Resume guides
Resume vs CV — what the difference actually is
Resume and CV are not the same document everywhere. Length, purpose and convention differ by country, field and seniority.
In some markets the two words mean different things; in others they are interchangeable. The safest rule is to follow the wording of the posting.
The general distinction
- A resume is a short, targeted argument for one role. It is edited down for every application.
- A CV (curriculum vitae — literally "course of life") is a complete record: education, publications, research, teaching, grants, service. It grows over a career and is rarely cut.
By market
- United States and Canada — resume for industry roles; CV for academic, medical, research and grant applications.
- United Kingdom, Ireland, most of Europe — "CV" is the everyday word and usually runs two pages.
- India, South Africa, much of Asia — the terms overlap; length follows seniority.
- Academia everywhere — CV, and length is expected.
General guidance only. Individual employers and institutions set their own expectations.