12 Nov 2019 | 4 mins

When I first wanted to find a job, I was left scratching my head in confusion by the daunting world of resumes, CVs and cover letters. What on earth are they all? What differs between them?

Don't worry, we've got you covered.

Resumes

A resume, or résumé, meaning ‘to sum up’ in French, is a structured summary of your work experience, education and skills. It is typically one to two pages long and should be targeted to a specific job.

My resume, for example, is split into five sections and is one page long. However, my way isn’t gospel as resumes don’t have a format rule. If it helps, here is how I structure my resume:

1. Contact information - Name, address, email and phone number.

2. Work objective - I alter this for each job as I want something different from working in a cafe than a publishing company, for example.

3. Previous Work Experience - Detailing where I worked, when I worked there, skills I picked up from that job and responsibilities I had. Keep it concise though!

4. Education - Where I studied, where I am currently studying now, any short courses that are perhaps relevant to that specific job. Perhaps certificates and achievements if it seems relevant.

5. Skills and Achievements - Talents that show dedication and that are relevant to the job (If you want to work at a music store, include that you play the violin). This can also include other languages you speak, past experiences that show leadership, computer skills, communication…

Quickly at the bottom, I'd include referees and availabilities if it seemed relevant. Like when I went for a bar job, I said I was free to work nights. This doesn't particularly have to be added as that can be discussed later down the track though so it's up to you.

CVs

CV stands for curriculum vitae which, in Latin, translates to ‘course of life’.

Now, when I was applying for my first job, I was told that resumes and CV’s in Australia are almost interchangeable. They are almost a synonym for each other although technically, they are different and some jobs will still ask for either a CV or a resume, so don’t be stumped! 

A CV is usually longer than a resume and it can run for as long as 10 pages. It's meant to be a comprehensive document in chronological order that covers your professional achievements, work skills and academic accomplishments in detail. Especially when you’re older with a lot more experience in different fields, it is more relevant to include when applying for a job. Unlike a resume, it isn’t edited to target a specific job as all your experience is set in stone. The only changes are made when you need to add new experience. 

Cover Letters

Unfortunately, there is no fancy Latin or French translation for this one. It literally is a cover letter.

A cover letter introduces yourself with a brief description and compliments your resume and/or CV. It is tailored to the job you’re applying for and would explain to the recruiter why you’re a perfect candidate for this job, why you’re applying for the job and relevant skills and achievements.

Cover letters are generally no longer than half a page. They are articulate yet sharp.

 

So now you have it. You finally know the difference and purpose of resume's, CVs and cover letters. Now set forth, young grasshopper, and go get yourself a dang job.