The Difference Between a Bio, Resume and CV

Article of Interest

The Difference Between a Bio, Resume and CV

A certain amount of laziness causes us not to be precise in our spoken language, but when it comes to matters that have to do with our personal reputation and professional presentation, it is important to shed that ‘laziness’ and take note of what is needed of us. In this case, it’s about ensuring we deliver appropriately if we are ever asked for a bio, or a resume or a CV. They may be related documents – which is why in working circles, people tend to use the terms virtually interchangeably - but they are technically, very different. And here’s how.

Giving the right information to your recruiter is important

A bio is likely an abbreviation of stemming from the word biography or biographical summary, or something like that. That ‘laziness’ thing is creeping in again so that the word gets shortened to just ‘bio’. Essentially, however, it is a promotional summary of your most important, professional highlights used most commonly for introducing you in a presentation type event. It is a high level overview of you, without specific dates or details in your duties, but it’s always written in the third person. This is because it is most commonly read out by an event host or emcee as you are introduced to a larger audience. A bio is basically a brief story of your most compelling achievements. Bios can be found in corporate documents, or on websites where it is rarely more than a couple of paragraphs. Bios are not used in situation where you are trying to apply for a job.

“A bio is basically a brief story of your most compelling achievements.”

A resume (or more correctly, a résumé) on the other hand is used to apply for a job. It is a one or two page, sectionalised or bulleted listing of your professional information. It contains the factual and specific details of your education, experience, job titles, certifications and skills. The résumé is the first impression an employer may have of you and it is used to screen candidates for interviews. It is very important to note that, a résumé is not your life history though for younger job applicants, it can sometimes seem like it. Depending on the organization you are applying to, or the job you are applying for, your résumé should be tailored to suit that organization or job. That’s more an emphasis or design matter for the document, and not an exercise in fiction writing. For the vast majority of jobs you will likely apply for, a one page résumé works best. It will be the ‘taster’ that makes a recruiter bring you in for a more detailed discussion or interview. Some jobs, especially highly technical or very senior ones, may need more detail so that a two or even a three page résumé is normal.

“ A résumé is a sectionalised or bulleted listing of your professional information. The résumé should be tailored to suit that organization or job.”

A CV is short for curriculum vitae, Latin for “course of one’s life.” It’s a synopsis of your education, qualifications, and experience, and is usually submitted you are seeking a position in research, teaching, or a related academic position. It also includes other specific information such as awards, research projects, publications, presentations, and other accomplishments. In the US, recruiters don’t want the long, CV version your work history because it is just too tiresome to read. In Asia, recruiters may expect or even insist on a full CV, something which run from as few as three pages to as long as 20+ pages, depending upon the background and history of the candidate.

“ A CV is a synopsis of your education, qualifications, and experience…, awards, research projects, publications, presentations, and other accomplishments.”

Understanding the difference puts you in the position at least, of deciding exactly what to submit to what kind of employer for what kind of position. And thus, giving yourself a better chance of getting it right.