Resume vs. CV: Key differences and examples

Applying for jobs can be a confusing process, especially if you're bamboozled by the terms. While CV and resume often get used interchangeably, there's a clear distinction between them. So, let's talk about it.

We’ll also provide you with a visual example of both so that you know exactly how to structure your document based on your professional goals.

Resume vs. CV at a glance

A resume and a CV are both documents job seekers use when applying for roles. However, what each term means depends on where you are in the world and what role you're going for.

First up, let's take a look at an academic CV vs. an international CV.

Academic CV

The essential characteristics of an American CV written for roles in the academic sector include:

These elements differ significantly from what you will find on an international CV.

Resume (or a "CV" internationally)

Confusingly, a "resume" in America is often referred to as a "CV" in Europe and beyond. This document is suitable for most mainstream roles. Both differ from an academic CV as follows:

Remember that all details included on your resume should support why you are the best candidate for the role.

Resumes vs. academic CVs

In the United States, a resume is a short document that summarizes your work experience, skills, and education for a specific job application. Americans use the term CV in academic, research, and medical fields, where a longer, more detailed document is expected.

Let's take a look at the main differences between these two documents:

What is a CV?

“CV” is an abbreviation for “curriculum vitae,” which means “course of life” in Latin. In the United States and Canada, CVs are used almost exclusively for applying to academic jobs.

A CV is a comprehensive document that lists the entirety of your academic and professional achievements. This detailed summary has no standard length, though CVs commonly range from three to ten (or more) pages long.

What to include on a CV

When writing a CV for an academic position in the U.S. or Canada, you will likely want to include the following information and resources:

A CV will be universal and can be submitted as-is to all potential employers. When you have a new achievement, simply add it to your existing CV. Most CVs are written in reverse-chronological order, with your most recent degrees or accomplishments listed first and working backwards from there.

What is a resume?

A resume, on the other hand, is a much shorter, more specific document that is used for all other types of job applications in the United States and Canada. “Resume” is also sometimes spelled “résumé,” which is French for “to sum up.”

A resume is designed to provide a quick overview of your work history, education, and skills as they relate specifically to the job that you are applying for. Resumes are typically only one to two pages long and use bullet points to succinctly present your skills and accomplishments.

What to include on a resume

Here are some examples of information that an American or Canadian resume should include:

The following is an example of what a great resume looks like using Jobseeker's resume templates:

There are three main formats for resumes: reverse-chronological, functional, and combination. However, reverse-chronological resumes are the most common and generally the most effective.

Resume vs. CV: When to use each document

It’s important to consider the job you’re applying for so you can choose the appropriate document for your application. Resumes are a staple of the U.S. job market. They are particularly common in business, marketing, finance, and tech roles. You should use a resume if you are most modern fields.

Generally, you should use a CV if the position involves academic, research, or educational roles. There may be some other fields where CVs are required, too. Read the job description thoroughly to make sure you know what the recruiter expects from you.

How the terms differ across the world

U.S. and Canadian-based organizations reserve the term “CV” for academic or research positions. However, many other countries and regions use “CV” as the default term for any job application. Keep that in mind if you are exploring professional opportunities abroad.

Let's take a look at how the terms are used globally:

Final touches to your CV or resume

After you’ve identified which document you need, you’ve got to perfect the formatting so you can connect with hiring managers. A clean, well-organized document will be easier to read and more likely to pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), which many businesses use to screen candidates. 

Here are some formatting dos and don’ts to follow:

CV vs. resume: Key differences

In the United States and Canada, a CV is a long, comprehensive summary of your entire academic and professional history that is used solely by those applying to academic positions. A resume, on the other hand, is a short summary of your work experience, education, skills, and achievements that is used by essentially all other industries. However, in some other countries around the world, the term “CV” is used interchangeably with or in place of the word “resume.”

CV or resume? Jobseeker helps you choose the right format and build a standout document. Whether you're heading into academia or applying for your dream job in tech — we've got customizable CV and resume templates for every path. Uou can also check out our selection of cover letter examples to help you write a compelling document for recruiters.