CV vs resume: what is the difference?
Updated
In the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and India, "CV" is the everyday word for the document you send with a job application. In the US and Canada that document is called a "resume", and "CV" means a longer academic record. So the real difference depends on where you apply: a UK CV and a US resume are close cousins, while a US academic CV is a different, much longer document.
What the words mean
CV is short for the Latin curriculum vitae, "course of life". Résumé comes from French and means "summary". In the US the accents are usually dropped and it is written "resume".
Which word to use, by country
When in doubt, mirror the job advert: if it asks for a resume, call your file a resume; if it asks for a CV, call it a CV.
| Where you apply | Job application document | Typical length |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom, Ireland | CV | 1–2 A4 pages |
| Australia, New Zealand | CV or resume (both used) | 2–3 pages is common |
| United States | Resume (CV = academic/medical record) | 1 page early career, 2 pages for experienced |
| Canada | Resume (CV in academia) | 1–2 pages |
| South Africa, India, Singapore | CV (resume also understood) | 1–3 pages |
| Continental Europe | CV; Europass format is sometimes requested | 1–2 pages |
UK CV vs US resume: the practical differences
- Paper size: UK CVs use A4; US resumes use US Letter. Set this before exporting to PDF so margins are not cut off.
- Spelling: use British spelling (organise, programme) for UK roles and American spelling (organize, program) for US roles.
- Opening paragraph: UK CVs usually have a "personal statement" or "profile"; US resumes call it a "summary".
- Personal details: neither normally includes a photo, date of birth or marital status.
- References: UK CVs often end with "References available on request", though many now leave it out; US resumes almost never mention references.
When a CV really is a different document
In US and Canadian universities, research and medicine, a CV is a complete academic record: publications, conferences, grants, teaching and awards. It has no page limit and grows over a career. If a US job asks for a CV, check whether it is an academic, research or medical role before sending a two-page document.
Turning a CV into a resume (and back)
- Change the page size (A4 ↔ US Letter) and the spelling.
- Rename the opening section (personal statement ↔ summary).
- For a US resume, trim to the most relevant 10–15 years and aim for one page if you have under ten years' experience.
- Check dates and phone formats for the target country.
One document, two formats
With the YeniCV builder you keep your content in one place and adjust it for each application. Next step: how to write a CV.