Q3 Sale: Save 30% off on CV + Cover Letter Service. Learn More

What Are The Differences Between a CV and a Resume ? — 10 Key Points (With Examples)

4 min read · Updated on 19 Sep, 2024

Laura Slingo

Listen to article:

You're probably here to learn the difference between a CV and a resume. Many people, including me, used to think they were the same thing, but they're not. This confusion might come from people using both terms interchangeably.
 

For example: You might hear someone say, "Send me your CV/resume," as if they're the same. But they have different meanings.
 

I understand if you were confused because I was, too, early in my career.
 

So, what is a Curriculum Vitae, and how is it different from a resume?
 

It’s not just about the location (which can vary by country); that's just one difference. There's more to it that you'll find helpful.
 

In this article, we will discuss about:
 

  • Definition of a CV 
  • CV example
  • What to include in a CV?
  • Definition of a Resume
  • Resume Example
  • What to include in a Resume?
  • What are the key differences between a CV and a Resume?


What Is A CV? 

A CV stands for Curriculum Vitae, which means “course of life” in Latin. It focuses on your academic history, including awards, education, achievements, skills, scholarships, positions, and sometimes your work experience, if relevant. It is primarily an academic document.
 

A CV is based on your education and, if applicable, your work experience. It can be longer than two pages, depending on your academic background. A CV can be 4-5 pages long for highly educated individuals with many accomplishments.
 

For example: Sarah Smith (a fictional character) has a background in Environmental Science and is applying for a research position at a university. She has a PhD, has published research papers, received grants, and presented at international conferences. Her CV would include her education, research, publications, and skills relevant to a research or academic role. It would be longer because it details her academic and research contributions.
 

Now, how do you know when to use a CV and when to use a resume? It depends on the situation;
 

What Job Are You Applying For?

If you're applying for roles like a professor, teacher, scientist, researcher, or a job in academia, you'll likely need a CV. These professions focus heavily on your academic background.
 

Which Country Are You Residing/Living In?

The country you're in also matters. In places like Asia, Europe, the UK, and some parts of Canada, the term "CV" is often used instead of "resume." 
 

For example: if you're applying in the UK and are asked to send a CV, it likely means a resume. You'll need to assess the job role to determine if they want a detailed academic profile (CV) or a shorter resume.
 

What Is A Resume?

A resume is a brief document summarising a person’s work experience, skills, and basic education. It's designed to be specific to a job role and highlight only the most relevant information.
 

For example: John Williams (a fictional character) has 15 years of experience as a receptionist and 10 years of part-time customer service work. He can create two resumes based on the job he’s applying for.
 

Resume 1 (Receptionist Role): 

This resume highlights John’s 15 years of receptionist experience. It focuses on key accomplishments like improving efficiency, managing schedules, and training staff. It might include metrics like handling 150+ calls daily and scheduling 80% of appointments. (Adding metrics helps improve your ATS score, which many companies use to screen resumes.)
 

Resume 2 (Customer Service Role): 

This resume emphasises John’s 10 years of part-time experience in customer service. It includes metrics such as achieving 40% higher customer satisfaction rates and resolving most issues on first contact. It shows his ability to manage customer relations effectively.
 

By tailoring each resume to the job, John presents a more focused and relevant profile, avoiding unnecessary length.
 

Unlike a CV, a resume should focus more on work experience than academic achievements and be concise. Ideally, if the person has over 15 years of experience or significant achievements, it should be one or two pages long.
 

Including a cover letter with each resume is also helpful. It explains why you're a good fit for the role and shows your interest in the position. It acts like a hook to catch the employer's attention.
 

10 Key Differences Between A CV and A Resume

DIFFERENCES 

CV (CURRICULUM VITAE)

RESUME
Pages

It can be as long as needed. Typically 4-5 pages, but it may go longer.

Usually short, ideally 1 page, with two pages as the maximum.
 
Tailoring

It doesn’t require much tailoring since it covers your academic career.    

Requires a lot of tailoring for each job application.
Professions

Used for academic roles like teaching, research, and publications.

Used for non-academic jobs like IT, customer service, etc.

Detail

It covers your full career and academic background.

Only includes relevant information related to the job.

Function

They are used mainly for academic purposes, like applying for professor or PhD positions.

Used for most non-academic job applications.

Focus

Emphasises education, research, publications, and academic achievements.

Emphasises work experience, skills, and professional achievements.

References

Typically includes professional references.

No references are needed unless requested by the employer.

Formatting

It follows a standard format with little variation.

Multiple resume formats to choose from, depending on preference.

Photos

It never includes a photo, regardless of location.

Some countries require a photo, but it's illegal in the UK, US, and Ireland.

Personal Information

Usually, it doesn't include personal details unless required.

Personal details like age or gender are not added in the UK/US but might be required in other countries.

 

See how your CV stacks up.