Last updated: March 2026
CV vs Resume: What's the Difference?
The distinction depends on where you are. In the United States, a resume is a concise 1-2 page document for industry jobs, while a CV is a comprehensive academic document without page limits. Internationally — in the UK, Europe, Australia, and much of Asia — "CV" is simply the standard term for what Americans call a resume.
An academic CV in the US includes publications, conference presentations, grants, teaching experience, and committee service. It's a complete record of your scholarly career. For industry positions worldwide, whether you call it a CV or resume, the goal is the same: a targeted, concise document highlighting relevant experience and skills.
How to Structure a CV
Start with your contact information and professional summary at the top. Your summary should be 2-3 sentences that capture your expertise, years of experience, and key value proposition. This is the most-read section after your name.
List work experience in reverse chronological order — most recent first. For each role, include your title, company, dates, and 3-5 bullet points describing achievements. Use action verbs and quantify results: "Increased sales by 30%" is stronger than "Responsible for sales."
Follow with education, skills, and any additional sections relevant to your target role. Tailor the order based on what matters most — recent graduates should lead with education, while experienced professionals should lead with work experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a CV and a resume?
In the US, a resume is a 1-2 page summary of your work experience, while a CV (curriculum vitae) is a comprehensive document listing all academic and professional achievements without page limits. Internationally (UK, Europe, Australia), 'CV' is the standard term for what Americans call a resume — typically 1-2 pages.
When should I use a CV instead of a resume?
In the US, use a CV for academic positions, research roles, medical positions, or when applying internationally. A CV includes publications, presentations, grants, and teaching experience. For industry jobs in the US, use a resume. For jobs in the UK, Europe, or Australia, 'CV' is the default term.
How long should a CV be?
An academic CV has no page limit — it grows throughout your career. Senior academics may have CVs of 10+ pages. For industry CVs (the international term for resume), keep it to 2 pages maximum. Entry-level candidates should aim for 1 page regardless of whether they call it a CV or resume.
What sections should a CV include?
A comprehensive CV includes: contact information, professional summary, education, work experience, publications, presentations, grants/funding, teaching experience, professional memberships, skills, and references. For an industry CV/resume, focus on contact info, summary, experience, education, and skills.
Should I include a photo on my CV?
In the US, never include a photo — it can introduce bias and some ATS systems reject resumes with images. In Europe, photos are common and sometimes expected. In the UK and Australia, photos are not standard. Research the norms for your target country and industry.
How do I format a CV for international applications?
Research country-specific norms. European CVs often include nationality, date of birth, and a photo. UK CVs typically include 'personal statement' instead of 'objective.' Many European employers prefer the Europass CV format. Always include your language proficiencies when applying internationally.