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CAREER GUIDE 2026

Resume vs CV: What’s the Difference & When to Use Each

Not sure whether to submit a resume or CV? Discover the key differences between these two career documents, learn when to use each one based on your industry and location, and create the perfect document for your next job application.

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Quick Answer: A resume is a concise 1-2 page document highlighting your most relevant skills and experience for a specific job—standard in the US and Canada. A CV (curriculum vitae) is a comprehensive document detailing your entire academic and professional history with no page limit—standard in academia, Europe, UK, and Australia. The key difference: resumes are tailored and brief; CVs are comprehensive and detailed.
DEFINITION

What Is a Resume?

Understanding the purpose and structure of a modern resume

Resume Definition: A resume (from French resume, meaning “summary”) is a 1-2 page marketing document that showcases your most relevant qualifications, skills, work experience, and achievements for a specific job opportunity. Unlike a CV, resumes are customized for each application.

The modern resume is designed to quickly communicate your value to potential employers. In 2026, recruiters spend an average of just 6-7 seconds scanning each resume, so every word counts. Your resume needs to be ATS-optimized (Applicant Tracking System friendly), keyword-rich, and achievement-focused.

Key Resume Characteristics

  • Length: Strictly 1-2 pages maximum (1 page for entry-level, 2 for 10+ years experience)
  • Content: Tailored and selective—only include information relevant to the target job
  • Focus: Skills, quantifiable achievements, and work experience
  • Customization: Modified and optimized for each job application
  • Format Options: Chronological, functional, or combination (hybrid)
  • Standard in: United States, Canada, and private sector jobs globally

What to Include on a Resume

A well-structured resume typically includes these sections:

  • Contact Information: Name, phone, email, LinkedIn, location (city/state only)
  • Professional Summary or Objective: 2-3 sentences highlighting your value proposition
  • Work Experience: Relevant positions with bullet points highlighting achievements
  • Education: Degrees, certifications, relevant coursework
  • Skills: Technical and soft skills relevant to the position
  • Optional: Projects, volunteer work, awards, languages
📄

Length

1-2 pages maximum. Entry-level: 1 page. 10+ years: 2 pages max.

🎯

Customization

Tailored to each job application with relevant keywords and achievements.

📊

Focus

Quantifiable achievements, metrics, and results (increased sales 40%, etc.).

🌎

Where Used

US, Canada, and most private sector jobs worldwide.

DEFINITION

What Is a CV (Curriculum Vitae)?

Understanding the comprehensive career document

CV Definition: A curriculum vitae (CV), Latin for “course of life,” is a comprehensive document that chronicles your entire academic and professional history. Unlike a resume, a CV includes everything: education, research experience, publications, presentations, grants, awards, teaching experience, and professional affiliations—with no page limit.

A CV is not tailored to specific positions. Instead, it’s a living document that grows throughout your career. When you publish a new paper, receive a grant, or complete a research project, you add it to your CV. Senior academics may have CVs spanning 10-20+ pages.

Key CV Characteristics

  • Length: 2+ pages with no upper limit (senior academics: 10-20+ pages)
  • Content: Comprehensive—includes your entire academic and professional history
  • Focus: Academic credentials, research, publications, presentations, grants
  • Customization: Generally static—updated when you achieve something new
  • Format: Chronological within categories, reverse date order
  • Standard in: Academia, research, medicine, Europe, UK, Australia

What to Include on a CV

An academic CV typically includes these sections (in order):

  • Contact Information: Full name, institutional affiliation, email, phone
  • Education: All degrees with institutions, dates, thesis titles, advisors
  • Research Experience: Positions, projects, and methodologies
  • Publications: Peer-reviewed articles, books, chapters (in citation format)
  • Presentations: Conference talks, invited lectures, posters
  • Grants & Fellowships: Funding received with amounts and dates
  • Teaching Experience: Courses taught, TA positions, mentoring
  • Awards & Honors: Academic recognition, scholarships
  • Professional Affiliations: Memberships in academic organizations
  • Service: Committee work, peer review, editorial roles
📋

Length

2+ pages with no maximum. Grows throughout your career.

