CV vs Resume: What Are the Differences?
What are the differences between a CV and a resume, or are they the same thing? In the UK, the term 'CV' is widely used, while in the US, 'resume' is more common.
The two documents share many similarities and the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, which can be confusing. However, in this article, we'll compare CV vs resume and help you understand the differences, with examples to help you make the right choice for your application.
By reading this article, you'll learn:
- The differences between a CV and a resume in the UK and other parts of the world.
- The key elements of a CV, an academic CV and a resume.
- When to use each document, and how to decide.
- Examples of a CV and a resume to help you when writing your own applications.
- How to design a professional-looking CV with Jobseeker's CV builder.
Is a resume the same as a CV?
In the UK, a resume and a CV are essentially the same thing. While 'CV' is the standard term in the UK job market, if an employer asks for a resume, they'll expect broadly the same type of application document as a CV.
However, in other parts of the world, there are significant differences between a CV and a resume. In locations and working cultures (such as the USA) that view the documents differently, these are the basic definitions of a CV and a resume:
- CV: A comprehensive career history document, detailing previous employments, qualifications and additional information. Often reaches two pages in length (and longer in some countries).
- Resume: A concise summary document containing only the most relevant previous employments, qualifications and achievements. Typically one page long.
Before we dive into the document choices per country and region, let's take a look at the CV example and resume example below for a visual explanation of the similarities and differences between the two documents:
This is a CV for a senior professional position. It includes all the essential CV sections, including work experience, qualifications and certificates/training.
This is a resume for a junior digital marketing application. The format includes a less formal layout, focusing less on work experience and including various optional sections to showcase relevant skills.
Now, let's look at how different countries treat resumes and CVs differently to make the right choice every time.
Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and Europe
In Ireland, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, a CV and a resume mean the same thing, although there are slight variations depending on the country:
Country/region | CV or resume? | Differences |
|---|---|---|
Ireland | CV is the standard term | Both documents are essentially the same (1-2 pages) |
Australia | CV and resume are user interchangeably | A resume tends to be 1–2 pages long, while a CV can be a much longer, detailed career history (2+ pages). |
New Zealand | CV is the favoured term | Both documents are effectively the same (2-3 pages) |
Europe | CV is standard, but resume might be used in some countries | Both documents are essentially the same (1-2 pages) |
United States and Canada
The difference between a resume and a CV mainly only applies in the United States and Canada.
- When applying for a professional position, you send a resume. This is typically a one-page summary of your most relevant experience, skills and achievements.
- When applying for an academic position, a scientific role or a scholarship, you send a CV. This provides a more comprehensive career history, including achievements, publications, teaching experience and awards or grants you've received.
South Africa
In South Africa, both 'CV' and 'resume' are used synonymously, similar to in the UK. There are two types of CV: a brief profile and a comprehensive CV. A brief profile is a one-page CV and is a shorter version of the comprehensive CV. This is similar to a resume or a CV as it is known in Europe, Australia and New Zealand.
CV vs Resume: How to choose which one to use?
Conventions and customs surrounding CVs and resumes can vary depending on the country and industry sector you're applying in. In Asian and South American countries, there are no clear, defined conventions surrounding CVs and resumes, while customs may also differ for international companies.
If you're applying in a country or setting without clear guidance on CVs and resumes, here's how to decide which to use:
- Review the job ad: Start by checking the job description for guidance on whether the employer expects a CV or a resume. Pay attention to the language used, and follow the lead of the job ad.
- Consider the seniority of the position: For more junior roles, a more brief 'resume-style' application may be more suitable, but for senior roles, a longer, 'CV-style' application might be appropriate.
- Assess the type of company and its industry sector: Larger firms in more traditional, professional industries might expect a longer application document (CV), while modern, less-formal professions might expect a shorter summary (resume).
- Prioritise ATS optimisation: If you're really not sure what type of document to use, focus first on creating a clear application that's optimised to pass the ATS stage. Avoid labelling your application as 'CV' or 'resume' but concentrate on providing the most essential, relevant information in the most concise way.
What is a CV?
CV is an abbreviation of the Latin ‘course of life’ and that is exactly what it is: a detailed overview of your professional life. This might include:
- Your contact information
- Your work experience
- Your education
- Your publications and awards
- Your academic qualifications
- Your non-academic activities
- Your personal qualities and skills
- Your language skills
- Your references
In the UK, CVs are the standard application document, and they might not contain all the information listed above. You'll pick only the most relevant and essential content from these sections, tailored to the job description. Typical CV length for UK job applications is one to two pages. In the US, this type of document might be called a 'resume' or a 'CV summary'.
What is an academic CV?
