People often ask whether to send a CV or a resume. The short answer: in many countries the two words mean the same thing, and what matters is that the document is clear, relevant and not too long.
What is a CV?
CV stands for curriculum vitae, Latin for "course of life". In Pakistan, India, the UK, Europe, Australia and the Gulf, CV is the usual word for the document you send when you apply for a job. It is normally one to two pages and lists your experience, education and skills.
What is a resume?
A resume is a short summary of your skills and experience, usually one page. The word is common in the United States and Canada for job applications.
Main differences
- Length: a resume is one page, while a CV for ordinary jobs is one to two pages.
- Purpose: a resume is tailored to one job. In the US and Canada a "CV" is a longer academic document that lists publications, research and teaching.
- Personal details: US and UK employers prefer no photo, age or marital status. Employers in some other countries, including parts of Pakistan and the Gulf, may ask for a photo or more personal information.
Which one should you use?
Follow the job advert. If it asks for a CV, send a CV; if it asks for a resume, send a resume. If it does not say, send a one- or two-page document in the common format of the country. In every case, make it easy to read, honest and tailored to the job.
Tips that work for both
- Put the newest information first
- Use bullet points and numbers
- Match keywords from the job advert
- Save as PDF
Our CV builder creates a clean PDF that works for both. See CV examples for ideas.