CV vs. Resume: What's the Difference for South African Job Seekers?

Navigating the job market can feel like learning a new language, especially with terms like ‘CV’ and ‘Resume’ often used interchangeably. You might be wondering, “Is there actually a difference, especially here in South Africa? And which one do I need?” It’s a common question, and getting it right is important for making a great first impression.

Let’s clear up the confusion so you can confidently create the right document for your South African job applications.

What Exactly is a CV (Curriculum Vitae)?

Think of a traditional Curriculum Vitae (CV) – Latin for “course of life” – as your complete professional and academic history. It’s typically:

• Comprehensive: It includes details about your education, work experience, publications, presentations, awards, affiliations, and other relevant accomplishments.
• Longer: CVs don’t have a strict page limit and can often run for several pages, especially for academics or those with extensive experience.
• Static (Mostly): While you might tweak it slightly, the core content generally stays the same regardless of the specific job.

Globally, full-length CVs are most commonly used in academic, scientific, research, and medical fields.

And What’s a Resume?

A resume is a much more concise document. Its main purpose is to provide a summary of your skills, experience, and education that are most relevant to a specific job opening. Key characteristics include:

• Brief: Usually limited to one or, at most, two pages.
• Targeted: It’s highly customized for each specific job you apply for, highlighting the qualifications and skills the employer is looking for.
• Focused: It emphasizes achievements and skills relevant to the role, rather than providing an exhaustive history.

Resumes are the standard application document in countries like the USA and Canada.

The South African Context: It’s Mostly ‘CV’

Here’s the crucial part for job seekers in South Africa: the term ‘CV’ is overwhelmingly used as the standard term for any job application document.

You’ll rarely see a South African job advert asking for a ‘resume’. They almost always ask for a ‘CV’.

However, and this is key, while employers ask for a CV, they usually expect a document that functions much more like a resume:

• Concise: Recruiters often spend only seconds scanning each application. They want the most important information quickly. Aim for 2 pages, perhaps 3 if you have very extensive, relevant experience.
• Tailored: They expect you to highlight how your skills and experience match the specific job requirements.
• Relevant: They don’t need your entire life story, just the parts that prove you’re a great fit for this role.

So, in South Africa, you’ll be submitting a document called a ‘CV’, but it should ideally be structured and written with the principles of a concise, targeted resume in mind. The only major exception is if you’re applying for academic, research, or certain high-level government positions, where a longer, more traditional academic CV might be appropriate.

So, Which Should You Use in South Africa?

Use the term ‘CV’ but adopt the strategy of a resume.

1. Call it a CV: Label your document ‘Curriculum Vitae’ or ‘CV’.
2. Keep it Concise: Aim for 2 pages. Be ruthless about cutting information that isn’t relevant to the specific job.
3. Tailor it: Adjust your skills, experience descriptions, and professional summary for every job application to match the job advert.
4. Focus on Achievements: Use bullet points to highlight accomplishments and quantify them whenever possible.
5. Use a Clear Format: Make it easy to read with clear headings, good spacing, and a professional font.

Key Takeaways for SA Job Seekers

• In South Africa, ‘CV’ is the standard term used by employers.
• Despite the term, employers usually expect a concise (1-2 pages) and tailored document, similar to a resume.
• Always customise your ‘CV’ for the specific job you’re applying for.
• Only use a long, comprehensive academic-style CV if applying for academic or research roles.

Making it Easy with ThePerfectCV

Feeling unsure how to structure your South African CV? Don’t worry! At ThePerfectCV, our templates are designed to help you create professional, well-organized CVs that meet the expectations of South African recruiters. You can easily tailor the content for each application, ensuring you always put your best foot forward.

In Conclusion

While the global definitions differ, in the South African job market, the lines are blurred. Stick with calling your document a CV, but ensure it’s concise, targeted, and packed with relevant information, just like a great resume. Focus on showing employers exactly why you’re the perfect fit for their specific role.

Now go ahead and craft that winning CV!