📚

Content

Complete academic and professional history, including all publications.

🔬

Focus

Research, publications, grants, presentations, and teaching.

🎓

Where Used

Academia, research, medicine, Europe, UK, Australia.

COMPARISON

Resume vs CV: Side-by-Side Comparison

Understanding these key differences will help you choose the right document for your situation.

Key Difference: The fundamental difference between a resume and CV is length and purpose. A resume is a targeted marketing document (1-2 pages) designed to get you an interview. A CV is a comprehensive academic record (no page limit) that documents your entire scholarly career.
Factor Resume CV (Curriculum Vitae)
Length 1-2 pages maximum 2-20+ pages (no limit)
Purpose Market yourself for a specific job Document complete academic history
Content Focus Relevant experience and achievements only Comprehensive career record
Customization Tailored for each job application Generally static; grows over time
Writing Style Action verbs, quantified achievements Descriptive, comprehensive detail
Update Frequency Per application (customized each time) When new achievements occur
Target Industries Business, tech, marketing, finance, most sectors Academia, research, medicine, science
Geographic Use United States, Canada Europe, UK, Australia (all jobs); US (academia only)
Personal Photo Never in US/Canada Varies by country
References “Available upon request” or omit Often included or listed
DECISION GUIDE

When to Use a Resume vs CV

Follow this guide to choose the right document for your situation.

Quick Decision: For US/Canada jobs outside academia, use a resume. For academic positions anywhere, European jobs, or when specifically requested, use a CV. When the job posting says “CV,” check if they mean the European sense (resume-equivalent) or academic sense (comprehensive document).
USE A RESUME WHEN…
  • Applying for jobs in the US or Canada
  • Working in business, tech, marketing, or finance
  • The job posting specifically asks for a “resume”
  • Applying through an online portal or ATS
  • Targeting private sector positions
  • You need a quick, focused overview
USE A CV WHEN…
  • Applying for academic or professor positions
  • Applying for research or scientific roles
  • Applying for jobs in Europe, UK, or Australia
  • The job posting specifically asks for a “CV”
  • Applying for medical or healthcare positions
  • Applying for grants, fellowships, or scholarships

Resume vs CV: What Sections to Include

The content and structure differ significantly between these two documents.

1

Resume: Core Sections

Contact info, Professional Summary, Work Experience, Education, Skills. Keep it tight and relevant.

1

CV: Core Sections

Contact info, Education, Research Experience, Publications, Presentations, Teaching, Grants, Awards.

2

Resume: Optional Sections

Certifications, Projects, Languages, Volunteer Work, Awards (if relevant to target job).

2

CV: Additional Sections

Professional Affiliations, Service, Media Coverage, Languages, References (often included).

!

Resume: Be Selective

Only include experiences directly relevant to the job. Remove anything that doesn’t support your candidacy.

!

CV: Be Comprehensive

Include everything academic. Your CV is a complete record—nothing is irrelevant.

GLOBAL GUIDE

Resume vs CV by Country: International Requirements

Terminology and expectations vary significantly around the world. Here’s what to know.

Important: Outside the US, the term “CV” often means what Americans call a “resume.” In Europe, UK, and Australia, asking for a “CV” usually means a 2-page career summary—not a lengthy academic document. Always research country-specific norms before applying.
🇺🇸 United States

Resume is standard for most jobs (1-2 pages). CV is only used for academic, research, and medical positions.

Resume: Standard 1-2 Pages No Photo No Personal Info
🇬🇧 United Kingdom

CV is the standard term for all applications, but it’s similar to a US resume (2 pages typical). Includes Personal Statement section.

CV: Standard 2 Pages No Photo Usually Personal Statement
🇩🇪 Germany

CV (Lebenslauf) is standard. Professional photo is expected. Include date of birth and nationality.

