Are We Talking CVs or Resumés?

You’ve probably picked up on my repeated references to Cvs & Resumés & Resumé CVs (& any other SEO-optimised combo I can call upon to appease Google & the algorithm gods). But there is so much more to the conversation than that.

CV vs Resumé What’s The Big Difference? 

In the UK we (I’m a Brit born Australian) use the term CV, short for Curriculum Vitae, in place of the more popular Australian term, resumé.

What does Curriculum Vitae mean?

Curriculum Vitae is a latin phrase that literally translates as ‘course of life’ (think school curriculum). Fun fact: he term is thought originate from as far back as 1482.

At that time legendary Italian polymath, painter, draughtsman, engineer, scientist, theorist, sculptor, and architect, Leonardo Da Vinci, penned a list of his skills and life experiences entitled The Course of One’s Life. He then sent it to the Duke of Milan in a bid to secure work.

What is a CV?

Despite Australians using CV and resumé interchangeably, a modern day CV is technically meant to be a much lengthier document that comprehensively showcases every aspect of your professional life. From academia and research to work experience, awards and accolades. An exhaustive listing of every adult move you’ve made that relates to your personal body of work.

So What’s a Resumé in Australia?

In complete contrast, a resumé is a much shorter summary, typically two pages plus an optional cover letter.

Think highlight reel of the specific achievements, skills and experience relevant to the job you’re applying for.

So although there’s a common (mis)perception that Australians misuse the term resumé, we are actually 100% on point.

Where does the term resumé originate from?

Resumé originates from the French word resumer: to summarise. In the 1800s French professionals began using a shortened version of lengthy CVs and referring to them as resumés - summaries. The Brits then adopted the term, keeping the accented é to distinguish it from the English word resume.

Look at us learning something new every day, literally polymaths in the making 😉

3 CV & Resumé Writing Tips From A Copywriter

If you think I’m about to drop some value add knowledge here so you can pop off and pen your own resumé you’re about to be disappointed 🤣

As an experienced veteran copywriter, here are my 3 hot tips for resumé writing:

1: Hire a professional copywriter

2: Brief them supremely well on what you’re looking for and where you’re hoping to find it

3: Make sure that copywriter is Charlie, the renowned copywriter behind What Charlie WROTE - and order the Disruptive Resumé™️ package.

Contact What Charlie ReWrote

Contact Charlie at What Charlie HQ to discuss commissioning the resumé that rewrites your recruitment story.

Where to Follow @WhatCharlieReWrote

Find What Charlie ReWrote on Instagram & connect with me, Charlie, on LinkedIn