Curriculum vitae or resume?
While the terms resume and curriculum vitae are often used interchangeably, they are in fact two separate documents. A resume is a one- to two-page document job seekers use to market credentials to prospective employers. The very best resumes clearly demonstrate how your qualifications match job requirements. Curriculum vitae are much longer in length and primarily market academic or medical credentials, such as: advanced degrees, certifications, licenses, publications, professional affiliations, presentations, and conference participation.
Kaiyo has chosen to use a curriculum vitae but his document is so long,
he runs the risk that employers won’t bother to take the time to
evaluate his qualifications. For starters, a more traditional
organization of information would make it easier to read along with
careful editing.
Begin with a heading for the top of the first page
including name, address, and contact information. Consolidate the
introduction, key strengths, and technical skills to quickly demonstrate
areas of strength and expertise. Significant achievements can follow if
they are edited to true successes and not work responsibilities.
Employer names can be integrated into the text to save a column of
space. Follow with a thorough edit and revision to eliminate a mostly
blank page second page as well as consolidating and dramatically
reducing duplications in experience and achievements. Some of the unused
material can be recycled in cover letters and interview discussions.
Appearances count; how we present qualifications, whether in a resume or curriculum vitae, is most important. Produce the document to draw the employer’s eye using two fonts (one for top and section headings and another for all other text) and desktop publishing features such as bullets and ruling lines. Just remember to be consistent throughout the document; Kaiyo mixes up margins, indentations, boxes, and bullets which make it harder to follow.
