Our customers have been hired at: *Foot Note
Table of Contents
Get started with MyPerfectResume today!
- Build a resume on any device
- Pick an ATS-friendly template
- Tailor with AI copy suggestions
Confused about the difference between a resume and a CV? You’re not alone! While both documents help you land a job, they vary in content, structure, and formatting.
In this guide, we’ll break down what sets a CV and a resume apart, and how to choose the right one for your next job application to stand out and get hired faster.
What Is a CV?
A curriculum vitae (CV), meaning “course of life,” is a comprehensive document that displays the full range of your professional and academic experience. Many job seekers add to their CVs as a “living document” throughout their careers.
A CV template can include information such as research experience, educational or professional trips, speaking engagements, experiments, publications, memberships, and other sections that display your unique and extensive expertise.
What Is a Resume?
A resume is a one- to two-page document that highlights your most relevant qualifications for a specific role. A resume template focuses on work experience, skills, and education, making it an ideal tool for quickly showcasing your qualifications for the job.
Unlike a CV, which provides a comprehensive career overview, a resume should be tailored to each job application, emphasizing relevant qualifications to catch the employer's attention.
Difference Between a CV and a Resume
In the U.S., resumes vs CVs differ in four key ways:
- Focus: A CV provides a complete overview of your credentials, while a resume offers a snapshot of your most relevant qualifications.
- Purpose: In the U.S., job seekers use resumes across most industries, while CVs are reserved for academic, medical, research, or government positions.
- Length: CVs do not have a page limit and are often several pages long, whereas the typical resume length is one to two pages.
- Location: CVs are the standard document for job applications anywhere outside the U.S., regardless of the industry or role.
Regional differences between a CV and a resume
When applying for jobs internationally, it's important to understand regional preferences for CVs and resumes, as these documents serve different purposes in different countries.
Understanding these regional differences ensures you present your qualifications appropriately, increasing your chances of making a positive impression on potential employers.
Let’s compare CV vs resume differences worldwide:
United States
- CV: Typically used for academic, medical, legal, and scientific positions. It provides a comprehensive overview of educational background, research experience, publications, and professional activities.
- Resume: Preferred for most other job applications. It is a concise summary of work experience, relevant skills, and educational background, usually one to two pages long.
United Kingdom
- CV: The term CV is commonly used in place of a resume. It serves as the standard document for all job applications, similar to the resume in the U.S. Still, it may include more detailed sections depending on the job requirements.
- Resume: Less commonly used; the CV is the standard document for job applications.
Europe
- CV: In many European countries, the term CV is synonymous with a resume and is used for all job applications. The Europass CV format is often recommended for consistency across EU countries.
- Resume: Rarely used; the CV is the preferred document for job applications.
Asia
- CV: In countries such as India, China, and Japan, the term CV is often used interchangeably with resume. Keep in mind that the content and structure might vary based on local norms and job expectations.
- Resume: The term resume may be used, but the format and details required can differ significantly from Western standards.
Australia and New Zealand
- CV: Similar to the U.K., a CV is commonly used for all job applications. It details education, work experience, and skills in a structured and comprehensive format.
- Resume: Not as common; the CV is the standard document for most job applications.
International resume guides:
Whether you’re applying for a job in the U.S. or internationally, our guide on how to write a CV can help you create a standout CV that impresses potential employers.
When to Use a CV vs a Resume
Here are some tips to help you determine whether a CV or a resume is right for you:
- Check the job description. The easiest way to determine if you need a CV or a resume is to check the job description. Employers often specify the document they prefer.
- Consider your industry. Fields like academia, law, medicine, and research require a comprehensive overview of your educational background, research, publications, and professional activities. By contrast, industries such as business, marketing, engineering, and technology favor a targeted resume that summarizes your skills and experience.
- Understand geographical differences. In the U.S., resumes are commonly used for most job applications, while CVs are reserved for specific fields. In the U.K. and many other countries in Europe and Asia, a CV is the standard document for all applications.
Elevate Your Professional Presence
Easily create a CV that captures your career achievements, unique skills, and professional story. Start now to set yourself apart from the competition.
What to Include in Your CV
CVs are structured similarly to resumes, with five essential sections:
- Contact information
- Summary statement
- Comprehensive job history
- Academic background
- Professional skills
A key resume vs CV difference is that CVs often include additional sections, such as:
- Research experience
- Teaching or lecturing experience
- Publications
- Conference presentations and speaking engagements
- Language proficiency
- Awards and honors
- Certifications
- Hobbies and interests relevant to your field
- Professional licenses
- Grants, fellowships, and scholarships
- Professional associations and memberships
- Volunteer work
Our library of professionally designed CV examples can help you create an outstanding CV that showcases your strongest credentials.
