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CV or resume: which do you need?

In India, the UK, and much of Europe, "CV" is the everyday word for the document you send with a job application. In the United States and Canada the same document is usually called a resume, and "CV" means a longer academic record of research and publications.

For most job applications, the content is the same: a focused summary of your experience, education, and skills. Use whichever word the employer uses. Read CV vs resume for the full comparison.

What a good CV includes

• Contact details at the top: name, phone, email, location, and a LinkedIn profile.
• Professional summary: three or four lines on who you are and what you are looking for.
• Work experience in reverse order, newest first, with achievements rather than duties.
• Education, plus certifications and training relevant to the role.
• Skills that match the job description.

Tip: Keep the formatting simple. Clear headings and consistent dates help both recruiters and screening software.

How long should a CV be?

One page is ideal for students and early-career applicants. Two pages are normal once you have several years of relevant experience. Academic CVs can run longer because they list publications and research. See how long a resume should be.