CV vs. Resume: What's the Difference?

Resume: short, tailored, results-driven

In the U.S. and Canada, a resume is typically 1-2 pages, tailored to each specific job, and focused on quantified achievements. This is what you'll use for the vast majority of corporate and industry roles.

CV: long, comprehensive, static

A CV (curriculum vitae) is a complete academic and professional record — publications, research, teaching experience, conference presentations — and can run to many pages. It doesn't change much between applications. In the U.S., CVs are mainly used for academic, medical, research, and some federal roles.

Outside the U.S.

In the UK, most of Europe, and much of the rest of the world, "CV" is simply the standard term for what Americans call a resume — a shorter, tailored document. Always match the local convention when applying internationally.