Job Discussion Forums

thadd · Posted: Sat Apr 12, 2003 6:24 pm Post subject: What is a CV?

Hello, I've recently be entertaining job offers... and a lot of people ask me to send a CV. I'm new to this field, and have never heard of the term up until now.

Could someone give me a hand?
Thanks.

Guest · Posted: Sat Apr 12, 2003 6:29 pm Post subject:

Maybe this term is not used in North America?? It stands for curriculum vitae, but you would most likely know it as a resume.

Shonai Ben · Joined: 15 Feb 2003 Posts: 617

That's right.
I can't believe you don't know this. Shocked

bnix · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 645

The term CV is certainly not limited to TESOL.If you are jobhunting,it is really quite imperative to know what a CV is...I tend to agree with Ben,,,,you mean you really never heard the term before?It is used in North America,along with resume.

Which is better to use or IS there a better one? I have had several discussions with people over this one.Some people prefer "resume" because they claim it is shorter,"punchy",and everyone knows "resume(although of course,if your keyboard lacks an accent mark character,there is the possibility of confusing it with the verb"resume")

Some people claim "curriculum vita"(I suppose the plural should be curricula vitae?Never taken Latin) sounds too pompous,but is okay and sounds impressive if you are applying for certain types of positions,especially academic positions.But if one is applying for a mechanic's job or a plumber's job,doesn't "curriculum vita" sound too grandiose?

Anyway,I hope the original poster knows what a CV is now....important thing to know. Smile

Irish · Joined: 13 Jan 2003 Posts: 371

thadd:

Although people often use resume and CV interchangeably, there is supposed to be a difference. You've probably heard that resumes should be kept to one page, two at the most. A real CV is longer (2+ pages) and more detailed. Besides employment and educational experiences, it will include things like research, publications, awards, presentations, professional memberships, etc.

Which format should you use? Well, if you've got enough material for a real CV and the job post asks for a CV, give 'em a CV. On the other hand, people who are just starting out may struggle to come up with enough to put onto a one-page resume.

Below is a link for more info about CVs--hope it helps.

Irish

http://jobsearch.about.com/library/weekly/aa100800a.htm

thadd · Posted: Sat Apr 12, 2003 11:26 pm Post subject: ...

Well I know now. That's a bunch, guys.

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

To Bnix:
"curriculum vitae" is the correct singular form; "vitae" is NOT plural, but the genitive case (for the English language, this is 'possessive').
The French "resumee" (with two 'e's with a aigue marker, one over the first 'e, the other over the first 'e' after the letter 'm' is a noun that has a somewhat similar meaning to 'abstract' (as a noun), as in 'abstract precis' (another Frenchism, I am afraid). CV and resumee can all refer to abridged, summary biographies. It is custom to add a cover letter when applying for a job.

Sunpower · Joined: 22 Jan 2003 Posts: 256 Location: Taipei, TAIWAN

Celeste · Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2003 4:27 am Post subject:

I too am from BC, Canada originally, and until I started job hunting abroad, I had never heard of a CV either. I think that in Canada (well in BC anyway) we only use the term resume.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

"I can't believe you don't know this.
Is this all you have to offer? Why even respond to the post?"

I too found it ASTONISHING that a job seeker did not know about a cv. By the way don't they have dictionaries ? Or is it basic reference skills that are disappearing as everyone under 40 uses the web to answer their questions about everything ?