5 Differences between CV, Resume and Biodata
Most of our visitors have asked the question, what is the difference between a CV, Resume and biodata? This article is aimed at identifying the differences, why they are important and knowing the exact one to use depending on which type of application.
CV – Curriculum Vitae this refers to the summary of your skills, experience, and education however, it contains more detail and is often longer than 2 pages.
CV can be used especially when applying for graduate school academic positions, scientific research, Admission to graduate school, Research and consulting positions in a variety of settings, Fellowships or grants, Nigerian jobs or International jobs, Teaching, research, and upper-level administrative positions in higher education, Professional association leadership positions, Speaking engagements, Publishing and editorial review boards, School administration positions, Independent consulting Academic departmental and tenure reviews.
Example of CV
A CV is a best-preferred option for fresh graduates, professionals or people looking for a career change, and those applying for academic positions.
Then am sure the question on your mind is;
Can I use a resume instead of a CV?
You would use a resume instead of a CV in scenarios like A CV is typically required when applying for international, academic, scientific, or research positions. The resume is the preferred format used by mostly job applicants when applying for jobs in the U.S and Canada.
What is a Resume?
The resume is a document that summarizes your work experience, education, skills and achievements for a prospective employer, this document is always required as part of a job application. A Resume is usually considered to be one to two pages if you have less than 10 years of professional experience.
Management staff, senior executives or academics may like to have resumes that are three pages or more. Resume should exclude Personal details such your religion, age or marital status and also every job you’ve ever had, especially when it isn’t relevant to the job you’re currently applying for.
A resume is best suited when applying for middle and senior-level positions in an organization, where experience and specific skills rather than education is important for the job role.
Example of Resume
Step by Step Process of writing a resume or CV, also free format available for download that could help you create the right CV to earn that well-deserved role you’re seeking. Lastly what if for the application biodata is required here is how to go about it?
What is Bio-Data?
Biodata can be defined as the shortened form of Biographical Data, this is usually an outdated way of referring to a resume or CV.
Example of Bio Data
what to include in Biodata are the date of birth, religion, sex, race, marital status, address, phone number and the like followed by a chronological listing of education and experience.
5 Differences between CV, Resume and Biodata
| S\No. | CV | Resume | Bio Data |
| 1 | CV means Curriculum Vitae is a Latin term that means a course of life | A resume is a French word for a summary | BioData is a shortened form of Biographical Data |
| 2. | Emphasizes on academic accomplishments. | Emphasizes skills | Emphasizes on describing the individual |
| 3 | Can be a living document updated frequently. | Usually changes with job requirement | Usually constant subject to minimal update. |
| 4 | Used when applying for academic, scientific or medical positions, grants or fellowship | Preferred in the US and Canada for job applications | Preferred in India and some government jobs in Nigeria |
| 5 | The length depends on experience including a list of publications, posters, presentation award, fellowship etc. | No longer than two pages | The length depends on the description of the individual |
In countries like Nigeria, South Africa and Austria Resume, CV and Biodata are interchangeably used when applying for job roles.
Are there any differences not list leave a comment below would love to hear from you.