A curriculum vitae and a résumé generally refer to the same thing—a summary of an individual’s accomplishments, career, and qualifications—but their form and information content will depend on the purpose, on the institution or company requiring them, and on the part of the world where they are required.
In the United States, in particular, a curriculum vitae is typically required when applying for academic, education, scientific, or research positions as well as for fellowships or grants; a résumé is required when applying for work employment. In contrast, submitting a curriculum vitae instead of a résumé is generally required when applying for a job in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, or Asia.
As a rule, a curriculum vitae is longer and more detailed than a résumé. It provides a more detailed synopsis of the individual’s background and skills together with a summary of his or her educational and academic backgrounds as well as teaching and research experience, publications, presentations, awards, honors, affiliations, and other details. Take note that the extent or level of disclosure of personal information in a curriculum vitae or résumé might differ from country to country; in an American résumé, in particular, the date of birth, nationality, and place of birth of the job applicant is by statute not required nor must be indicated.
The website About.com provides detailed discussions of how to write a curriculum vitae and a résumé. Simply click the following links to read them:
About.com Curriculum Vitae Writing GuideAbout.com Résumé Writing GuideYou can find and download several résumé forms from the site
Instant Résumé Templates, particularly for professional, career change, entry-level, and basic academic purposes.
Armed with the information above, anyone should be able to whip up an excellent curriculum vitae or a résumé for any specific purpose.