An academic CV is useful when you're applying for fellowships, grants, postdoctoral positions, and teaching/research positions in academia, or high-level research positions in industry. When you're writing an academic CV, you would typically include all the information and sections listed above.
These are less likely to be tailored to the position, and might extend beyond two pages in length. If a US employer requests an CV, they're more likely to be referring to this type of document.
What is a resume?
The English term 'resume' comes from the French word 'résumé' which means 'summarised'. A resume is a one or two-page document, making it the same as a UK CV, but shorter than a US CV. It gives recruiters and employers a brief overview of your work experience, education and skills, only highlighting relevant skills and experience. A resume typically comes with a cover letter, providing more space for context and details about your skills and achievements.
The following sections are typically included in a resume:
- Contact information
- Personal profile/summary or objective
- Work experience
- Education
- Skills
- Training/courses/professional affiliations
You may also choose to add complementary sections related to volunteering, hobbies and interests as further proof of your skills.
With a resume, the format is not fixed and you’re free to choose a structure that’s best suited to your situation and the job you’re applying for between chronological, functional and a hybrid structure.
According to research from Jobseeker, 44% of HR professionals prefer a chronological layout where you list your most recent work experience and education on top of each section.
Key differences between CV and resume
Take a look at this summary table to compare the features of CV and resume format, content and usage, when there is a distinction between the two documents:
CV | Resume | |
|---|---|---|
Purpose | To provide a detailed account of your career and achievements | To provide a brief summary of your relevant skills, experience and achievements |
Length | Two pages (or longer if applying for a senior or academic position) | One page (or up to two) |
Focus | Wide-ranging account of your career chronology | Focused summary of only your most relevant employments and qualifications |
Formatting | Clear, linear, traditional CV structure | More scope to adjust layout, structure and order of sections |
When to use | For traditional professions, academic or scientific roles | For modern, less-formal and creative industries |
Where to use | In the UK, Europe, Australia and New Zealand | In the USA and Canada |
In summary, while there are few differences between a CV and a resume in the UK, there are differences in other parts of the world. Where definitions of the two differ, a resume is a concise and personal document without a fixed layout that can be fully adapted to the vacancy.
The focus is on professional experience and achievements. On the other hand, a CV is a longer, more comprehensive document that sums up your entire career. In the US, it is mostly used for academic positions or applications for study programmes.
EXPERT TIP
If you’re based in the US or Canada, it’s a good idea to create both types of CVs as you never know when you might need them. Having the right CV could make all the difference in a sea of candidates.
Jobseeker is an online CV builder that can help you build a winning CV or resume. You can choose from CV templates and examples to help you shape a concise, professional and eye-catching application that sets you apart from other candidates.
Maximise the impact of your CV or resume
For UK job applications, CVs and resumes are essentially the same thing. However, it's important to remember the following:
- In some countries and industries, a CV is a longer, detailed account of your professional history and qualifications.
- Resumes can be shorter, more concise documents that summarise only your most relevant work experience and skills.
- In the US and Canada, it's normal to submit a resume, while a CV is a longer document reserved for academic applications.
- If in doubt over which document to use, review the job description, consider the industry sector and the company you're applying to, and focus on creating an application that's ATS-friendly.
Whether you decide to send a resume or a CV, Jobseeker's resources can help you maximise the potential of your application. Choose from professional, eye-catching CV and cover letter templates that you can easily customise, and enhance your CV content with AI suggestions to ensure your application really hits the mark. Sign up today to get started.
CV vs resume FAQs
When should I send a CV or resume?
In many places (including the UK), a CV and a resume are the same thing. However, in the United States and Canada, you would use a CV if you’re applying for an academic, medical or educational position. You would use a resume, on the other hand, to apply for almost any job that's not in an academic or scientific field.
Do employers prefer a CV or a resume?
Whether employers prefer a CV or a resume depends on their location and the type of business. For most professional roles in the US and Canada, a resume is preferred, while in the UK, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, the terms are either interchangeable, or a CV is the preferred format. Where there are industry-related differences, traditional, professional industries and senior roles would favour a CV, while a resume would be more suitable for modern, less-formal industries and junior roles.
In the UK, is it called a CV or a resume?
In the UK, 'CV' is the standard term for your job application document. This is usually a one or two-page summary of your career history, qualifications, skills and achievements. If an employer or recruiter in the UK asks you for a resume, they probably mean the same type of document as a CV.
How can I make my own CV?
You can make your own CV quickly and easily using Jobseeker's CV builder. Select a professional-looking CV template, customise the formatting, select your sections and input your CV content using the simple CV maker tool. You can even use AI suggestions to improve your content based on your target job title, maximising the effectiveness of your application. Jobseeker also offers CV and cover letter examples to help you with the content and structure of your own application.
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