What to Include in Your Resume
Keep the following sections in mind when writing your resume:
- Contact information: Display your name, phone number, email address, location (city and state), and professional profile at the top of your resume.
- Professional summary or objective: Start with a brief statement highlighting your career goals, key skills, and what you bring to the table for potential employers.
- Work experience: Your work history should include a detailed list of your previous jobs, including job titles, companies worked for, dates of employment, and key achievements.
- Education: Summarize your educational background, including degrees earned, institutions attended, and graduation dates. Only include relevant coursework, honors, or academic achievements if they enhance your qualifications.
- Skills: Compile a balanced list of hard skills and soft skills that showcase your suitability for the role you are applying for.
- Optional sections: Depending on your experience and the job you're applying for, you may include optional sections such as certifications, professional affiliations, volunteer work, languages spoken, or interests relevant to the job.
CV vs Resume Examples
Explore the professionally designed CV and resume examples below to visualize the difference between these two documents.
Sample CV
Sample resume
Tips for Writing a Strong CV or Resume
Crafting a compelling CV or resume requires strategically presenting your skills, achievements, and qualifications to stand out in a competitive job market. Here are some tips to get started:
- Tailor your CV or resume for each job application by incorporating relevant keywords from the job description.
- Present your work experience in reverse-chronological order (most recent job first).
- To boost your job qualifications, begin bullet points with strong action verbs like "managed," "developed,” and "implemented."
- Format your document using standard fonts, such as Arial and Times New Roman, and avoid using images or graphics that can confuse applicant tracking systems (ATS).
- Quantify your achievements with numbers or percentages to demonstrate your impact in previous roles.
- Proofread your document for grammatical errors and typos.
Key Takeaways
- In the U.S., resumes are used for most industry roles, while CVs are reserved for fields such as academia, medicine, law, and science.
- In most European and some Asian countries, a CV is the standard document used in job applications.
- Resumes are typically one to two pages, whereas CVs can span several pages depending on experience level.
FAQ
Does section order matter for a CV?
Section order matters on a CV, but it’s flexible. The goal is to place your most relevant and impressive information near the top, since recruiters usually scan the document.
For most job seekers, work experience comes before education, but students, recent graduates, or career changers may adjust the order to highlight education or skills first.
Lead with whatever best shows you’re qualified for the role. Explore our ChatGPT CV guide for tips on using AI with our CV Maker to craft a job-winning CV in minutes.
How do you write a CV with no experience?
When writing a CV with no work experience, focus on your potential and transferable strengths. Here are a few key tips to help you get started:
- Write a compelling profile that conveys confidence and enthusiasm.
- Follow your profile with your educational credentials, highlighting any academic awards, grants, fellowships, and honors you have received.
- Create an impressive skills section that highlights a range of traits and abilities.
- Include extracurricular and professional activities, publications, thesis, and community service or volunteer activities that show you have the know-how to perform the work.
Read our guide on how to write a resume with no experience for additional tips on showcasing your ability to succeed in the role, even with limited experience.
Which file format should I use for my resume or CV?
The best file format for your resume or CV is usually a PDF, as it preserves your formatting and looks the same on any device or operating system. Most employers and recruiters prefer PDFs because they’re easy to open and print.
That said, some online application systems may request a Word document (.docx) so the content can be easily scanned or edited. Always check the job posting first, and when in doubt, a PDF is the safest choice.
Do you need a cover letter for a CV and a resume?
While not always required, writing a cover letter for your CV or resume allows you to introduce yourself, explain why you’re a strong fit for the role, and highlight experiences that might not be obvious from your CV or resume alone.
A cover letter lets you express your personality, showcase your research skills, and display your knowledge of the company, organization, or institution. Even if an employer doesn’t explicitly ask for one, submitting a well-written cover letter can help you stand out and make a more personal connection with the hiring manager.
Can I use a CV as a resume?
You should not use your CV as a resume because each document serves a different purpose. A CV is a detailed record of your academic and professional history, while a resume is a shorter, targeted summary tailored to a specific job.
For most applications, it’s best to create a resume that highlights the experience and skills most relevant to the role.
How do I convert my CV to a resume?
To convert your CV into a resume, focus on brevity and relevance. Start by identifying the experiences, skills, and achievements that directly match the job you’re applying for. Trim or remove less relevant details, such as older positions or minor academic projects.
Organize your resume to highlight your most recent and impactful experience, add a concise professional summary, and include a clear skills section. Aim for a one- to two-page format that quickly shows why you’re a strong fit for the role.
Rate this article
CV vs Resume: What’s The Difference?
Marla is a professional resume writer. She is committed to helping job seekers navigate the job market and succeed in their careers.
More Articles by Marla FigueroaShare this page
Our customers have been hired at:*Foot Note
