CVs and Resume: Similarities and Differences | 关于履歷(CV 及 Résumé) 的分別 | 关于履历 (CV 及 Résumé) 的分别

In Hong Kong, the SCMP Classified Post which comes with every Saturday edition of the daily newspaper SCMP, is usually thick and filled with job advertisements from many industries. Recruiters normally specify that they need a CV and about half of them wanted a Résumé . So that makes one think if these two terms are used interchangeably because they are similar or are there differences at all. If I were to apply for a position that asks for a CV, I would provide a CV instead of a Résumé ... so how do they compare? How are they the same and where do they differ?

Purpose
-- Similarity: Both CV and Résumé give a summary of your credentials and other relevant information about your skills, achievements and professional history that will allow your prospective employer to have a glimpse as to whether you are suitable for a post and to make the informed decision as to whether to call you up for an interview. Both are standard format required for job applications although some companies prefer one format over the other.
-- Differences: For the purpose of job applications, the Résumé format is usually preferred in America (and American companies) and the CV format, the rest of the world. CVs are used in applications for positions in the academia or for applying to institutes of higher learning.

Document Features
-- Similarities: Both are organized into distinct understandable sections which provides information about you.
-- Differences: CVs are more detailed and complete and in reverse chronological order. Résumés are shorter, more focused and targeted to the post applied for - irrelevant information is excluded. CVs are about 2 to 3 pages long - Résumés do not usually exceed 2 pages, 1 page is ideal. CVs are more formal than resumes (which tends to have promotional vocabulary). Résumés can come in different formats of presentation because it is a less formal than a CV.

It takes time and a good deal of understanding of the similarities and differences, and practice to be able to come up with a quality piece of CV or Résumé . Getting down to producing a "perfect" CV and Résumé is quite a daunting task for many people. Some people would procrastinate or avoid this task altogether, especially if it has to be in written English (a language which may not be familiar to all). But not having a proper CV and Résumé will cost job seekers dearly.

Every person of working age should start building his / her CV and Résumé and keep the documents updated all the time so that they are accurate. If one had spent much money on education and sacrificed great effort in work - why should all these go unnoticed or under represented in one's Résumé to the detriment of one's future in the career?