Practice Tip of the Week | Resume, CV, or Both?

By Latieia Key, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, CPPS, CCRN

When applying for nursing jobs, it’s essential to understand the difference between a resume and a Curriculum Vitae (CV) and why both are important for your career growth.

A resume is often required for job applications. It provides a concise snapshot of your skills, education, experience, and qualifications relevant to the specific position you’re applying for. As a nurse, your resume should be tailored to each job, highlighting the experience and competencies that align with the employer’s needs.

On the other hand, a CV is a comprehensive record of your entire professional career. Unlike a resume, a CV is not tailored to specific job postings and includes detailed information about your education, certifications, research, publications, professional development, and other career milestones.

While you may not need a CV immediately after graduating, it’s important to start creating one early, even during nursing school. A CV will grow with your career, so it’s easier to add to it as you gain more experience. Starting early will ensure you don’t forget key accomplishments along the way.

When Creating Your Resume

• Start with a strong summary statement: Start your resume with a brief overview of your professional experience, skills, and what you bring to the table. This helps employers quickly see the value you may bring to the organization.

• Tailor your resume to the job. Adjust your resume for each position you apply to, emphasizing the skills and experiences most relevant to the specific job. It is not uncommon to have multiple versions of your resume at any given time.

• Use bullet points. Clearly list your job duties and achievements using bullet points for easy readability. Focus on accomplishments, not just job descriptions.

• Include your nursing license, specialized board certifications, as well as any non-board certifications or continuing education pertinent to the job.

• Keep it concise. A resume should be no longer than one or two pages, so you have to prioritize the most important and relevant information.

When Creating Your CV

• Include everything you have done related to your profession. A CV is a comprehensive record that includes all relevant education, experiences, certifications, professional memberships, research, publications, awards, and continuing education.

• Organize your CV into distinct sections (e.g., Education, Professional Experience, Certifications, Research, Publications, etc.) to make it easy for employers to navigate.

• Use a chronological format. Start with your most recent experiences and work backward. This helps show growth and progression in your career.

• Add academic details early on. If you’re still in nursing school, start with your education and include any relevant coursework, clinical rotations, projects, professional engagement, or awards.

• Update it regularly. Your CV will grow over time, so update it regularly with new certifications, achievements, experiences, and professional involvement.

Begin your CV alongside your resume to capture all of your experiences and achievements. You’ll thank yourself later when it’s time to apply for advanced roles or academic opportunities or when one of your colleagues asks for your resume or CV so they can recommend you for an award. The sooner you start, the easier it will be to track your journey as a professional nurse.

REFERENCES

Wolff, D. A. (2022). Your résumé: The essential document for career advancement: Stand out from the pack by tailoring your résumé to specific positions. American Nurse Journal, 17, 14–17.