When you’re starting a new job search or shifting careers, one of the first things you need is a strong professional document — but should you create a resume or a CV?
This question confuses many job seekers. While both are used to present your qualifications and experience, they’re not the same, and choosing the wrong one can hurt your chances of getting shortlisted.
At Shine Right Consultant, we’ve reviewed and written thousands of resumes and CVs for clients across industries — from fresh graduates to senior professionals. In this guide, we’ll break down the real difference between the two and help you decide which one is right for you.
Table of Contents
What Is a Resume?
A resume is a short, targeted summary of your professional profile. It typically spans 1 to 2 pages and is tailored to a specific job or role.
Its purpose is simple: to quickly show an employer that you’re a strong match for a particular job. Because recruiters spend just a few seconds on initial resume screening, your resume needs to be clear, relevant, and results-driven.
- Your contact information
- A professional summary or career objective
- Key skills related to the job
- Recent work experience (with achievements)
- Education
- Certifications or technical skills
Example:
What a resume usually includes:
If you’re applying for a marketing job, your resume should highlight things like:
“Increased website traffic by 45% through SEO and paid ad campaigns.”
Not just:
“Handled marketing tasks.”
Resumes are about impact, not just duties.
What Is a CV (Curriculum Vitae)?
A CV, which stands for Curriculum Vitae (Latin for “course of life”), is a more detailed and comprehensive document. It outlines your entire academic and professional history, and it’s commonly used in fields like academia, research, education, healthcare, or when applying abroad.
There’s no strict page limit — it can be 2 to 10+ pages, depending on your experience.
What a CV typically includes
Full educational background
Academic achievements
Research work or thesis
Publications and presentations
Awards, grants, and scholarships
Professional affiliations and certifications
Teaching or training experience
Example:
If you’re applying for a research role or a PhD, your CV should include:
Your research title and supervisor
List of published journal articles
Conferences attended
Technical skills and lab experience
A CV is not tailored for a specific job — it presents your full professional journey.
Expert Tips from Shine Right Consultant
Expert Tips from Shine Right Consultant
Having worked on over 3,000+ profiles at Shine Right Consultant, here are some powerful insights from our team that can make your resume or CV stand out:1. Always Read the Job Description Carefully
If a company asks for a “CV,” they might actually mean a resume (especially in India). Look at the job type. If it’s a private company, they usually want a resume — even if they say “CV.”2. Avoid Listing Responsibilities — Show Results
Instead of saying:
“Managed a sales team”
Say:
“Led a 7-member sales team and achieved 130% of quarterly targets for three consecutive quarters.”
3. Keep it Updated Every 6 Months
Even if you’re not job hunting, keep your resume/CV updated. Add any new certifications, skills, projects, or achievements while they’re fresh in your mind.
4. Use Clean, Professional Formatting
Avoid overly designed templates. Many companies use ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) that can’t read complex designs. We provide ATS-friendly formats at Shine Right Consultant that look professional and perform well in systems.
5. Don’t Mix the Two Formats
Sometimes people make a hybrid — a long resume with academic details, or a CV with no structure. Avoid this. Stick to the format that matches your career goals and industry.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Need a professionally written resume or CV? Let us help you get noticed.
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