Resume vs CV: the short answer
In the United States, a resume is typically a concise document tailored to a specific job, while a curriculum vitae — or CV — is generally a more detailed record used especially in academic, scientific and research contexts.
However, terminology varies by country. In some regions, employers use the term “CV” for the document Americans would commonly call a resume.
A concise document highlighting experience and skills relevant to a particular opportunity.
In the U.S. academic context, a detailed record of education, research and professional work.
Always follow the terminology and requirements used by the employer, institution or application system you're applying through.
What is a resume?
A resume is a professional document used to summarize experience, education, skills and other information relevant to a job application.
Rather than documenting everything you've ever done, a resume generally prioritizes information that helps explain your fit for a particular role.
What is a CV?
Curriculum vitae means “course of life.” In contexts where a CV is distinct from a resume, it is typically a more comprehensive record of academic and professional history.
CVs are particularly common for academic, research, scientific and some medical applications.
Resume vs CV: key differences
Resume and CV can mean different things by country
One reason the terminology is confusing is that “CV” does not mean exactly the same thing everywhere.
Resume is commonly used for regular job applications, while CV usually refers to a more extensive academic document.
Employers often use CV to describe the concise employment document used for regular job applications.
Read the vacancy carefully rather than assuming the terminology means exactly the same thing everywhere.
Check the employer's requested document, local expectations and application instructions before submitting.
Should you send a resume or a CV?
Start with the application itself. If an employer specifically asks for a resume or CV, follow those instructions.
In the U.S., a focused resume is commonly expected.
A detailed academic CV may be requested.
Terminology varies. Follow the employer's local instructions.
How to turn detailed experience into a resume
If you have a long CV or detailed career history, creating a resume is not simply a matter of deleting pages.
Instead, identify the experience most relevant to the position and build a focused document around it.
Identify the experience and skills most relevant to the role.
Give more space to information that supports the application.
Older or unrelated information may require less space.
Organize experience, education and skills so they are easy to scan.
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