This article is recommended for individuals at any stage of their careers
Introduction
Having spent many years working in the field of recruitment, I've seen that many job seekers do not know the difference between a resume and a curriculum vitae (CV).
Though people frequently use the terms "resume" and "CV" interchangeably in Australia, there are clear distinctions between these two documents.
Throughout this blog post, I'll be going into what sets a resume apart from a CV. My aim is to provide you with the knowledge necessary to make well-informed choices as you create your job application materials.
What is a resume?
A resume is a concise document that highlights your relevant skills, qualifications, and work experience.
In Australia, resumes are usually limited to two pages and are made to fit specific job applications.
Resumes are highly customisable and allow you to draw attention to the best aspects of your professional history for a particular role.
Typical resume structure
The structure of an Australian resume generally includes the following sections:
Contact Information: Begin your resume by providing your name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile (if applicable).
Career Objective or Summary: This section gives a brief outline of your career goals and the value you can bring to the prospective employer.
Key Skills: Highlight your core skills and competencies that align with the job requirements.
Work Experience: Detail your professional experience in reverse chronological order, listing your job titles, company names, employment dates, and a concise description of your responsibilities and accomplishments.
Education and Qualifications: Mention your educational background, including degrees, certifications, and any relevant coursework or training.
Additional Sections: Depending on the aptness and strength of your application, you can include other sections such as professional memberships, volunteer work, publications, or relevant projects.
What is a CV?
In Australia, a curriculum vitae (CV) is a comprehensive document that provides an in-depth overview of your entire academic and professional history.
CVs are often used for academic and research positions, grants and scholarships, and international applications.
Unlike a resume, a CV can be longer and is not limited to a specific length.
Typical CV structure
Key sections usually found in an Australian CV include:
Personal Information: Include your name, contact details, and any other useful information.
Education: Detail your educational background, including degrees, institutions attended, dates of study, and academic achievements.
Professional Experience: Outline your work history, including positions held, responsibilities, accomplishments, and dates of employment.
Research Experience: Draw attention to any research projects you have undertaken, publications, conferences attended, grants received, and other research-related activities.
Skills and Qualifications: Highlight relevant skills, certifications, languages, or technical proficiencies.
Publications and Presentations: Include a list of your published works, articles, conference presentations, or speaking engagements.
Professional Associations and Memberships: List any professional organisations you belong to or any leadership roles held within those associations.
References: Optionally, you can provide a list of references or say that they are available upon request.
Conclusion
In summary, understanding the distinction between a resume and a CV is essential when applying for jobs in Australia.
A resume is a concise document tailored to specific job applications, highlighting relevant skills and work experience, while a CV provides a comprehensive overview of your academic and professional history.
By knowing the appropriate usage and structure of each document, you can effectively present your qualifications to potential employers, increasing your chances of securing your desired position.
Are you looking for a job?
Now that you know what the difference between a resume and a CV is, you should take a moment to check our current vacancies page.
At 11 Recruitment, we have a range of white-collar temp and perm jobs available. We're always on the lookout for top talent to place with our clients, so we encourage you to apply for any positions that are of interest.
If none of our current vacancies are right for you, you should register for job alerts. Then we’ll be able to notify you when we receive a position that matches your profile.
What are your thoughts?
I'd love to have a conversation with you about this topic - please leave a comment below if you have any thoughts or opinions 🙂
Christian Madsen
Managing Director of 11 Recruitment