CV vs Resume: what's the difference and which one do you need?

The terms CV and resume are often used interchangeably — but they're not the same thing. Which one you need depends on the country you're applying in, the industry and the role. Here's everything you need to know.

The short answer

A CV (Curriculum Vitae) is a comprehensive document that covers your full academic and professional history. It can be several pages long and is the standard in the UK, Europe, Australia and most academic contexts worldwide.

A resume is a shorter, more targeted document — typically one to two pages — tailored to a specific role. It's the standard in the United States and Canada.

Key differences at a glance

Length

A CV has no strict page limit — a senior academic might have a 10-page CV listing every publication, conference and grant. A resume is almost always one page for candidates with under 10 years of experience, two pages maximum for senior professionals.

Content

CVs typically include: personal details, personal profile, work experience, education, publications, research, presentations, awards, professional memberships and references. Resumes focus on: contact info, summary statement, work experience (with quantified achievements), key skills and education. Everything is filtered through the lens of "is this relevant to this specific role?"

Purpose

A CV is a complete record of your career — you update it as you go and adapt it slightly per application. A resume is purpose-built for a single application. Many professionals maintain a master resume and cut it down for each job.

What about a "CV" in the USA?

In the US, "CV" specifically refers to the academic version — the long document used when applying for faculty positions, research roles or grants. If an American employer asks for a "CV", they typically mean for academic or senior research roles. For most US jobs, send a resume even if the posting says CV.

Common myths

• "A CV must be two pages." — False. UK CVs are typically two pages but there's no rule. If you're a graduate, one page is fine. If you're a senior professional, three pages is acceptable.
• "Resumes can't include photos." — In the US and UK, photos are generally not included and may even cause issues. In some European countries (Germany, France) a photo is standard. Know your market.
• "You need a different CV for every application." — You don't need a completely different document, but you should tailor the personal statement and highlight the most relevant experience for each role.

Which format should you use?

If you're applying in the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand or continental Europe: use a CV. If you're applying in the US or Canada: use a resume. If you're applying globally: create both a CV and a resume so you're always ready.