Resume vs CV: What's the Difference?

Quick Answer

Resume: 1-2 pages, used in the US, focuses on relevant experience
CV: 2+ pages, used in UK/Europe, comprehensive career history

The Confusion is Real

You're applying for a job and the posting asks for a "CV." But you're in the US and only have a resume. Can you send your resume? Or do you need to create something different?

The terms "resume" and "CV" are often used interchangeably, but they're actually quite different depending on where you're applying. Let's clear up the confusion once and for all.

What is a Resume?

Resume (US)

Length: 1-2 pages maximum
Content: Tailored to specific job
Focus: Relevant experience only
Used in: United States, Canada

A resume is a concise, targeted document that highlights your most relevant qualifications for a specific job. Think of it as your "greatest hits" - you only include the experience and skills that matter for the role you're applying to.

In the US, resumes are expected to be brief. Hiring managers spend an average of 6 seconds scanning each resume, so you need to make every word count.

What is a CV?

CV (Curriculum Vitae)

Length: 2+ pages (no limit)
Content: Complete career history
Focus: All experience and achievements
Used in: UK, Europe, Asia, Australia

A CV (Curriculum Vitae, Latin for "course of life") is a comprehensive document that includes your entire career history. It's longer, more detailed, and doesn't change much between applications.

In the UK and most of Europe, "CV" is the standard term for what Americans call a resume. However, a UK CV is typically longer and more detailed than a US resume.

Key Differences at a Glance

Feature	Resume (US)	CV (UK/Europe)
Length	1-2 pages	2+ pages
Content	Tailored to job	Complete history
Customization	Changes per job	Mostly static
Photo	Never include	Sometimes expected
Personal Info	Minimal	More detailed

When to Use Each

Use a Resume When:

Applying for jobs in the United States
Applying for jobs in Canada
The job posting specifically asks for a "resume"
Applying to private sector jobs

Use a CV When:

Applying for jobs in the UK, Europe, Asia, or Australia
Applying for academic positions anywhere
Applying for research positions
The job posting specifically asks for a "CV"

How to Convert Between Resume and CV

CV → Resume (Moving to US)

If you have a UK CV and need a US resume:

Cut it down: Remove anything not directly relevant to the job
Remove personal info: No photo, date of birth, marital status
Tailor it: Customize for each application
Use action verbs: "Led," "Managed," "Increased"
Quantify achievements: Add numbers and percentages

Resume → CV (Moving to UK)

If you have a US resume and need a UK CV:

Expand it: Include all relevant experience
Add detail: More comprehensive job descriptions
Include education: All qualifications, not just recent
Add references: "References available upon request"
Consider a photo: Check if it's expected in that country

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Sending a 4-page CV to a US employer

US employers expect 1-2 pages max. They'll likely stop reading after page 1.

Sending a 1-page resume to a UK employer

UK employers expect more detail. A 1-page document may look incomplete.

Including a photo on a US resume

This is a major red flag in the US and can lead to immediate rejection.

Using the wrong terminology

Don't say "CV" when applying in the US, or "resume" when applying in the UK.

The Bottom Line

The difference between a resume and CV isn't just semantics - it's about understanding what employers in different regions expect. Use the wrong format, and your application might be rejected before anyone even reads it.

Remember: Resume = US (short, tailored), CV = UK/Europe (long, comprehensive)

Need Help Converting Your Resume or CV?

Whether you're moving from the US to UK or vice versa, our AI-powered tool can help you create the perfect document for your target market.