CV: Standard 2-3 Pages Photo Required Personal Details
🇫🇷 France

CV is standard (1-2 pages). Professional photo is common. Include age and marital status.

CV: Standard 1-2 Pages Photo Common Personal Details
🇪🇺 European Union

CV is the standard term. Europass CV format is widely accepted across EU countries for easier comparison.

CV: Standard Europass Format Photo: Varies Multi-language OK
🇦🇺 Australia

Both CV and resume are used interchangeably. Typically 3-4 pages. No photo required.

CV or Resume 3-4 Pages No Photo Detailed Format
🇨🇦 Canada

Resume is standard (similar to US). CV only for academic and scientific roles.

Resume: Standard 1-2 Pages No Photo No Personal Info
🇸🇦 Middle East (GCC)

CV is standard and often includes photo, nationality, visa status, and personal details. 2-3 pages typical.

CV: Standard Photo Required Personal Details Visa Status
Country/Region Standard Term Length Photo? Personal Details?
United States Resume 1-2 pages Never No (illegal to require)
Canada Resume 1-2 pages Never No
United Kingdom CV 2 pages Rarely Minimal
Germany CV (Lebenslauf) 2-3 pages Expected Yes (DOB, nationality)
France CV 1-2 pages Common Yes (age, status)
Australia CV or Resume 3-4 pages Never Minimal
Middle East CV 2-3 pages Required Yes (nationality, visa)
Asia CV or Resume Varies Often Varies by country
FORMAT GUIDE

Resume & CV Format Best Practices in 2026

2026 Format Tip: Whether you’re creating a resume or CV, modern ATS (Applicant Tracking System) compatibility is crucial. Use clean formatting, standard fonts, clear section headers, and avoid graphics or tables that may confuse automated screening software. Save as PDF unless otherwise specified.

Resume Format Best Practices

  • Font: Professional fonts like Calibri, Arial, or Garamond (10-12pt)
  • Margins: 0.5-1 inch on all sides
  • Format: Reverse chronological (most common) or combination
  • File type: PDF preferred (preserves formatting)
  • File name: FirstName_LastName_Resume.pdf
  • ATS tips: Use standard section headers, no tables/graphics, include keywords

CV Format Best Practices

  • Font: Academic fonts like Times New Roman, Garamond (11-12pt)
  • Margins: 1 inch standard
  • Format: Organized by category (Education, Publications, etc.)
  • Citations: Use consistent citation format for publications
  • Updates: Include date of last update
  • Page numbers: Include “Page X of Y” in footer
📝

Chronological Resume

Best for: Traditional career paths with steady progression. Lists experience in reverse date order.

Most Common
🔄

Functional Resume

Best for: Career changers or those with gaps. Focuses on skills over timeline.

Less Common

Combination Resume

Best for: Experienced professionals. Blends skills section with chronological experience.

Highly Effective
AVOID THESE

Common Resume vs CV Mistakes to Avoid

Sending a CV for a US Job

Unless it’s academic, US employers expect a 1-2 page resume. A long CV signals you don’t understand professional norms.

Using 1-Page Resume for Academia

Academic hiring committees need your full publication and research history. A short resume won’t demonstrate your scholarly record.

Including US-Banned Info

US resumes shouldn’t include photo, age, marital status, or nationality. It’s not just unusual—it could trigger discrimination concerns.

Ignoring Country Norms

Germany expects photos; US forbids them. Middle East wants visa status; UK doesn’t. Always research local expectations.

Using One Generic Document

A resume tailored to each job significantly outperforms a generic one. Invest time to customize for each application.

