What's the difference between a Resume & CV??

Resumes are used for applying for a particular job/position with a company.  They contain educational information, past employment experiences, additional skills you possess (IE: Computer applications such as word/excel) honors/awards you've received, information on any organizations you belong to, and a way to contact references (this part can always be provided in detail later should your potential employer request it).

CVs differ from resumes in that they are a 'record of your life' as to say.  They are a complete, formal, detailed, & structured listing of relevant accomplishments (In our case, relating to the pharmacy world).



CV  Tips  &  Tricks:
  • Your CV/Resume should have 1" margins, proper spacing, all info. lined up neatly, with the use of bold/underline/italics where appropriate (not too much, not too little). 
  • Use bullet points to list details about a particular item of interest.
    • It should be EASY to read and not look bunched together with too much information.  Be informative, but concise.
  • List dates of occurrence (whether it's work experience, education, etc) in REVERSE chronological order
  • "Front Load It" - meaning, put the most important information towards the beginning of the document
    • For example:  Educational/Personal studies & Previous Employment (especially in a higher up position such as management)
  • List rotations that you've been on & what presentations or projects you were a part of or lectured about
  • There CANNOT be any typos or grammatical errors!  Read, refine, and correct your CV/Resume until it's PERFECT.  Have several friends & family members read it & give you feedback on what to correct!
  • Print out your CV on off-white, professional Resume paper (found in any office supply store


DON'T...
  • Submit a CV with typographical errors!  It MUST be perfect!
  • Use a non-professional email address (IE: ShortyPharmer4U@hotmail.com)
    • Professional email example:  John.Doe@gmail.com
  • Submit a photo of yourself (of any kind)
  • Print your CV/Resume on a bright/colorful piece of paper (IE: hot pink).
    • Yes you'll be recognized & remembered, but in the WRONG way.
  • List references for your employer to call, that might say negative things about you and/or have no idea that an employer will be calling them!
    • Ask someone if you can use them as a reference & notify them (when you submit your CV/Resume) that they may get a call in the near future from a potential employer.


Additional Help:
You can use our school's career services resource center.  Click HERE


A great website to checkout for CV & Resume help is on the CareerPharm website.  Click HERE




Author: Publicity Chairman in year 2007-8, Michael Blecker

NOTE:  The information presented here is based on personal, real-world, learning experiences as well as some in-class & mentor discussions.  The author assumes no liability for this information, as it is presented 'for your informational purposes only'.  Always have your CV/Resume reviewed by a qualified professional before submission to a company, school, or other corporate entity.