CV vs. Resume: Understanding the Key Differences and When to Use Each

Did you read the title and think: “But, aren’t a CV and resume the same thing?” No, they’re not.

If you’re job searching, you need to understand the differences between a CV and resume, and when you should use each document. Using the wrong one may cause you to miss out on your dream job.

So, what exactly is a CV? A CV, or curriculum vitae, is a two to three-page document that provides a summary of your skills and experiences, and includes much more detail than a resume. It’s tailored to be as relevant as possible to the position you’re applying for, but all CVs should include your name, address, and contact details, education and qualifications, work history and experience, and information on your academic background, which can include research projects, teaching or lecturing experience, publications, presentations, and awards.

On the other hand, a resume is tailored to the job you’re applying for, less thorough, and less focused on academic background. It includes your name, address, and contact details, education and qualifications, and work history and experience.

The Key Differences

The key differences between a CV and resume are the length, the information they include, and what you’re applying for.

CVs are usually two to three pages long, while resumes are typically one to two pages long. CVs include much more detail and are more comprehensive than resumes, including information on your academic background, while resumes are more concise and focused on your work history and experience.

CVs are usually used when applying for a job outside of the US, or for certain jobs in the US, like those in medicine or academia. Resumes are generally acceptable for most jobs in the US. However, if you’re unsure, it’s always a good idea to get in touch with the recruiter for the organization you’re applying to and ask for their preference.

Crafting a Winning CV

To make sure your CV stands out from the crowd, follow these tips:

Tailor your CV to the job you’re applying for. If you’re going for a teaching job, make sure to emphasize your experience in education.

Make sure it’s well-formatted. Your CV should be clear and easy to read.

Use bullet points. Using lists to display your key achievements, skills, and experience is a great way to quickly convey them to the person reading.

Don’t include irrelevant information. Stick to what’s relevant to the position you’re applying for.

Examples of Winning CVs

If you’re not sure how to format your CV, these examples of winning CVs will help:

Basic CV format – check out this example of a correctly formatted curriculum vitae.

CVs for young people – these sample CV templates will help if you’re still in school or have recently left.

CVs for graduates – make your first job search a successful one with these sample graduate CVs.

CVs for academia – applying for a research position or PhD? These academic CV templates will show you everything you need to include.

CVs for medical jobs – writing a medical CV can feel daunting, even if you know you’re fully qualified. Check out this page for advice on how to prepare and structure your medical CV.

CVs for business – these example business CVs will help you to write a winner.

CVs for a change of career – want to move industry or change your career, but worried it’ll never happen? With the right CV, you can find your dream job. Check out these sample career change CVs for inspiration.

Don’t let your dream job pass you by because you didn’t write a good CV – or worse, you submitted a resume! Spend some time getting it right and your future self will thank you.