list separate or should I include it to my CV?

I spent a couple of paragraphs in my SOP describing my previous research projects, and how they have shaped my current research interests and prepared me for the subject I want to investigate for my dissertation. My SOP is 1,500 words, which I believe is average for most schools I am applying to, but some have a 500-word limit. I am therefore wondering if I could shorten my SOP by devoting one part of the CV to the description of previous research papers.

Finally, do you know any websites that give good advice on the subject?

Thanks to you all!

[fullofpink]

Most applicants to graduate study will have a CV/Resume crossbreed. On a pure CV, only academic achievements are noted (look at the CVs of the professors you are interested in studying under. You'd rarely see anything like other forms of employment or detailed descriptions of what they've done). Also, academic CVs go on for pages. In a CV, education almost always goes in at the top.

A resume is limited to 1-2 pages, and goes into greater detail on job history over education. It also tends to have more explanation of what you've accomplished instead of simply listing your accomplishments. I'm not sure what programs you are applying to, but it's good to note all relevant history (jobs, internships, publications, conferences, labs, etc.) instead of sticking within the parameters.

[sequi001]

Thanks for your response Fullofpink, it is really helpful. I have also found some samples since I posted my message, I have a much better idea now.

[George2248]

I also have a question about the CV/resume breed.

Where I am supposed to put my academic awards like scholarships, dean list, being top of my highschool or university class; all that kind of stuff.

Is this supposed to be on the SOP?, I think that might be boring and take too much space.

In the Personal History Statement?, which I think should be more focus on diversity.

Or in the CV/Resume? Which does not seem very professional for a Resume.

I am asking this because in my country Universities and Highschools really appreciate these kinds of awards and I have some that might be helpful to mention. But I havent found a really good place to fit them in my application.

Any advices?

[ktel]

I put awards and scholarships on my CV/Resume. I don't see what is unprofessional about it. I certainly don't include them on a resume I use for jobs, but for my CV that I use for other scholarships/awards and for grad school applications, absolutely.

[Eigen]

A general rule of thumb: You put everything on a CV, you only put the most relevant things on a Resume.

Basically, you just continuously add things to a CV- every paper, publication, presentation, class you've taught, etc.

When you go to write a resume, you pick those items which are most pertinent from your CV (about a pages worth) and use them.

The order of sections on my CV is as follows:

Education

Thesis (Title and Abstract), when you finish your Diss, it goes just above Thesis.

Employment

Fellowships

Honors/Awards

Professional/Academic Memberships

Publications

Presentations

Posters

Experience and Skills (Research, Leadership and Teaching subheadings)

Community Involvement

I've started pruning out the less relevant things from undergrad at this point, but all of the things from graduate school will probably stay on permanently.

[George2248]

A general rule of thumb: You put everything on a CV, you only put the most relevant things on a Resume.

Basically, you just continuously add things to a CV- every paper, publication, presentation, class you've taught, etc.

When you go to write a resume, you pick those items which are most pertinent from your CV (about a pages worth) and use them.

The order of sections on my CV is as follows:

Education

Thesis (Title and Abstract), when you finish your Diss, it goes just above Thesis.

Employment

Fellowships

Honors/Awards

Professional/Academic Memberships

Publications

Presentations

Posters

Experience and Skills (Research, Leadership and Teaching subheadings)

Community Involvement

I've started pruning out the less relevant things from undergrad at this point, but all of the things from graduate school will probably stay on permanently.

Ok that is good to know. I guess I will put must of it in education since I only have 1 year of professional experience, all I have are awards or scholarships from school.

One last thing, do you know where can I find some good sample of CV/Resume specially made for Graduate Applications?

Thanks for the help, I really appreciate it

[Eigen]

The "education" section should just be your degree(s) and dates with any honors received, ie:

Bachelor of Arts with Honors, East Colorado College (2008)

If you haven't graduated yet, then:

Bachelor of Arts with Honors, East Colorado College (Est. May 2012)

Scholarships would go in the "Fellowship" category (rename it if you have scholarships but no fellowships).

Awards would go under the "Honors/Awards" section.

Just strike any categories you have nothing in.

If you google "academic CVs" you will find tons of examples. Alternatively, go find CVs for faculty in the departments you're interested in, and then change categories to reflect things you have to put on them.

Edited October 5, 2011 by Eigen

[runonsentence]

CVs tend to look different not only from person to person (after all, it's possible to spin most experiences several different ways—e.g., my assistantship could go under a "professional experience" heading, a "teaching experience" heading, or "awards," depending on where it might look best based on my background), but also from field to field.

This is to say, if/when you look for samples, you may find it most helpful to base your own CV off samples by others in your field.

[Eigen]

CVs tend to look different not only from person to person (after all, it's possible to spin most experiences several different ways—e.g., my assistantship could go under a "professional experience" heading, a "teaching experience" heading, or "awards," depending on where it might look best based on my background), but also from field to field.

This is to say, if/when you look for samples, you may find it most helpful to base your own CV off samples by others in your field.

This. That's why I'd recommend looking up CVs of faculty where you're applying- those will be the best guide for how to design yours for them to read.

[fuzzylogician]

This. That's why I'd recommend looking up CVs of faculty where you're applying- those will be the best guide for how to design yours for them to read.

I'd recommend looking up not only faculty CVs but also those of graduate students in the departments you are applying to. The format and content of other students' CVs will have a closer resemblance to that of a PhD applicant. FWIW I have the following categories (in order): education, publications (journals, proceedings, other), presentations (refereed conferences, posters, workshops and other), teaching, fellowships honors and awards, research experience (for several RA positions), service and membership, languages (including programming languages and other software).

[Business2Biology]

I'm applying for Biology PhD programs and have had a few PIs indicate that they are interested in seeing my CV now - I am in a panic!

My research experience is woefully lacking, as I spent over a decade in the corporate world and then returned to school at a junior college with non-existent opportunities for research. I gained enormous experience from that work, but don't know how, or if it is even appropriate, to wedge that information in to a CV.

Thoughts? Thank you!

[georgemacin]

A Curriculum Vitae (CV) is an entire record of you experience and career while Resume is tailored to the purticular position that you are applying to. It maily lists relevent experiences as they relate to the position of interest. Resumes are standard in most career fields , while curriculum vitae are more common in academia and for positions that value an applicant's portfolio, publications, speaking engagements, etc.

Edited November 28, 2017 by TakeruK
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