What is a Resume
A resume is a short, straight-to-the-point, document created for the purpose of applying to a specific job.
Unlike the CV, you should try to keep a resume as short as possible. In 99% of the cases, you’d want to keep your resume to 1-page max. If you have 15+ years of experience, or really believe that the extra information you can mention can add value to your application, you can make it 2 pages tops.
In a resume, you only mention the aspects of your work experience and skills that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. A good resume highlights specific contributions you have made in your previous work and showcases how your different skills can be useful for the position you are applying to.
The resume is usually accompanied by the submission of a cover letter which states your intent for applying to the job. The cover letter builds upon the skills and experience you have touched upon in your resume, explaining how they’re going to help you excel at the job you’re applying for.
What is a CV (Curriculum Vitae)
The term CV is an abbreviation of the Latin word Curriculum Vitae, which is literally translated to “the course of your life”.
A CV is a very in-depth document that describes your career journey step-by-step, including all sorts of personal information. You can look at the CV as a comprehensive description of everything you have ever done. You need to update your CV every time you accomplish something new academically or professionally. Meaning, whenever you get a new job, publish something new, obtain a new certificate, and so on.
There is no rule of thumb on how long a CV should be – depending on the amount of experience, it can range from 2 to 5 pages.
What is a Biodata
Also known as biographical data, a biodata typically includes a range of specific factual information about an individual. Essentially, bio data highlights a number of details about a person such as; name, age, colour, height, weight, gender, skills, hobbies, address, marital status, religion etc.
Often times, this serves as a criterion for evaluating or assessing the individual in question. In many cases, a biodata is used for profiling an individual. The pieces of information referred to as biodata are usually tailored to suit the context of request.
Types of Biodata
Biodata can be divided into five types, namely; personal biodata, educational biodata, medical
biodata, and biodata for jobs and marriage.
Personal Biodata
Personal biodata refers to a range of personal details or information about an individual. These pieces of information are key to profiling the individual in question. It is not unusual for personal biodata to be requested when you are completing certain applications.
Examples of personal biodata include but is not limited to: Name, Age, Date of Birth, Gender, Contact Information, Height, Occupation, Weight, Marital Status, Religion, and State of Residence.
Some organizations may require you to provide information about your health as part of personal biodata. Information typically requested include blood group, genotype and disability status.
Personal biodata may also include information about one’s family, such as the name of parents, parents’ occupation, mother’s maiden name and parents’ residential information. You may also be asked to provide information on your next of kin.
Please note that the information requested as personal biodata may differ slightly based on the organization or institution requesting this.
Job Biodata
A job or employment biodata is a set of information with regards to an individual’s professional competencies and skills. It usually highlights the professional experiences of a person with regards to a specific job role.
Some organizations require candidates applying for a job to provide a job biodata where they highlight their skills. At times, a job biodata replaces a curriculum vitae (CV) or resumé. It is used as a means of validity assessment for employers in the selection of their workforce. A job biodata contains some personal biodata plus other information.
Examples of job biodata include name, contact information, educational background, work history, skills, interests, awards, certifications and professional qualification(s).
There are certain pieces of information that are not expected to be asked for as job biodata. This is because these pieces of information do not typically reflect the professional competencies of an individual. Examples include age, state of origin, marital status, gender, religion.
These information is considered strictly personal and should not ordinarily influence the success of one’s job application.
Medical Biodata
Medical biodata refers to the medical information about an individual. Medical biodata may be requested as part of educational or recruitment criteria. Many schools require prospective candidates to provide medical biodata before admission.
Medical biodata may also be requested in the workplace. Employers would need to know the overall health status of their workers in order to create the right working environment for them. Sportsmen and sportswomen are compulsorily required to present medical biodata. In football, players must provide medical biodata and pass the medical examination before joining a team.
Examples of medical biodata include blood group, genotype, rhesus factor, information on disability, information on allergies, information on health conditions like asthma and ulcer. It is important for you to provide accurate information with regards to your medical biodata.
Marriage Biodata
Marriage biodata is also known as a matrimonial biodata or a marriage resumé. It refers to a series of in-depth information about an individual that helps the recipient determine if such individual is an appropriate marriage partner. Providing a marriage biodata is common in countries like India where arranged marriages are popular.
In India, it is not uncommon to provide marriage biodata before marriage. The marriages in India are not just seen as a sacred union of two people, they are considered as the coming together of two families. Parents take extra care to ensure that their children secure partners who reflect their family’s social and economic status. Therefore, the marriage biodata reflects the status of the family and the background of the man or woman in question.
Families take immense pride in showcasing their lifestyle and backgrounds plus the expectations they have for their children’s partners. A marriage resumé highlights the qualities of an individual which a potential partner will find attractive.
Examples of marriage biodata include name, age, family details, contact information, educational background, blood group, genotype, partner expectations, occupation, religion, height, weight, complexion and lifestyle description.
Often times, one’s photograph is considered as an integral part of marriage biodata.
Educational Biodata
Educational biodata refers to information about a person’s education. It profiles the educational qualification and background of an individual.
Educational biodata can be subdivided into two parts. These are; Student and Teacher’s biodata.
Student’s educational biodata refers to information about a student. It reflects the student’s level of education. You may be required to provide this information when seeking admission into institutions of learning. Schools may also require students to provide their biodata for documentation.
Examples of student’s educational biodata include name, age, the highest level of education, grades, educational certifications, department and faculty.
Teacher’s educational biodata refers to information about the educational qualification and experiences of an individual.
It is usually requested during recruitment processes. For example, if you are applying for a job as a high school teacher, you would be required to profile your educational experience.
Examples of teacher’s educational biodata include name, educational qualification, certifications, awards, work experience.