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Create CVIf you’re applying for an administrative assistant role in the United States, you almost always need a resume, not a CV. A resume is concise, targeted, and focused on skills and results, while a CV is longer and more detailed, typically used only in academic or research roles. Understanding this difference is critical because submitting the wrong document can instantly reduce your chances of getting an interview. Below, you’ll learn exactly when to use each, how they differ, and how to create a strong administrative assistant resume that gets results.
In the US job market, hiring managers expect a resume for administrative assistant positions.
A resume is:
1 to 2 pages
Focused on relevant experience
Tailored to the job description
Built to highlight efficiency, organization, and communication skills
A CV, on the other hand, is:
Multi-page (often 3+ pages)
Comprehensive and chronological
Used mainly in academia, research, or federal roles
Resume:
1 to 2 pages maximum
Focused only on relevant roles
Bullet-driven and scannable
CV:
3+ pages
Includes full career history
Includes publications, certifications, and detailed background
Resume:
Although rare, there are specific situations where an administrative assistant might need a CV:
Applying to universities or academic institutions
Government or federal roles requiring detailed background
International job applications outside the US
Roles involving research or publications
If none of these apply, stick with a resume.
Bottom line: For 95% of administrative assistant jobs in the US, a CV is the wrong document.
Sell your fit for a specific job
Highlight achievements and impact
CV:
Document your full professional history
Provide comprehensive academic or career records
Resume:
Skills (calendar management, scheduling, MS Office, etc.)
Measurable achievements
Relevant experience only
CV:
Full employment history
Education details
Certifications, publications, memberships
Resume:
CV:
Here’s a strong, focused example aligned with US hiring expectations:
Jane Smith
Los Angeles, CA | jane.smith@email.com | (123) 456-7890
Professional Summary
Detail-oriented Administrative Assistant with 5+ years of experience managing executive calendars, coordinating meetings, and improving office efficiency. Proven ability to streamline workflows and support leadership teams.
Key Skills
Calendar Management
Microsoft Office Suite
Travel Coordination
Data Entry and Reporting
Communication and Organization
Experience
Administrative Assistant
ABC Company | Los Angeles, CA
2020–Present
Managed executive calendars, reducing scheduling conflicts by 30%
Coordinated travel arrangements for 10+ team members
Improved filing system efficiency, saving 5+ hours per week
Office Assistant
XYZ Corp | Los Angeles, CA
2017–2020
Supported daily office operations for a team of 20 employees
Handled incoming communications and client inquiries
Maintained accurate records and documentation
Education
Associate Degree in Business Administration
Focused on results, not just tasks
Uses measurable achievements
Clean, scannable structure
Tailored for admin roles
If you’re applying to a role that specifically requests a CV:
Jane Smith
Professional Profile
Experienced Administrative Assistant with 5+ years in corporate and academic environments.
Work Experience
Full chronological history including detailed responsibilities
Education
Detailed academic background
Certifications
Administrative Professional Certification
Microsoft Office Specialist
Professional Development
Affiliations
Includes comprehensive background
Structured for detailed review
Suitable for academic or formal institutions
For administrative assistant roles, resumes win because:
Recruiters scan resumes in 6 to 10 seconds
They prioritize skills and outcomes
They want quick proof of capability
A CV often fails because:
Too long and overwhelming
Not tailored to the role
Lacks focus on results
If you already have a CV, here’s how to turn it into a job-winning resume:
Remove:
Publications
Older, unrelated roles
Excessive education details
Replace task-based descriptions with impact:
Weak Example
“Responsible for scheduling meetings”
Good Example
“Coordinated executive calendars, reducing scheduling conflicts by 30%”
Only include what supports your application for THIS job.
Highlight admin-specific skills clearly:
Scheduling
Data management
Office software
This signals:
Lack of understanding of US hiring norms
Poor attention to detail
Hiring managers want:
Results
Efficiency improvements
Business impact
Anything beyond 2 pages for admin roles is usually unnecessary.
Generic resumes get ignored. Every application should reflect the job description.
Quantified achievements
Clear formatting
Relevant skills at the top
Action verbs (managed, coordinated, improved)
ATS-friendly structure
Paragraph-heavy content
Generic summaries
Listing every job ever held
Overly detailed education sections
Including irrelevant certifications
For administrative assistant jobs in the US:
Use a resume 99% of the time
Keep it concise and results-driven
Tailor it for each job
Only use a CV if explicitly requested or required by the employer.
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