Resume or CV – What’s the difference?

Is there a difference and is it really important?

When job searching, many people come across the terms CV and résumé and often wonder – is there a difference? Why do some employers ask for a CV, while others request a résumé? Are they just two words for the same thing? Let’s clear it up.

What is a CV?

CV stands for Curriculum Vitae, which is Latin for “course of life.” In the UK, Europe and many Commonwealth countries, the term CV is used to describe a detailed document that outlines your career history, qualifications, skills and achievements. It typically includes:

• Personal Details
• Personal Profile
• Key Skills
• Employment History
• Education, Training, Memberships and Certifications
• Additional sections to include Projects, Publications, Volunteering and Non Executive Director (NED) posts

A CV in these regions is tailored for job applications but tends to be more comprehensive than a résumé.

What is a Résumé?

The term résumé – from the French word meaning “summary” – is most commonly used in the United States and Canada. A résumé is typically a short, focused document, usually 1–2 pages, and designed to highlight:

• Your most relevant experience
• Key skills tailored to the specific role
• Measurable achievements and impact

In these countries, the word CV might still be used, but it’s generally reserved for academic, research, or medical roles, where a much longer, more detailed document is required.

So, is there a difference?

Yes, but it depends on where you are and what type of job you’re applying for:

Why it matters when applying for jobs

• In the UK, if an employer mentions a résumé, they’re usually referring to a short, focused version of a CV – something concise and tailored to the role.
• In the US or Canada, a lengthy, multi-page CV sent for a corporate job could come across as overkill and Hiring Managers typically expect a résumé that’s brief and to the point.
• However, in academic or research roles worldwide, a full academic CV is not only accepted but often expected, with as much detail as necessary on your publications, teaching and projects.

Final Thoughts

In the UK and many other parts of the world, CV is the term you’ll hear most and it simply means a document that tells your career story in a clear and compelling way.

Whether you call it a CV or a résumé, the real goal is the same – to showcase your skills, experience and value in a way that gets you noticed.

If you’re not sure where to start, or just want to make sure your CV is doing you justice – let’s chat. We help professionals create CVs which stand out and open doors. Friendly, no-nonsense support that gets results.