Resume vs CV: What's the Difference and When to Use Each

Resume vs CV: Understanding the Difference

A resume is a concise one-to-two page summary of your work experience, skills, and education tailored for a specific job application. A CV (curriculum vitae) is a comprehensive document of your entire academic and professional history, typically used in academia, research, and international job markets, with no page limit.

Key Differences at a Glance

When to Use a Resume

Use a resume when applying to:

• Corporate jobs in the United States or Canada
• Technology companies
• Business and finance roles
• Marketing, sales, and operations positions
• Startup positions
• Government jobs (non-research)

When to Use a CV

Use a CV when applying to:

• Academic positions (professor, researcher, lecturer)
• Research positions at universities or labs
• Medical and clinical positions
• Jobs in Europe, Asia, Africa, or the Middle East (where "CV" means what Americans call a "resume")
• Fellowship, grant, or scholarship applications
• Speaking engagement submissions

The International Confusion

In the United States and Canada, "resume" and "CV" are distinct documents. In most other countries — including the UK, Europe, Australia, India, and much of Asia — "CV" is simply the term used for what Americans would call a resume. A 1-2 page document summarizing your career is called a CV in these countries.

If a job posting outside the US asks for a "CV," they typically want a 1-2 page resume-style document, not a multi-page academic CV.

Build Your Resume or CV

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FAQ

Can I use a CV instead of a resume?

In the US, only submit a CV when specifically requested or when applying to academic/research positions. For all other jobs, use a resume. Submitting a 5-page CV for a marketing manager position signals that you don't understand professional norms.

How do I convert my CV into a resume?

Focus on the most relevant 10-15 years of experience, remove publications and conference lists (unless directly relevant), condense to 1-2 pages, and tailor bullet points to the specific job description. Magic Resume's PDF import feature can help you convert an existing CV document into an editable, condensed resume format.