CV vs Resume: What Is the Difference (and Which Do You Need)?
People use CV and resume as if they mean the same thing, and in many places they do. But the right choice depends on where you are applying and what for. Getting it wrong is not fatal, but sending the expected format shows you understand the market.
The short answer
- →In the US and Canada, a resume is a one or two page summary tailored to a job. A CV is a longer academic document.
- →In the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and most of Europe, CV is the normal word for what Americans call a resume.
- →In academia everywhere, a CV is the full record of your education, research, publications, teaching and grants.
What a resume is
A resume is a short, targeted document. It highlights the experience, skills and results most relevant to one role. It is usually one page, two at most, and you should rewrite parts of it for every application.
It is written to be skimmed by a recruiter and parsed by an applicant tracking system, so structure and wording matter more than completeness.
What a CV is
A CV, from the Latin for course of life, is a fuller record of your career. In academic and research settings it can run to many pages and includes publications, conference talks, grants, teaching and supervision.
In the UK and much of Europe, a CV is often two pages for a professional role, with the same targeted approach as a US resume.
Which one should you send?
- →Applying to a company in the US or Canada: send a resume unless the posting asks for a CV.
- →Applying in the UK, Ireland or most of Europe: send a CV of one to two pages.
- →Applying for a research, lecturer or fellowship role: send a full academic CV.
- →Not sure: follow the wording of the job posting and mirror it.
Does the format change?
Mostly in length and detail. Some countries expect a photo, date of birth or nationality on a CV; others discourage them. Look at the norms of the country you are applying to, and never include details you are uncomfortable sharing.
Whichever you send, tailor it to the job, keep the layout simple and save it as a PDF unless told otherwise.
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Get started freeFrequently asked questions
Is a CV longer than a resume?
In academic contexts, yes, often much longer. In the UK and Europe, a professional CV is usually one to two pages, the same as a US resume.
Can I use the same document for both?
A tailored two page document works for most jobs. For academic roles you will need the longer CV with publications and grants.
Do I need a cover letter with either?
Often yes. A short, tailored cover letter helps, especially if the posting asks for one.