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.
What Is a Resume?
Understanding the purpose and structure of a modern resume
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.
What Is a CV (Curriculum Vitae)?
Understanding the comprehensive career document
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.
Resume vs CV: Side-by-Side Comparison
Understanding these key differences will help you choose the right document for your situation.
| 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 |
When to Use a Resume vs CV
Follow this guide to choose the right document for your situation.
- ✓ 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
- ✓ 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.
Resume: Core Sections
Contact info, Professional Summary, Work Experience, Education, Skills. Keep it tight and relevant.
CV: Core Sections
Contact info, Education, Research Experience, Publications, Presentations, Teaching, Grants, Awards.
Resume: Optional Sections
Certifications, Projects, Languages, Volunteer Work, Awards (if relevant to target job).
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.
Resume vs CV by Country: International Requirements
Terminology and expectations vary significantly around the world. Here’s what to know.
Resume is standard for most jobs (1-2 pages). CV is only used for academic, research, and medical positions.
CV is the standard term for all applications, but it’s similar to a US resume (2 pages typical). Includes Personal Statement section.
CV (Lebenslauf) is standard. Professional photo is expected. Include date of birth and nationality.
CV is standard (1-2 pages). Professional photo is common. Include age and marital status.
CV is the standard term. Europass CV format is widely accepted across EU countries for easier comparison.
Both CV and resume are used interchangeably. Typically 3-4 pages. No photo required.
Resume is standard (similar to US). CV only for academic and scientific roles.
CV is standard and often includes photo, nationality, visa status, and personal details. 2-3 pages typical.
| 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 |
Resume & CV Format Best Practices in 2026
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 CommonFunctional Resume
Best for: Career changers or those with gaps. Focuses on skills over timeline.
Less CommonCombination Resume
Best for: Experienced professionals. Blends skills section with chronological experience.
Highly EffectiveCommon 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.
Frequently Asked Questions: Resume vs CV
Key Takeaways: Resume vs CV
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
Related Career Guides
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