Hired By:*
The terms “CV” and “resume” are often used interchangeably, but employers may expect very different documents depending on the role, industry, or country. Whether you're applying for an academic position, a research role, or a private-sector job, understanding which document to use can help you present your qualifications effectively.
In this guide, we’ll explain the key differences between a CV and a resume, including what each document should include, when to use one over the other, and how to choose the right format for your location, industry, and career goals.
A resume is a concise document that highlights the skills, experience, and qualifications most relevant to a specific job. A CV (curriculum vitae) is a more comprehensive document that provides a detailed record of your academic background, professional experience, publications, research, certifications, and other achievements.
In the U.S. and Canada, resumes are the standard document for most private-sector jobs, while CVs are commonly used for academic, research, education, and medical roles. In many countries outside North America, however, the term “CV” is used to describe what Americans would consider a resume-style document.
The right choice depends on your field, the role you’re applying for, and the country’s hiring norms. Here’s an overview of the key differences between a CV vs a resume:
| Feature | Resume | CV |
| Length | 1–2 pages | 2–10+ pages |
| Purpose | Most U.S. job applications | Academia, research, international jobs |
| Content | Relevant work and skills summary | Full academic and professional history |
| Location | Primarily U.S. and Canada | Europe, Asia, Africa, and more |
Resumes prioritize brevity, while CVs prioritize completeness. As a result, resumes are significantly shorter than CVs in most cases.
Purpose is where the difference between a CV and a resume becomes most important, as each is designed for a different type of hiring or evaluation process.
Resumes focus on job-specific highlights, while CVs provide a full record of academic and professional achievements.
The choice between a CV and a resume often depends on where you’re applying. The chart below shows which document is preferred in different parts of the world.
| North America | Resumes are the standard document for non-academic roles in the U.S. and Canada. In Mexico, they’re called “CVs,” but they’re the same one-page document as resumes. |
| 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 common, but some countries also use resumes. You should check which document each country prefers. |
| Australia & New Zealand | In Australia and New Zealand, the term “CV” is commonly used, but it typically refers to what would be called a resume in the U.S.—a concise, job-focused document tailored to each application. |
| Africa | In Africa, employers prefer CVs. Some countries may request a one-page CV, like a resume, and others may request a “Comprehensive CV,” which is a longer version. |
| Asia | In Asia, you’re often expected to submit a long-form CV rather than a resume when applying for jobs. It varies by country, however, so look up the specifics of where you’re applying. |
A CV (curriculum vitae) is a detailed document that outlines your academic background, work experience, skills, and achievements. “Curriculum vitae” is Latin for “course of life.”
This document is used to provide a complete overview of your career history, often for academic, research, medical, or scientific roles where a comprehensive record of qualifications is required.
Unlike a resume, a CV isn’t limited in length and grows as you add new accomplishments, publications, certifications, and experience throughout your career.
What you include in a CV depends on your target job and experience. A CV should be tailored to showcase your most relevant strengths. Learn how to write a CV to create a strong, targeted document.
A CV should include a combination of the following information:
Personal Information
Education & Experience
Academic & Professional Achievements
Skills & Qualifications
Review this CV template to see how the sections come together. You can also explore CV examples for inspiration and guidance as you write your own.
A resume is a concise document that summarizes your skills, work experience, education, and achievements as they relate to a specific job. It’s typically one to two pages long and tailored for each application, highlighting only the most relevant information for the role.
A resume should include only the most relevant information from your background that supports your fit for a specific job. Because space is limited, each section should be focused and tailored to the role you’re applying for.
A well-written resume should include the following information:
Review this resume template to see how the pieces fit together. You can also explore resume examples for more ideas and inspiration as you create your own.
CVs and resumes are used differently depending on the job type and industry. The examples below show how each document is typically used across common career paths.
The choice between a CV and a resume depends on the role you’re applying for and the employer’s expectations. Each document serves a different purpose, so using the correct one helps ensure your application aligns with what hiring managers are looking for.
Use a CV when applying for academic, research, medical, or scientific roles that require a detailed record of your professional and academic history. These positions typically require information such as publications, teaching experience, research contributions, grants, certifications, and long-term academic achievements.
CVs are also commonly used for fellowships, scholarships, and funding applications where a comprehensive overview of your career is expected.
Outside of North America, particularly in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania, CVs are often the standard application document across many industries. In these regions, a CV may be shorter and more similar to a resume, but it’s still tailored to the specific role and follows local expectations.
Use a resume for most private-sector jobs, especially in business, marketing, technology, hospitality, and customer service. Employers in the U.S. and Canada typically prefer resumes because they provide a concise, targeted summary of your most relevant skills and experience.
Resumes are designed to be customized for each application, highlighting only the qualifications that best match the job description. This tailored approach helps you present the most relevant experience for each role and improves your chances of moving forward in the hiring process.
Neither a CV nor a resume is better than the other—the right choice depends on the role and the expectations of the employer or institution. Each document serves a different purpose, so selecting the appropriate one is what matters most.
Key points to remember about CVs vs resumes:
No, a CV and a resume are not the same. A CV is a detailed document that includes your full academic and professional history, such as publications, research, and achievements, and it usually has no strict length limit. A resume is shorter (one to two pages) and focuses only on the most relevant skills and experience for a specific job.
In some cases, you can use a resume as a CV, but not always. In the U.S. and Canada, resumes are often accepted for most private-sector jobs. Academic, research, medical, and grant applications, however, typically require a full CV because it includes more detailed information about your education, publications, and professional history.
Common CV mistakes include using a generic, one-size-fits-all document instead of tailoring it to the role. Other common mistakes are adding irrelevant information, failing to highlight key achievements (e.g., publications or research results), and making formatting or spelling errors that reduce clarity and professionalism.
CVs and resumes follow similar formatting principles, including clear margins, professional fonts in readable sizes, and consistent spacing. Both should use a clean, easy-to-scan layout that prioritizes clarity and readability. Our CV vs resume templates demonstrate how to format each document effectively.
Yes, the section order on a CV matters because it helps employers quickly find your most relevant qualifications. A CV should place the most important information first, such as education, research experience, or a personal statement, depending on your field, followed by supporting sections like skills, certifications, and affiliations.
You should usually send your CV or resume as a PDF because it preserves formatting and ensures the document appears the same on any device. Some employers may request a Word document for applicant tracking systems (ATS) or editing, so always follow the job application instructions carefully.
Over the past 15 years, we’ve helped more than 10 million job seekers build stronger cover letters, discover their career paths, interview confidently, and boost their chances of finding the right job faster. Review our Editorial Policy to learn more about our process.
Join 28M+ others who’ve built a professional CV.
Featured in:*
