Confused about whether to use a CV or resume? Here's everything you need to know about the key differences, when to use each, and which one will get you hired.
π‘ Simple Rule: In the U.S., use a resume for 99% of jobs. Use a CV only for academic, research, or medical positions.
| Feature | Resume | CV |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 1-2 pages (strict limit) | 2-10+ pages (no limit) |
| Purpose | Get interview for specific job | Show complete academic record |
| Content | Relevant experience only | Everything (publications, grants, etc.) |
| Customization | Yes, tailored to each job | No, one document for all applications |
| Common in | USA, Canada, Australia | Europe, Africa, Asia, Middle East |
| Industries | Business, tech, sales, marketing | Academia, research, medicine, law |
| Photos | β Never in USA | β Common in Europe/Asia |
| Personal Info | Name, email, phone only | May include birthdate, nationality |
| Publications | β Usually omitted | β Full list required |
| References | "Available upon request" | Full list with contact info |
Use a resume for 99% of job applications in the United States and Canada
Any position at a company: marketing, sales, operations, finance, HR, customer service, etc. Companies expect 1-2 page resumes that highlight relevant experience.
Software engineers, product managers, designers, data analysts, DevOps engineers. Tech companies value concise resumes that show impact quickly.
If you have less than 15 years of experience, a resume is always the right choice. Even experienced professionals use resumes for non-academic roles.
Manufacturing, retail, hospitality, construction, real estate, media, entertainment. These industries expect brief, scannable resumes.
Summer internships at companies, management fellowships, rotational programs. Use a 1-page resume highlighting relevant coursework and experience.
State and local government positions typically want resumes.Exception: Federal government jobs require a specific federal resume format (2-5 pages).
Use a CV only for specific academic, research, or international positions
Faculty positions, postdoctoral fellowships, research scientist roles at universities. Academia expects a comprehensive CV listing all publications, presentations, grants, teaching experience, and academic service.
Medical residencies, fellowships, hospital positions. CVs include medical school details, residencies, board certifications, publications, presentations, and clinical experience.
Research positions at institutes, labs, or R&D departments. Employers want to see your complete research history, publications in peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations, and patents.
PhD programs, master's programs in research-heavy fields. Admissions committees want to see your academic background, research experience, publications, and academic achievements in detail.
When applying for jobs outside the U.S., many countries use the term "CV" for what Americans call a "resume." However, check local normsβin the UK, a CV is usually 2 pages; in Germany, it may include a photo and personal details.
NIH grants, NSF fellowships, Fulbright scholarships. Funding organizations want your complete academic record to evaluate your qualifications and track record.
Resume: 1-2 pages, used for 99% of jobs
CV: Academic/medical only, 2-10+ pages
Photos: β Never include photos (illegal to ask)
Personal info: Name, email, phone only (no age/marital status)
"CV" is used for all jobs (what Americans call "resume")
Length: Usually 2 pages (strict)
Photos: β Not typically included
Personal info: Similar to U.S., minimal details
"CV" or "Europass CV" format
Length: 2-3 pages typical
Photos: β Often expected (professional headshot)
Personal info: May include birthdate, nationality
Resume: Similar to U.S., 1-2 pages
CV: Academic/research positions only
Photos: β Not included
Bilingual: May need French version in Quebec
Resume: 1-3 pages (slightly longer than U.S.)
CV: Academic/medical only
Photos: β Not included
References: Often included on resume itself
"CV" or local term (ε±₯ζ΄ζΈ in Japan)
Length: Varies by country (1-3 pages)
Photos: β Required in most Asian countries
Personal info: Age, marital status often included
"CV" is standard term
Length: 2-4 pages typical
Photos: β Usually expected
Personal info: May include detailed personal information
"CV" or "Hoja de Vida"
Length: 1-2 pages typical
Photos: β Common in most countries
Language: Spanish or Portuguese required
"CV" is standard term
Length: 2-4 pages common
Photos: Optional (not required)
References: Usually listed on CV
When applying for jobs internationally, research the specific country's norms before submitting your application. What's expected in the U.S. (no photo, 1-page resume) may be considered incomplete in Germany (photo required, 2-3 page CV). Check the job posting carefully and look at examples from that country.
