CV vs Resume: What's the Difference?
Understand when to use a CV or resume, key formatting differences, and regional variations
Quick Answer
Resume
- • Length: 1-2 pages
- • Purpose: Targeted job applications
- • Content: Relevant experience only
- • Use: Most jobs in US, Canada, private sector
- • Customization: Tailored for each job
CV (Curriculum Vitae)
- • Length: 2+ pages (no limit)
- • Purpose: Academic/research positions
- • Content: Complete career history
- • Use: Academia, research, international jobs
- • Customization: Generally static
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Detailed Comparison
Length & Format
Resume
Resumes are concise documents limited to 1-2 pages. The goal is to quickly showcase your most relevant qualifications.
- Entry-level: 1 page
- Experienced professionals: 1-2 pages
- Executives: Up to 2 pages
CV
CVs have no length restrictions and typically range from 2 to 10+ pages depending on your career stage and accomplishments.
- Early career: 2-4 pages
- Mid-career: 4-6 pages
- Senior academics: 10+ pages
Content & Structure
| Section | Resume | CV |
|---|---|---|
| Contact Info | Essential only | Detailed |
| Summary | Tailored to job | Rarely included |
| Work Experience | Relevant roles only | All positions |
| Education | Degrees & recent | Complete history |
| Publications | Rarely | All publications |
| Research | No | Detailed research |
| Teaching | Unless relevant | All teaching roles |
| Conferences | No | All presentations |
| Awards/Honors | Most significant | All awards |
| Skills | Job-relevant | Comprehensive |
| References | "Available upon request" | Listed with details |
Purpose & Customization
Resume
A resume is a marketing document designed to sell your qualifications for a specific role. You should:
- Tailor it for each job application
- Highlight relevant experience only
- Use keywords from the job description
- Focus on achievements and results
- Keep it concise and scannable
CV
A CV is a comprehensive record of your entire academic and professional history. It:
- Remains relatively static (updated, not rewritten)
- Includes all career accomplishments
- Provides detailed academic credentials
- Lists all publications and research
- Shows complete professional development
When to Use a Resume vs CV
Use a Resume For:
Corporate positions, startups, SMBs
Non-academic roles in any field
Standard for most American jobs
Standard for Canadian private sector
Early career professionals
Highlighting transferable skills
Use a CV For:
Professor, lecturer, researcher roles
Lab work, scientific research
Physicians, medical researchers
Master's, PhD programs
Research funding applications
Europe, Asia, Middle East, Africa
Department heads, deans
When publication history matters
Regional Differences
The terminology and expectations vary significantly by region. Here's what's expected where:
🇺🇸 United States
Resume for most jobs (1-2 pages). CV only for academic, medical, or research positions. The distinction is clear and strictly followed.
🇨🇦 Canada
Similar to the US. Resume for business jobs, CV for academic and research positions. Some companies may ask for a "CV" but expect a resume-style document.
🇬🇧 United Kingdom & Ireland
The term "CV" is used for all job applications, but it follows resume format (1-2 pages, tailored). What Americans call a "CV," the British call an "academic CV."
🇪🇺 Continental Europe
CV is the standard term, but format varies by country. May include personal details like age, marital status, and photo (illegal to require in US/Canada). Often follows the Europass CV format.
🇦🇺 Australia & New Zealand
CV and resume are used interchangeably, typically meaning a 2-4 page document. More detailed than US resumes but not as comprehensive as academic CVs.
🌏 Asia, Middle East, Africa
Generally use CV terminology. Expectations vary widely by country and company. International companies may follow US resume standards, while local firms may expect longer CVs.
Pro Tip: When applying internationally, research the specific country's norms or check the job posting for guidance. "CV" outside the US usually means a 1-2 page tailored document similar to an American resume.
Quick Decision Guide
Still not sure which to use? Answer these questions:
1.Does the job posting specifically say "CV" or "Resume"?
Follow exactly what they ask for
2.Is it an academic, medical, or research position?
Use a CV
3.Are you applying in the US or Canada for a non-academic job?
Use a resume
4.Are you applying internationally?
Research that country's norms (usually CV, but format like a resume)
5.When in doubt?
For US/Canada private sector: use resume. For everything else: ask the employer
Common CV vs Resume Mistakes
1. Using the terms interchangeably in the US
In the US, CV and resume have distinct meanings. Don't submit a 6-page academic CV for a marketing job, and don't submit a 1-page resume for a professor position.
2. Creating a lengthy resume
If you're using a resume, keep it to 1-2 pages maximum. More isn't better – it's a sign you can't prioritize relevant information.
3. Not tailoring your resume
Remember: resumes should be customized for each application. If you're using the same resume for every job, you're doing it wrong.
4. Including personal information inappropriately
In the US/Canada, never include photo, age, marital status, or religion. In Europe, it may be expected. Research regional norms.
5. Not checking what the employer expects
When the job posting says "CV," don't assume you know what they mean. Look at the context, company location, and role type.
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