CV vs Resume: Key Differences Explained

People use the words CV and resume as if they mean the same thing, and in many countries they do. In others they are different documents with different rules. Knowing which one an employer expects can save you from sending the wrong document.

What is a resume?

A resume is a short, targeted summary of your skills, experience and education, written for a specific job. It is usually one to two pages long and focuses on your most relevant achievements.

What is a CV?

CV stands for curriculum vitae, Latin for course of life. A CV is a more detailed record of your academic and professional history. In academic, research and medical settings it can run several pages and include publications, grants, presentations and teaching experience.

Main differences at a glance

Length: a resume is short (1 to 2 pages), while a CV can be longer and grows with your career
Purpose: a resume is tailored to one job, while a CV gives a full picture of your career
Content: a resume highlights relevant achievements, while a CV includes everything, such as publications and research
Customization: you rewrite a resume for each application, while a CV changes less often

Which one is used where?

In the United States and Canada, employers usually ask for a resume for jobs in industry, and a CV for academic, scientific or research roles. In the UK, Ireland, Europe, South Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Australia, CV is the common word for the standard job application document, and it is typically two pages.

Always follow the job posting. If it asks for a CV, send a CV in the format it describes, even if it looks like a resume to you.

How to decide

Check the job ad for the exact term and any page limit
Consider the country and industry of the employer
Use a long-form CV for academic, research or medical applications
Use a concise, tailored document for most corporate jobs

What both documents should include

Whatever you call it, a strong document includes your contact details, a short professional summary, work experience with results, education and relevant skills. Keep the format clean, use standard headings and avoid graphics that can break ATS parsing.

Is a CV longer than a resume?

Usually yes in the US, where a CV covers your entire academic history. In the UK and many other countries, a CV is the same length as a resume, typically two pages.

Can I use the same document for every application?

It is better to tailor it. Adjust your summary, skills and top bullet points to match each job posting.

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CV vs Resume: What Is the Difference and Which Should You Use?