What is a CV versus a Resume in Australia?
In Australia, many job seekers use the terms "CV" and "resume" interchangeably, but knowing the difference can give you the confidence to present your experience effectively.
Let’s break down what each document means and how to choose the right one for your job search.
The Difference Between a CV and a Resume
While both a CV and a resume serve to showcase your professional achievements, they have distinct purposes.
Curriculum Vitae (CV):
Latin for "course of life."
Provides an extensive overview of your career history and academic achievements.
Typically used for academic, research, and scientific roles.
A CV can be 3 or more pages long and includes detailed information about your education, publications, and professional appointments.
Resume:
Taken from the French word résumé, meaning "summary."
Provides a curated snapshot of your most relevant skills, experience, and accomplishments tailored to a specific role.
Resumes are usually 1-2 pages long in Australia, focusing on key achievements that align with the role you're applying for.
When to Use a CV and When to Use a Resume in Australia
In Australia, resumes are the most common document used for job applications. You’ll typically only need a CV if you’re applying for an academic or research position, a fellowship, or sometimes government roles.
Key Differences Between CVs and Resumes in Australia
1. Length
CV: Can be anywhere from 2 to 8 pages, depending on your career length and academic achievements.
Resume: Usually kept to 2 pages, though it can stretch to 3-4 pages if necessary (typically for senior roles where more detail is required around strategic/leadership experience).
2. Purpose
CV: Provides a complete history of your academic and professional life. It’s a living document, updated continuously as you gain new skills and experience.
Resume: Tailored to a specific role. Its main function is to sell your ability to perform a particular job, highlighting only the most recent and relevant aspects of your career.
3. Layout
CV: Typically starts with academic achievements and education, followed by professional appointments, research, and publications.
Resume: Typically begins with relevant skills, recent work experience, followed by education, certifications, and referees. It's much more targeted and streamlined.
Global Differences: CVs vs. Resumes
If you’re applying for jobs outside Australia, knowing the global differences between these terms is important. Some examples of how this can differ are:
Australia, India, South Africa: While “CV” and “resume” are used interchangeably, most job applications prefer a resume.
US and Canada: Use resumes for most applications, with CVs reserved for academic positions.
UK, Ireland, Europe, New Zealand: CVs are used for nearly all job applications, but they resemble what we in Australia call a resume.
What to Include in a CV
A CV offers a comprehensive view of your professional life. It typically includes:
Contact information.
Research objectives or professional profile.
Detailed education history.
Academic and board appointments.
Publications, presentations, and conferences.
Awards and honours.
Mentoring and leadership experience.
Languages, vocational memberships, and references.
What to Include in an Australian Resume
Australian employers, especially in competitive markets, expect resumes that are concise, focused, and easy to read. Here's what you should include:
Contact information.
A brief professional summary of your career.
Relevant work experience (up to the past 10-15 years).
Education and certifications.
Referees
Should I Send a CV or a Resume?
For most job applications in Australia, a resume will be the right choice. If you’re applying for a corporate role, especially in industries like tech, finance, or healthcare, a resume is the standard.
However, if you’re applying for academic or research-based roles, a CV may be more appropriate.
To make it easier, remember this rule of thumb:
Use a resume for the majority of roles.
Use a CV for academic or research-focused roles.
Why Keeping a CV (or Master Resume) is Still Useful
Even if a resume is more commonly required, maintaining an updated CV is still a smart move. It can act as a "master document" for your professional history, allowing you to quickly pull out relevant details to craft a tailored resume when needed.
I recommend setting aside time each year to update your all-encompassing CV. That way, you have a comprehensive overview of your career that can save you hours of work when the perfect job opportunity arises.
In today’s job market, having a well-written resume or CV is just the first step. To truly stand out, you need to combine a strong career document with the ability to network, relationship-build, tailor individual cover letters, respond to the essential criteria listed in the job ad, and perform well under interview pressure. Connecting with recruiters and potential employers can often help you get noticed, and combined with your career documents, help you secure that next interview.
Need help crafting the perfect resume or CV? Get in touch for a free consultation, and let’s get your career documents in shape so you can stand out in your job search with confidence.