Guide

CV vs Resume: What's the Difference?

CV vs resume explained: length, content and which one to send in the US, UK, Europe and India, plus how to make either one ATS friendly.

Short answer

In the US and Canada, a resume is a one to two page summary tailored to each job, while a CV (curriculum vitae) is a longer, complete academic record used for research, teaching and medicine. In the UK, Ireland, Europe and much of India, "CV" simply means what Americans call a resume.

Key facts

Resume length
1 to 2 pages
Academic CV length
No limit, grows over a career
UK, Europe, India
"CV" usually means a resume
Either one
Should be ATS friendly

The main differences

  • Purpose: a resume sells you for one job; an academic CV documents everything.
  • Length: a resume is short; a CV lists every publication, grant and talk.
  • Tailoring: a resume changes per application; a CV mostly grows over time.

Which should you send?

Send whatever the posting asks for. For US industry roles that means a resume. For a UK or European job asking for a CV, send a two page resume-style CV. For US academic, research or medical roles, send a full CV.

Check your resume against a real job, free.

Open the ATS resume checker

Questions

Is a CV the same as a resume?

In the UK, Europe and India, mostly yes. In the US, a CV is a longer academic document and a resume is a short, tailored summary.

What does CV stand for?

CV stands for curriculum vitae, Latin for "course of life".

Do applicant tracking systems read CVs?

Yes. The same rules apply: simple layout, standard headings, a text-based file and keywords from the job.

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