Use This TemplateCV vs. Resume: Differences & Examples
Wondering about the difference between a CV and a resume? This guide explains how resumes and CVs differ in format, content, purpose, and international use. Get clear examples and learn when to use each to boost your chances of landing the job.
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What Is the Difference Between a CV and a Resume?
A CV (curriculum vitae) and a resume are both documents used in job applications, but differ in length, detail, and purpose.
A resume is a brief summary of your most relevant skills, experience, and accomplishments. It spans one to two pages, so it’s designed so hiring managers can quickly review it at a glance.
A CV is more comprehensive, often multiple pages, and includes your full academic and professional history. The right choice depends on your field, the role you’re applying for, and the country’s hiring norms.
Is a CV the same as a resume?
No. While these documents are similar in purpose and appearance, there are crucial differences with resumes vs. CVs.
Length
Resume: A resume is typically one to two pages long, designed to give a quick overview of your most relevant experience.
CV: A curriculum vitae can span two pages or more, sometimes exceeding 10 pages for seasoned academics or researchers. The CV’s extended length allows for a detailed account of your full academic, professional, and research history.
Purpose
Resume: Resumes are ideal for jobs in the private sector. You should tailor them to meet a specific job’s requirements, so it’s common to update your resume for each job application.
CV: CVs are the primary application document in academic, research, medical, or scientific roles, and are also standard for grant or fellowship applications. They emphasize credentials, publications, and educational milestones.
Content
Resume: A resume consists of five must-have sections: resume profile (summary or objective), work experience, skills, and education. Because resumes should be concise, each phrase must be tailored to match a specific role’s requirements.
CV: A CV format is much more customizable than a resume. It includes all resume sections plus additional ones like research, publications, teaching experience, grants, conferences, and professional affiliations, offering a comprehensive view of your career.
| Feature | Resume | CV |
| Length | 1-2 pages | 2-10+ pages |
| Use Case | Most U.S. job applications | Academia, research, jobs abroad |
| Content | Relevant work & skills summary | Full academic/professional history |
| Geographic Use | U.S., Canada | Europe, Asia, Africa, more |
What Is a CV?
CV is short for curriculum vitae, meaning “course of life” in Latin. The CV is a job application document that shares your life’s personal and professional details.
What to include in a CV
What you include in a CV is entirely dependent on your target job and past experiences, so don’t feel restricted to a set list of sections. Instead, learn how to write a CV that’s customized to showcase your unique strengths for the desired job.
A CV should include the following information:
- Name and contact information
- Professional title
- CV summary or objective
- Research experience
- Education
- Publications (academic papers, journals, or books)
- Teaching experience
- Work experience
- Conferences and coursework
- Skills
- Certifications
- Languages
- Grants or fellowships
Learn what sections are a must-have for landing a job in your specific industry—whether that’s academia, STEM or law—in our expert guide What to Include in a CV.
CV example
Take a look at this sample CV to see how all the sections come together. You can also explore our full collection of CV examples for inspiration and guidance as you write your own.
For an even easier experience, try our CV Maker. It streamlines the writing process with pre-written, industry-specific content and helps you customize your CV for any job. You can also add as many personalized sections as needed to create a truly tailored, professional document.
What Is a Resume?
A resume is a document that summarizes the top reasons, skills, and experience that qualify you for a job.
Since it’s a summary, it’s shorter than a CV. It’s not the full scope of your life, just a highlight of your top achievements and professional experience.
Who should use a resume?
You should use a resume to apply for most jobs in the U.S. However, there are a few fields in which CVs dominate, including academia, law, medicine, and science. For other roles, resumes are standard!
What to include on a CV vs. resume
A well-written resume should include the following information:
- Name/contact information
- Resume summary or objective statement
- Work experience
- Skills
- Education
- Languages (optional)
- Certifications and awards (optional)
Resume example
Take a look at this sample resume to see how all the pieces fit together. If you find it helpful, explore our full library of resume examples for even more ideas and inspiration as you create your own.
For the most efficient and professional results, use our Resume Builder. It’s loaded with industry-specific content crafted by expert resume writers, helping you save time and create a polished resume in under 15 minutes.
