What is the Difference Between CV and Resume?

Quick Summary:

• CV Long (2–8 pages), detailed, used for academic, medical, and research roles.

• Resume Short (1–2 pages), tailored, used for corporate and business jobs.

• CV covers full career history; Resume highlights only relevant skills & achievements.

• CV is rarely customized; Resume should always match the job description.

• Always check the job posting to know whether to send a CV or a resume.

What is a CV?

A Curriculum Vitae (CV) is a comprehensive document that provides an in-depth record of your academic and professional journey. Unlike a resume, which is typically restricted to one or two pages, a CV can extend to several pages, depending on your experience and achievements.

It covers education, work history, research, publications, certifications, awards, and other career milestones in detail. Commonly used for academic, medical, and research-based applications, a CV serves as a complete career profile rather than a brief summary. Its purpose is to showcase your qualifications and accomplishments extensively to highlight expertise and credibility.

Also Read:How to Write About Me in Resume

Key Features of a CV:

• Lengthy and detailed (often 2–8 pages).
• Covers academic achievements, research work, and publications.
• Includes education, certifications, awards, professional affiliations, and even hobbies in some cases.
• Commonly used for academic, medical, or research-based positions.
   

Example: If you are applying for a research fellowship at a university or a postdoctoral position, you’ll need a CV that details every publication, seminar, and academic contribution you’ve made.

What is a Resume?

A resume is a concise, professional document that summarizes your skills, experience, and achievements. It is usually tailored for a specific job application.

Key Features of a Resume:

• Short and focused (1–2 pages).
• Highlights professional experience, technical skills, and measurable achievements.
• Customizable for each job application.
• More common in corporate, business, and non-academic roles.
   

Example: When applying for a marketing executive role in a multinational company, a resume highlighting your sales growth figures, campaign success, and digital marketing skills would be more effective than a lengthy CV.

Key Differences Between CV and Resume

To make the difference between CV and resume clearer, here’s a simple comparison:

This shows why resume vs CV length is one of the most significant differences. A CV covers your complete journey, but a resume merely includes the most important information.

Also Read:How to Make Resume for Teacher Job​

When Should You Use a CV vs Resume?

Use a CV when applying for:

• Academic positions (lecturer, researcher, professor).
• Medical or healthcare jobs requiring detailed history.
• International roles in countries like the UK, Europe, or Middle East.

Use a Resume when applying for:

• Corporate positions in the USA, Canada, or Australia.
• Business roles requiring specific skills (marketing, IT, sales).
• Internships or entry-level jobs.

CV and Resume Difference with Examples

Here’s a quick look at CV and resume difference with examples:

Mini CV Sample Outline:

• Full Name & Contact Info
• Education (detailed with dates, degrees, institutions)
• Research Work
• Publications & Conferences
• Professional Experience (detailed)
• Awards & Achievements

Mini Resume Sample Outline:

• Full Name & Contact Info
• Professional Summary (2–3 lines)
• Key Skills (bulleted list)
• Work Experience (relevant to the job, short descriptions)
• Education (basic details only)
   

Notice how the CV is lengthy, covering all academic milestones, while the resume is shorter and more targeted.

Common Mistakes People Make

Many job seekers struggle with CV vs resume because they assume both are the same. Here are some common errors:

1. Using a CV when a resume is required – This makes the application unnecessarily long and may turn off recruiters.
2. Overloading a resume with irrelevant details – Recruiters want to see only relevant experience.
3. Not tailoring the resume – Sending the same resume to every job is a big mistake.
4. Ignoring keywords – Modern Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) scan resumes for role-specific keywords.

Tips to Create the Right CV or Resume

Here are actionable tips to ensure your document makes a strong impression:

Resume Tips:

• Keep it within 1–2 pages.
• Use action verbs like “achieved,” “developed,” and “implemented.”
• Include measurable results (e.g., “increased sales by 30%”).
• Mirror the job description with relevant keywords.

CV Tips:

• Be detailed and chronological.
• Add academic milestones, research work, and publications.
• Include grants, awards, and professional memberships.
• Update it regularly with new achievements.

Conclusion

The difference between CV and resume lies mainly in length, purpose, and usage. A CV is long and detailed, suitable for academic or research roles, while a resume is short and customized, perfect for corporate job applications.

Always read the job posting carefully to know which document is required. Sending the wrong one could reduce your chances of selection.

With CV Circle, you can easily create a professional CV online. Just pick a template, add your details, and download your CV within minutes. Our platform makes it simple to design a CV that highlights your strengths and helps you stand out in job applications