Resume vs. CV: What’s the Difference?
When applying for jobs or academic positions, you might be asked to submit either a resume or a CV (curriculum vitae). While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, especially outside the U.S., they refer to different documents with different purposes.
In this post, we’ll break down the key differences between a resume and a CV, so you know which one to use and how to write it.
📌 What Is a Resume?
A resume is a concise, one-page (sometimes two) summary of your professional experience, skills, and education tailored for a specific job.
✅ Key Features:
- 1–2 pages long
- Focused on relevant experience
- Customized for each job application
- Common in the United States, Canada, and Australia
- Used for business, tech, and non-academic jobs
📌 What Is a CV (Curriculum Vitae)?
A CV is a detailed document that outlines your entire academic and professional history. It’s commonly used for academic, research, or educational positions, and may include publications, conferences, grants, and more.
✅ Key Features:
- Multiple pages (no strict length limit)
- Covers all experience, not just job-relevant
- Rarely customized per application
- Common in Europe, Asia, and academic sectors globally
- Often used for PhD applications, professorships, research roles
🆚 Resume vs. CV – Comparison Table
| Feature | Resume | CV |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 1–2 pages | 2+ pages |
| Focus | Job-specific experience | Full academic/professional history |
| Customization | Tailored per job | Usually general |
| Usage | Industry jobs, internships | Academic/research roles |
| Regions | U.S., Canada, Australia | Europe, Asia, academia worldwide |
🌍 Regional Differences
- In Europe, “CV” is often used to refer to what Americans call a resume.
- In the U.S., “CV” is used mainly in academic and research contexts.
Always check the job posting or employer expectations to know which document to submit.
✏️ Final Tips
- Use a resume for most industry jobs unless otherwise specified.
- Use a CV for academic roles, research positions, or PhD programs.
- Don’t send both unless requested.
Need help creating a resume or CV? Try S-Resume Builder — professional templates for both formats.