Strengths & Weaknesses of the Curriculum Vitae Format

by Steve Lander Google

A curriculum vitae is typically used in academics and related positions and is also standard in other countries. It's like a resume, but much more detailed, covering such additional items as your publications, grants, and memberships. CVs also typically include a more expansive view of work you've done, including organizational leadership and volunteer work. Resumes, on the other hand, are usually short, sweet and to the point.

Additional Detail

If you've done a lot that is of interest to a potential employer, a curriculum vitae gives you the space you need to tell your whole story. It's not uncommon for CVs to have ten or more pages for people who are highly prolific in their field. Furthermore, you aren't just limited to describing what you've done in your job or your skills. You can also add information on your interests and focuses moving forward.

When CVs Are Necessary

When you need a CV, a resume is not a substitute. Typically, CVs are used in academic positions, where your publishing and research history as well as your memberships and fellowships are important parts of your background. CVs may also be used in advanced scientific research positions.

Message Dilution

Sending in a detailed curriculum vitae runs the risk of diluting the message you send a traditional employer. Most employers want to get a focused sense of who you are, what you've done and what you can do for them. Digging through pages of presentations and publications doesn't help them answer their relatively straightforward questions.

Limited Attention Spans

One rule of thumb is that your resume will be reviewed for 30 seconds at most. In many instances, it'll just get scanned and analyzed by a computer for keywords. The CV's leisurely format presents too much information for a recruiter to scan in 30 seconds. It can also push your keywords to where they aren't picked up at all.

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