As recruiters of medical professionals from around the world, one thing we see a lot at Scope-Medical is huge variations in CVs… or is it resumes?
In Australia, the terms resume and CV are used interchangeably, though if you are applying for a job here from oversees, you may have a different understanding of what you’re being asked for. Wherever you’re from, what you send to a recruiter may be the first impression your prospective new employer will have of you, so it’s important to know what’s what.
First things first, what is the difference between a CV and a resume?
Curriculum Vitae
A CV – an abbreviation for curriculum vitae - is a chronological formatted record of your entire work history. If asked for a CV, the format should be clear and concise, accurately displaying your employment history, complete with dates, role titles, and employers.
CVs are used more for academics, including doctors, who document their ENTIRE employment history, not just what’s relevant for the job. You will include your qualifications, accreditations and research papers, any committees or boards you serve, and any relevant industry associations you belong to.
A CV is static and doesn’t change for different positions, the difference would be in the cover letter. Resume
A resume is used more for people in professional services, such as Executives and Recruitment Consultants. It should be succinct – one to four pages maximum – and include information on up to 7 years of employment history tailored to the needs of the specific role you are applying for. It does not have to be ordered chronologically (though most people do it this way), and some people even organise their resumes by industry experience, or by skill-set. The other key difference is that typically in a resume a candidate may note their achievements, values, KPIs, financial outcomes, direct reports and even hobbies, whereas this would not be appropriate in a CV.
Not sure? Applying for a job is a time-consuming process, particularly if you’re from overseas. If you aren’t sure exactly what you need to send to the recruiter or new employer, just ask! Understanding whether it is a one-page summary they are after or a complete history of your professional life will make you feel a lot more confident when you push the button to apply. TOP TIP: We recommend having a current CV which contains all of your work history and qualifications as a ‘live’ document. This way you can pick and choose what to include if your employer wants to see a resume with selected information only! Are you a medical professional looking for a job in Australia? Get in touch with Scope-Medical today on +61 3 8060 5181.