Ignoring ATS Requirements

75%+ of resumes are screened by ATS before humans see them. Use clean formatting and include keywords from the job description.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions: Resume vs CV

What is the main difference between a resume and a CV?
The main differences are length and purpose. A resume is a concise 1-2 page document tailored to a specific job, highlighting only relevant experience—standard in the US and Canada for most industries. A CV (curriculum vitae) is a comprehensive document with no page limit that chronicles your entire academic and professional history—standard in academia worldwide and for all jobs in Europe, UK, and Australia.
Can I use my resume as a CV?
No, you cannot simply use a resume as a CV for academic positions. They serve different purposes. A resume is a summary; a CV is comprehensive. If a position asks for a CV, you’ll need to expand your document to include your complete academic history: all education details, research experience, publications, presentations, grants, teaching experience, awards, and professional affiliations. However, in many countries outside the US, “CV” simply means “resume”—check the context and country norms.
When should I use a CV instead of a resume?
Use a CV when: (1) applying for academic positions like professor or researcher roles, (2) applying for scientific or medical positions, (3) applying for grants, fellowships, or scholarships, (4) the job posting specifically requests a “CV” in the academic sense, or (5) applying for any job in Europe, UK, Australia, or the Middle East where “CV” is the standard term for career documents.
How long should my resume be?
For most professionals in the US and Canada, a resume should be 1-2 pages. New graduates and those with less than 10 years of experience should stick to 1 page. Experienced professionals with 10+ years of relevant experience can use 2 pages. Never exceed 2 pages for a resume—that’s what CVs are for. Every word should earn its place on your resume.
How long should a CV be?
A CV has no page limit—it should be as long as needed to document your complete academic and professional history. Early-career academics might have 2-4 page CVs, while senior professors with extensive publications may have CVs of 10-20+ pages. Include everything: education, research, publications, presentations, grants, teaching, awards, and affiliations. Quality and completeness matter more than length.
Should I include a photo on my resume or CV?
It depends entirely on the country. In the US and Canada, never include a photo—it can raise discrimination concerns. In Germany, France, and parts of Asia, professional photos are expected or common. In the UK and Australia, photos are generally not recommended. In the Middle East, photos are often required. Always research the specific country’s norms before applying.
What does CV stand for?
CV stands for curriculum vitae, a Latin phrase meaning “course of life.” It reflects the document’s comprehensive nature—unlike a resume which is selective, a CV documents your entire academic and professional journey. The term dates back to the mid-20th century when it became standard in academic contexts.
Do I need different resumes for different jobs?
Yes, absolutely. Tailoring your resume to each job is one of the most effective ways to increase your chances of getting an interview. Customize your professional summary, highlight the most relevant skills and experience, and include keywords from the job description. Studies show that customized resumes are 40% more likely to result in interviews than generic ones.
What if a job posting doesn’t specify resume or CV?
Consider the industry and location. For US/Canada private sector jobs, submit a resume. For academic positions anywhere, submit a CV. For European or Australian jobs, submit what they call a CV (which is typically a 2-page document similar to a US resume). When truly uncertain, you can contact the employer to ask, or submit a resume with a note that you can provide a more detailed CV if needed.
Is a CV the same as a resume in the UK?
In the UK, the term “CV” is used for what Americans call a “resume.” A UK CV is typically a 2-page document that summarizes your work experience, education, and skills—similar in purpose to a US resume. It’s not the lengthy academic document that “CV” means in the US context. When applying for UK jobs, prepare a document similar to a US resume but call it a CV.
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Key Takeaways: Resume vs CV

Bottom Line: The key difference between resume and CV is length, purpose, and regional usage. Resumes are short (1-2 pages), tailored marketing documents for specific jobs—standard in the US/Canada. CVs are comprehensive academic records with no page limit—standard in academia worldwide and for all jobs in Europe/UK/Australia. Always check the job posting and research country-specific norms before applying.

Quick Reference

  • Resume = 1-2 pages, tailored — Use for US/Canada jobs in most industries
  • CV = comprehensive, detailed — Use for academic positions and Europe/UK/Australia
  • US “CV” = Long academic document (10+ pages possible)
  • UK/EU “CV” = What Americans call a “resume” (2 pages typical)
  • Always check the job posting — It usually specifies which document to submit
  • Research country norms — Photo/personal info requirements vary significantly

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