Resume writing
CV vs Resume: What Is the Difference?
Updated · 5 min read · By the CareerDesks team
The words "CV" and "resume" mean different things depending on where you apply. Getting it right shows you understand local hiring norms.
The short answer
- Resume: a short, tailored summary of your experience, usually one to two pages. Standard in the US and Canada.
- CV (curriculum vitae): in the UK, Ireland, Europe, India, Australia, New Zealand, and much of the Middle East and Africa, "CV" simply means the same short job application document.
- Academic CV: in academia and research worldwide, a CV is a full record of publications, teaching, grants, and conferences, and it can run to many pages.
Regional norms to know
- US and Canada: no photo, no date of birth, no marital status. One page for early career, two for experienced.
- UK and Ireland: called a CV, two pages is common, no photo.
- Germany, Austria, Switzerland: a photo and a structured "Lebenslauf" are still common, though increasingly optional.
- India: "CV" and "resume" are both used. Many employers still expect a short personal details section; keep it brief.
- Middle East: photos and nationality are often included; follow the posting.
- Australia and New Zealand: two to three pages is accepted for experienced candidates; referees are often listed or offered on request.
Tip: When in doubt, follow the job posting's wording and the conventions of the country where the job is based, not where you live.
Which should you send?
For most industry jobs anywhere, send a concise, tailored document, whatever it is called locally. For academic, medical research, and some public sector roles, send a full academic CV. You can build either with our resume builder by adding sections such as Publications or Certifications.
Frequently asked questions
Is a CV longer than a resume?
An academic CV is longer. In most countries outside North America, "CV" just means the standard one-to-two-page job application document.
Should I include a photo on my CV?
Only where it is the local norm, such as parts of Europe and the Middle East. Leave it out for the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.
Related guides
- How Long Should a Resume Be?The right resume length for students, mid-career professionals, and executives, plus practical ways to cut a resume down without losing impact.
- Resume Formats Explained: Chronological, Functional, and HybridCompare the three main resume formats, see who each one suits, and learn the layout rules that keep your resume readable by people and by applicant tracking systems.
- How to Write a Resume: A Step-by-Step GuideLearn how to write a resume that gets interviews: what to include, how to order sections, how to write bullet points, and how to format it for any job.