CV vs Resume: What’s the Difference?

CV and resume can be confused but they are two different things. 

When applying for jobs, you’ve probably noticed that some employers ask for a resume, while others request a CV.

At first glance, they might seem like synonyms with different spellings, but that small detail can affect your application. So, what’s the real difference between the two, and which one suits you the most? Let’s break it down once and for all.

What is a Resume? 

A resume is a short, tailored document that highlights your skills, work experience, achievements, and education. Its main goal is to convince an employer that you’re the right person for a specific job. 

Resume Strategy: The Four Essentials 

1. Focus → Highlight only the most relevant information. 

2. Size → Keep it short: ideally 1 page, maximum 2. 

3. Personalization → Adapt your resume to the job you’re applying for. 

4. Purpose → Show clearly why you’re the right fit for the position. 

How to Craft the Perfect Resume 

A strong resume is concise and tailored. It summarizes your professional background without overwhelming the reader: 

• Stick to one or two pages. 

• Adapt it for each application (e.g., emphasize people skills for a customer-facing role, or analytical skills for a data-driven job). 

• Use action verbs and measurable results to stand out. 

Where resumes are most common: USA, Canada, Australia, South Africa, and India.

What is a CV? 

A CV (Curriculum Vitae) is a much more detailed document. It provides a comprehensive overview of your academic, research, and professional journey, often spanning multiple pages. 

Key Characteristics of a CV 

• Includes education, work history, research, publications, presentations, honors, and other academic activities. 

• Can be several pages long. 

• The structure stays consistent—you don’t need to rewrite it for each application. 

Where CVs are most common: United Kingdom, Europe, and countries with strong academic or research sectors.

Resume vs CV: Key Differences 

Here’s a quick breakdown of the main differences: 

Which One Should You Use? 

It depends on your goal: 

• If you’re applying for a job in the private sector → use a resume (short, targeted, adapted to the role). 

• If you’re pursuing an academic or research position → use a CV (detailed, structured, and comprehensive). 

Think of it this way: a resume sells your skills, while a CV tells your entire story.

Final Thoughts 

Both documents serve different purposes. 

• The resume is your marketing tool: short, impactful, and adapted to each job. 

• The CV is your academic record: detailed, consistent, and comprehensive. 

So, if your goal is to land a job in the market → go with a resume. If your focus is academic or research-related → prepare a CV. 

Regardless which one you will use, you should optimize it and adapt it to job offers. Supercandidate make it for you.