Understanding the Basics
Many job seekers confuse the terms resume and CV (Curriculum Vitae), assuming they are interchangeable. In reality, they serve very different purposes depending on your career path and location. Knowing the difference can help you apply with the correct document and boost your chances of success.
What is a Resume?
A resume is a concise, 1–2 page document that highlights your work experience, skills, and education. It’s tailored for specific job applications and is designed to pass ATS systems. Think of it as your “marketing brochure” for recruiters.
- Length: 1–2 pages
- Focus: Relevant experience, achievements, and skills
- Usage: Corporate, private sector, most industries
What is a CV?
A CV (Curriculum Vitae) is a comprehensive document that outlines your full academic and professional history. It can be many pages long and is most common in academia, medicine, and research.
- Length: Unlimited
- Focus: Detailed career history, research, publications, teaching experience
- Usage: Academic, medical, research positions
When to Use Resume vs CV
If you are applying for jobs in the United States, Canada, or most private companies, always use a resume. A CV is generally expected only in academia or specialized professions. For example:
- Marketing position → Resume
- University teaching role → CV
- Research fellowship → CV
When in doubt, check the job posting. If it says “Send resume,” stick with the 1–2 page version. If it says “Send CV,” prepare a longer, detailed document.
Final Advice
Both resumes and CVs have their place. The key is to know which one recruiters expect. If you need an ATS-friendly resume builder, Resumly helps you create professional resumes in minutes, while still allowing you to maintain a CV version for academic purposes.