CV vs resume: what is the difference, and which do you need?

The short answer

In the US and Canada, a resume is a short (one to two page) summary for job applications, and a CV is a long academic record for research and university jobs. In the UK, Ireland, Europe, South Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Australia, 'CV' usually means the same short document Americans call a resume.

Which to use by country

Follow the word the job ad uses, and the length expected where you apply.

• US and Canada: resume, 1 page early in your career, 2 pages later
• UK and Ireland: CV, usually 2 pages
• Europe: CV, often 1 to 2 pages; some countries use the Europass format
• Middle East and Gulf: CV, 2 pages, often with a photo and nationality
• South Asia: CV or resume used interchangeably, 1 to 2 pages
• Academic jobs anywhere: full academic CV, as long as needed

What an academic CV adds

An academic CV lists everything: publications, conferences, grants, teaching, supervision, awards and service. It can run to many pages, and that is expected. It is used for PhD applications, research posts, fellowships and university jobs.

What every good CV or resume shares

Whatever it is called, it needs clear contact details, a short profile, experience with results, education and skills, in a clean layout without spelling mistakes, and written for the job you want.

Make yours with CVForge

CVForge makes the short job-application kind: one or two pages, A4 or Letter paper, with ten layouts. Paste the job ad and it is written for that role.

Is a CV longer than a resume?

In the US, yes: a CV is a full academic record. Elsewhere, a CV is usually the same length as a US resume.

Can I use the same document for both?

For job applications outside academia, yes; just match the name and length to the country.

Should a CV have a photo?

Only where it is normal, such as parts of Europe, Asia and the Gulf. Not in the US or UK.

What paper size should I use?

A4 almost everywhere; US Letter in the US and Canada. CVForge lets you choose.