Which Career Document is Right for You?

Posted by Jenn Miller on Jul 9, 2013 in Blog, Calgary Professional Resumes | Comments Off on Which Career Document is Right for You?

Are you confused about the different types of career documents? Not sure if you need a resume, a curriculum vitae, a biography, or all three? Finding the right certified resume writer in Calgary can help you answer these questions. The following descriptions can help you understand the best and most practical uses for each of these documents.

Let’s start with a resume. Your resume is a marketing tool; it’s selling you to potential employers. Resumes are usually one or two pages in length, and contain information about your accomplishments, experience, education, and skills. The purpose of your resume is to show a potential employer why you would be a great addition to their organization, and give them a reason to contact you for an interview.

A curriculum vitae, commonly referred to as a CV, is a longer, more detailed synopsis of your work history and education. In North America, CVs are commonly used in applying for academic, medical, or research positions, so they also include information about publications, research, presentations, teaching, professional affiliations, and awards. While much of this information may also be captured in a resume, a resume presents it in a more succinct and comprehensive manner.

Finally, a biography is a summary of who you are, as a professional and as a person. Your biography should be one page or less, and is written mostly in paragraph form. A biography provides an overview of your work experience and accomplishments, and also expands into your personality traits. A well-written biography will complement your resume, not just repeat the same information.

In summary, generally most people need a resume (and a cover letter), when applying for a job. If you’re applying for work in countries outside of North America, or for work in the medical or education fields, you may also need a CV. Finally, a lot of employers may also ask for a biography, especially for people in senior and executive positions. Having the right documents prepared for potential employers can set you apart from other candidates, so be ready!