Difference Between Bio-Data, Resume and Curriculum Vitae (CV)

When applying for a job, potential employers will ask you to submit a Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV), and sometimes a Bio-Data. Many people are confused about the difference, while some feel they all mean the same thing. But they are not, though, the goal of each is to put forward your qualifications. On the surface level, all the three mean the same. However, there are intricate differences. Each of these documents details your work history, skills and academic achievements in a subtle different way.  So, what is the difference between a Biodata, Resume and CV?  Read on.

For all intents and purposes, the usage of "C.V." in Africa, Europe, Asia is synonymous with "Résumé" in the United States.  The purpose of the documents are the same, but the forms and conventions are different.  In the U.S., Curriculum Vitae is used almost exclusively when one is pursuing an academic job. While, the term bio-data is mostly used in India while applying to government jobs, or research grants.

The primary differences among these documents are the length, what is included and what each is used for.

Lets review each and know the difference

RESUME

Resume is a French word meaning "summary", and true to the word meaning, signifies a summary of one's employment, education, and other skills, used in applying for a new position. 
A resume is a one or two page summary of your skills, experience and education. It is brief and concise - no more than a page or two. They do not list out all the education and qualifications, but only highlight specific skills customized to target the job profile in question. The content aims at providing the reader a balance of responsibilities and accomplishments for each position.

CURRICULUM VITAE (C.V)

Curriculum Vitae is a Latin word meaning "course of one's life" or "running of life".  A Curriculum Vitae includes a summary of your educational and academic backgrounds as well as teaching and research experience, publications, presentations, awards, honors, affiliations and other details. A  C.V. is more detailed than a resume. A  C.V. displays general talent rather than specific skills for any specific positions (resume).

In Africa, Europe, the Middle East, or Asia, employers may expect to receive a curriculum vitae.
In the United States, a curriculum vitae is used primarily when applying for academic, education, scientific or research positions. It is also applicable when applying for fellowships or grants. Hence, any application outside academic circle, an employer expects a resume from applicants.

BIO-DATA

Bio Data the short form for Biographical Data, is the old-fashioned terminology for Resume or C.V. The emphasis in a bio data is on personal particulars like date of birth, religion, sex, race, nationality, residence, martial status, and the like. It also contains chronological listing of education, skills, experience and other things normally found in a resume usually come last. Bio-data also includes applications made in specified formats as required by a company.

The term bio-data is mostly used in India while applying to government jobs, or when applying for research grants and other situations where one has to submit descriptive essays.

Conclusion

Personal information such as age, sex, religion and others, and hobbies are never mentioned in a resume,  many people include such particulars in the C.V, however, this is neither required nor considered in the US market. A Bio-data, on the other hand always include personal particulars.