CV vs Resume: Key differences you need to know.

Summary/Overview

Applying for a job and been asked to submit a CV or resume? While you may think these two documents are the same, they actually have some differences, including the length and contents. So, which one should you use?

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What is a CV?

A curriculum vitae (CV) is a written summary of your employment history. There are various types, and which you choose will be dependent on your stage of life. For example, if you’re moving into higher education, you might opt for an academic CV rather than a professional CV. Ultimately though, the goal is the same: to highlight your achievements and promote your skills.

CVs can come in many forms. From simple documents to video CVs, you can tailor your CV to the role you’re applying for. If it’s a more creative role, you may want something a bit more, well, creative.

Editable examples of a CV.

What is a resume?

A resume is similar to a CV, but provides details on work and career acomplishiments over academic ones. A resume is around one to two pages long and lists your job history. It will then provide details on each role, and how it’s relevant to the job you’re applying for. Think of your resume as a marketing document, answering the question “why should I hire you?”.

You should look to go back over the last 10 years, sometimes 15 if the roles are still relevant. Or it could be the last five to six positions. Remember, you don’t need to list everything, some of the earliest positions won’t reflect your current skillset.

Free resume examples from Adobe Express.

What is the difference between a CV and resume?

The main difference between a CV and resume comes down to the location of the job you’re applying for. UK and European countries tend to use CVs, while the United States prefers to use resumes.

However, there are some other small differences between a CV and a resume that you might need to factor in when crafting one. Here’s a handy summary of the similarities and differences to look out for.

Format.

The most common format for both a CV and resume is a Word or PDF document. However, CVs tend to be more flexible in terms of their structure and format. For instance, you may find that some companies are open to video CVs or other more creative forms.

Length.

Whether you’re opting for a CV or a resume, one similarity is the length. Both should be no longer than two pages. So, keep it concise and feature the most important information.

A CV will sometimes be longer than a resume, as they tend to be used for academic reasons too. Therefore a CV may also include details of presentations, research, publications or teaching experience.

Structure.

Both CVs and resumes follow a similar structure, consisting of five essential sections:

1. Contact details
2. Professional profile
3. Career history
4. Education
5. Professional skills.

When structuring either a CV or a resume, different elements will take priority. So, for a CV, your education may be higher on the page than your career history. It may be the other way round on your resume.

Content.

You may have a lot of content you want to include in your resume or CV. Whichever you’re writing, you only want to include the most relevant content for the job you’re applying for.

When it comes to a CV, you might include more details on your academic accomplishments, the institutions you attended and what you studied. You’ll usually support a CV with a cover letter too, where you can go into more detail about the relevant skills and experience you have.

However, on a resume, the companies you’ve worked at will take priority and your education will be minimal.

Adjustments.

Both will need adjustments. These may come when you progress throughout your career, or it could be when applying for different roles. As the years go on, things can be removed or added. A resume only needs to sum up the last 10 years, for example.

When to use a CV vs a resume.

Wondering when you would use a CV vs a resume? Below we explain when you should use a CV and when it should be a resume.

• What is the job application asking for? Sometimes, the job description will ask for a specific type of document to be sent. This might include a CV, resume, portfolio or other professional summary. Whatever it’s called by the company is what they’re looking for.
• Academic vs business. The opportunity you’re applying for will determine what you use. If you’re applying for an academic role, or something that is research-oriented like law and medical, then you should use a CV. For business industries, like engineering and marketing, you might use a resume.
• Location, location, location. Where you’re based will also help you decide whether to use a CV or resume. In the US, resumes are more commonly used. In the UK, the terms are used interchangeably. But CV is most commonly used as the standard document for job applications, regardless of the industry.

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Useful things to know.

Should I use a CV or resume in the UK?

In the UK, CV and resume are terms used to represent the same thing, though CV is used more often. A document showcasing your career and academic history is what’s wanted. You can add any extra elements such as research, if it’s asked for on the application.

Is a CV the same as a cover letter?

No, a CV and cover letter aren’t the same. A cover letter is sent alongside your CV and provides further detail to the hiring manager on why you’re the perfect fit for the job. These tend to follow a more formal structure, whereas a CV is usually a combination of lists and short sections of text.

Hiring managers may read the cover letter before the CV, or vice versa – so think about how you split the information between the two.

What other countries use CVs instead of a resume?

The UK and most European countries use the term CV instead of resume. The US, Australia, and some parts of Asia tend to use the term resume.

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