Resumes and CVs are not created equal

Resumes and curriculum vitae (CV) are commonly used to present professional experience and qualifications to potential employers. While CVs are often used to demonstrate experience when applying for positions in academia, resumes are more commonly used in industry. They are both essential documents that showcase your qualifications, but their styles differ in a few key ways.

A CV typically includes a more detailed overview of your academic and professional accomplishments. They often include thorough descriptions of research projects, and unlike resumes, often include a list of publications, as well as details on conference presentations, and awards won. In contrast, a resume is a concise document that highlights your work achievements and skills relevant to the position you are applying to. Often, resumes are tailored to the specific job and should be brief enough to read within 30 seconds to a minute.

Another key difference between CVs and resumes is their structure. CVs are not limited by page count and can be organized thematically to highlight a researcher’s area of expertise. CVs may also place a greater emphasis on one’s education. Resumes, on the other hand, are often limited to 1 to 2 pages in length and are organized chronologically, with the most recent work experience first. Resumes also tend to use very brief, one sentence long lists of achievements at work, with less emphasis on education.

If you are an academic considering a transition to, or partnership with industry, you will likely need to convert your CV to a resume to highlight your relevant skills and experience. Below, we provide a few suggestions to help you convert your CV into a compelling resume.

Tailor your resume to the job
CVs tend to be written to highlight an individual’s skills and experience more broadly. However, a resume should be written in a way that demonstrates an individual’s fit for a particular job. When preparing your resume, read the job description and highlight the skills and experiences that match your own. Use the same language and keywords that the employer uses to show that you are a good fit for the job.

Be concise
Since a resume should ideally be 1 to 2 pages long, brevity is paramount. Include only the most pertinent information from your academic or research experience and use bullet points to organize the text and make it easier to read. Using clear and direct language (think active voice) often helps to communicate ideas concisely.

Demonstrate achievements rather list responsibilities
Often, with a CV, work experience is depicted as a list of research projects worked on, skills acquired, and responsibilities assumed for a particular role. However, when preparing a resume, you will want to communicate your fit for the job by demonstrating accomplishments, preferably by explicitly stating quantifiable outcomes. For example, rather than listing “Grant proposal writing” as a skill, state “Developed grant proposals that led to awards totaling $100,000.”

Use a simple format
Because hiring managers have limited time to review applicants, in addition to limiting your resume to 1–2 pages, make sure to use a simple format; think minimalist. Text should be in a standard font (e.g., Times New Roman, Calibri) and avoid unnecessary colors, shapes, icons, or different font size (aside from your name). List your experience chronologically and emphasize accomplishments at work over skills and education.

Your resume is often the first impression a potential employer has of you, so it is important to maximize the opportunity. By following these tips, you can create a resume that showcases your qualifications, demonstrates why you are the best fit for the position, and be one step closer to landing your dream job.