The short version
A resume is a concise, tailored document, usually one or two pages, that highlights the experience and skills most relevant to a specific job. A CV (curriculum vitae, Latin for "course of life") is traditionally a complete record of your academic and professional history, and it can run many pages.
The confusion comes from geography: in the US and Canada the two words describe different documents, while in the UK, Ireland, most of Europe, the Middle East, Africa and much of Asia, "CV" is simply the everyday word for what Americans call a resume.
Comparison table
| US resume | US academic CV | CV outside the US | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Most private and public sector jobs | Academia, research, fellowships, grants | Most jobs |
| Length | 1–2 pages | No limit; grows over a career | Usually 2 pages (UK); varies by country |
| Tailored per job | Yes | Lightly | Yes |
| Main content | Summary, experience, skills, education | Education, publications, teaching, grants, presentations | Profile, experience, education, skills, languages |
| Photo | No | No | Sometimes, depending on country |
| Personal details | Name and contact only | Name and contact only | Varies; some regions add nationality or date of birth |
The academic CV in the US
If you are applying for a faculty position, a postdoc, a research fellowship, graduate school or a grant, US institutions usually ask for a CV. It typically includes:
- Education, including dissertation title and advisor
- Academic appointments
- Publications (peer-reviewed articles, books, chapters)
- Conference presentations and invited talks
- Grants, fellowships and awards
- Teaching experience and courses taught
- Research experience, service and professional memberships
An academic CV is comprehensive rather than selective, but it is still well organized, with the most important sections first. Some science and healthcare roles in industry also ask for a CV, in which case a slightly longer resume with publications is often what they mean.
CVs in the UK and Europe
In the UK, a CV is roughly a two-page resume: personal statement or profile, work experience, education, skills and sometimes interests. Photos and date of birth are usually left off. In much of continental Europe, the format is similar, though some countries are more likely to include a photo, and the Europass format is used for some applications. Always follow local conventions and the employer's instructions.
CVs in the Middle East and Gulf countries
Employers in the Gulf and the wider Middle East also use the word "CV". Expectations can differ from the US: a professional photo, nationality, visa status, languages and sometimes date of birth or marital status are commonly included, and CVs often run two pages. Practices vary by country and employer, so check the posting. We publish dedicated CV examples for the Middle East, including English and Arabic versions, if that is your target market.
Other related terms
- Biodata: used in parts of South Asia; usually a CV with more personal details.
- Federal resume: a detailed US government resume that often includes hours per week and more description per role than a private-sector resume. Follow the announcement's instructions.
- Europass CV: a standardized EU format, accepted by some employers and institutions but not required by most.
- LinkedIn profile: not a substitute for either document, but it should tell the same story with the same dates and titles.
Whatever the name, the core rules are the same everywhere: be accurate, keep it readable, and tailor it to the role. Never include qualifications, titles or results you did not actually earn, whichever document you send.
Which one should you send?
- Follow the posting. If it asks for a "CV" or "resume", check which country and sector the employer is in before deciding what that word means.
- US private sector jobs: send a resume, even if the post says "CV". A one- or two-page targeted resume is almost always what they expect.
- US academic or research roles: send a full academic CV.
- UK, Europe, Middle East, Asia: send a CV in the local style, which is usually a resume-length document.
- International companies: mirror the language of the job post and the office location.
- If unsure, ask the recruiter. It is a reasonable question and shows attention to detail.
Converting a CV to a US resume
- Cut to one or two pages and keep only the most relevant roles.
- Remove photo, date of birth, marital status, nationality and full address.
- Add a short professional summary. See summary examples.
- Rewrite duties as accomplishments with action verbs and real, verifiable results.
- Use US spelling and date formats, and a single-column ATS-friendly template.
Converting a US resume to an international CV
- Check local norms for photo and personal details.
- List languages with clear proficiency levels.
- Translate qualifications accurately; do not upgrade a degree or certificate to look like a local equivalent.
Whichever document you need, the free builder lets you create it, switch templates, and download PDF or Word. Check the result with the resume checker before you apply.