CVs vs. Resumes: International Differences and Where to Use Each
The choice between a resume and a CV often depends on where you’re applying. Use the chart below to see which document is preferred in different parts of the world.
CV vs. Resume
Usage by Country/Location
North America: (non-academic role)
Resumes are the standard document in the U.S. and Canada. In Mexico, they’re called “CVs,” but they’re the same one-page document as resumes.
North America: (academic role)
In North America, it’s best to submit a CV if applying for an academic job. That’s because it provides additional information about your educational background.
South America:
Most South American countries prefer to call the hiring document a “CV,” but it follows a basic North American resume format.
Europe:
In Europe, CVs are more popular, but some countries use resumes. You should check which document each country prefers. It’s also more common to use pictures on European hiring documents.
Australia and New Zealand:
In Oceania, the primary type of hiring document is called a CV, but it is more or less the same as an American resume in its contents.
Africa:
In Africa, employers prefer CVs. However, some countries may request a one-page CV, like a resume, and others may request a “Comprehensive CV,” a longer version.
Asia:
In Asia, you should submit a long-form CV rather than just a resume to apply for a job. It varies by country, so look up the specifics of where you’re applying.
Key Takeaways
To recap, here are some of the main points to know about CVs vs. resumes:
- CVs and resumes are both application documents to help win you a desired professional opportunity.
- Both documents include your contact information, plus details about your education, skills, and work experience. CVs contain additional sections.
- CVs are less common in the U.S. and are specifically for academic, research, or science jobs.
- Resumes are the standard application document for most jobs in the United States.
- CVs are the standard application document for most countries outside the U.S. and Canada.
- Some countries call documents “one-page CVs,” which are almost identical to American resumes.
No matter which document you submit, you should always write a cover letter to provide employers with the full picture of your professional history. Our cover letter examples will help you reinforce your resume achievements and add valuable context. To save time and get expert guidance, try our Cover Letter Generator; it offers ready-to-use content you can add with a click.
FAQ
What is a CV?
A CV is a detailed document used for academic or hiring purposes. CV means “curriculum vitae,” which is Latin for course of life. It highlights your full educational and professional background, including coursework and publications, and is typically longer than a resume.
How do I know if I need a CV vs. a resume?
To know whether to use a CV or resume, check the job listing because it will often specify the required document. If not, use a resume for most U.S. jobs and private-sector roles, and a CV for academic, research, or international positions that require detailed education and career history.
Should I use a resume or CV if applying for an academic role?
In the U.S., CVs are used for academic roles like research, teaching, and fellowships, while resumes are preferred for non-academic positions. For education-focused roles, submit an academic CV to showcase your studies, research, and publications. Use a resume for administrative or support jobs at colleges and universities.
What file format should I save and send my CV or resume?
Check the job ad for file format requirements. If the employer doesn’t specify a file format, use PDF, Microsoft Word document or Google Docs resume template. To be safe, you can send both. Name your file like this: [Your Name] [Job Title] [Resume or CV].pdf (e.g., JaneDoe Marketing Resume.pdf).
Is there a difference in resume vs. CV formatting?
CVs and resumes follow the same formatting rules: use one-inch margins, a recruiter-approved font like Arial or Helvetica, 11-13 pt for body text, 14-18 pt for headings, and single to 1.5 line spacing. Keep the layout professional, clean, and easy to read.
Is a resume or CV better for online job applications?
Resumes are better than CVs when applying to online job applications because they’re shorter and have the sections online application forms require. If an employer prompts you to submit a CV, by all means, follow their instructions. However, if applicant tracking systems (ATS) are a factor, know they’re usually programmed for the traditional resume format.
Does the section order matter on a CV?
Yes, section order matters. Start with your contact info, then place the most relevant details near the top. For academic roles, lead with Education, Research, or Publications. For private-sector jobs, highlight Skills, Work Experience, or Awards early so recruiters see key info right away.
What file format should I save and send my CV or resume?
Check the job ad for required file formats. If none are listed, PDF is standard, though Word or Google Docs may also work. To be safe, you can submit two formats. Save your file as: [Your Name] [Job Title] [Resume or CV]. For example: Jill Ferguson Resume.pdf.
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