The mistake: Sending a 5-page CV to a tech startup in San Francisco.
Why it's bad: Recruiters will see it's way too long and assume you don't understand professional norms. Your application goes straight to the reject pile. In the U.S., unless the job posting specifically asks for a CV, always use a 1-2 page resume.
The mistake: Adding a professional headshot to your resume for U.S. jobs.
Why it's bad: In the United States, including a photo on your resume can actually hurt you. Many companies will automatically reject resumes with photos to avoid discrimination lawsuits.Never include photos on resumes or CVs for U.S. jobs (unless you're applying for modeling/acting roles where appearance is relevant).
The mistake: "I have 20 years of experience, so I need 4 pages!"
Why it's bad: Even with decades of experience, your resume should be 2 pages maximum (1 page if you have less than 10 years). Recruiters spend 6-7 seconds scanning each resume.If you can't highlight your best achievements in 2 pages, you need to be more selective.Focus on the past 10-15 years and your most impressive results.
The mistake: Sending the exact same resume to 50 different jobs.
Why it's bad: Generic resumes get rejected by ATS systems and bore recruiters.You must customize your resume for each job by matching keywords from the job description and highlighting relevant experience. It takes 10-15 minutes per application but increases your interview rate by 40-60%.
The mistake: "Responsible for managing social media accounts..."
Why it's bad: Duties describe what you were supposed to do. Achievements show what you actually accomplished. Use numbers and metrics: "Grew Instagram followers from 2K to 45K in 8 months, increasing engagement rate by 125%." This proves impact, not just presence.
The mistake: Listing 3 references with phone numbers and emails at the bottom.
Why it's bad: References take up valuable space and aren't needed until later in the process. Don't include references on resumes. If a job posting specifically requests them, you can add "References available upon request" at the bottom (though even this is becoming outdated). Save references for when you're asked.
The mistake: Writing "CURRICULUM VITAE" or "RESUME" at the top of the document.
Why it's bad: It's redundant and wastes precious space. Recruiters know it's a resumeβ they don't need you to tell them. Your name should be the title at the top of the page (14-16pt font), followed immediately by your contact information. Don't label it "Resume" or "CV."
CV stands for "Curriculum Vitae," which is Latin for "course of life." It's a comprehensive document that details your entire academic and professional history, including education, research, publications, presentations, awards, and more.
In the United States, a CV is used primarily for academic, scientific, and medical positions where your complete credentials matter more than brevity. In most other countries, "CV" is simply what they call a resumeβthough the format and expectations vary by region.
No, you need a proper CV for academic positions. Universities, research institutions, and academic programs expect a comprehensive CV that shows your complete academic record.
A resume won't work because it's too short and doesn't include critical information that academic hiring committees need to see: publications, conference presentations, research grants, teaching experience, dissertation details, and academic service.
If you're applying for faculty positions, postdocs, or graduate programs, take the time to create a proper academic CV. It's a different document entirely from your industry resume.
One page if you have less than 10 years of experience, two pages maximum if you have more.
The one-page vs. two-page debate depends on your career stage:
Never go to three pages for a resume. If you can't fit your best achievements in two pages, you need to be more selective about what you include.
It depends on where you're applying:
When in doubt, research the specific country's norms. If you're applying to a U.S.-based company with international offices, follow U.S. standards (no photo).
They serve completely different purposes and you need both:
You typically send both together: the resume shows what you've done, and the cover letter explains why it matters for this particular role. Even if a cover letter is optional, sending one increases your chances of getting an interview by 40%.
It depends on whether you're using a resume or a CV:
Exception: If you're applying for both academic and industry positions, you'll need to maintain both a comprehensive CV (for academic jobs) and a tailored resume (for industry jobs).
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