CV vs Resume: What’s the Difference and Which One Do You Need?
If you’ve ever applied for a job and wondered whether to submit a resume or a CV, you’re not alone. While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, there are key differences that can impact your job application — especially if you're applying internationally or in academia.
Here’s a clear breakdown of CV vs resume, when to use each, and how to stand out with either one.
What Is a Resume?
A resume is a concise, one- to two-page summary of your professional experience, skills, and education. It’s designed to give employers a quick snapshot of your qualifications and is the standard application document in the United States and Canada.
Key features of a resume:
Tailored to the specific job
Typically 1 page for early-career professionals
Includes work experience, skills, education, and certifications
May include a short summary or objective at the top
Employers spend only 6–8 seconds on average reviewing a resume, so clarity and relevance matter. That’s why services like Job Genius exist — to make sure your resume gets noticed by recruiters and applicant tracking systems (ATS).
What Is a CV?
A CV (Curriculum Vitae) is a more comprehensive document that details your entire academic and professional history. It’s the standard in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and many parts of Asia — and it’s also required in the U.S. for academic, medical, and research roles.
Key features of a CV:
Length varies (often 2–4 pages, or more in academia)
Includes publications, research, teaching experience, grants, and fellowships
Chronological and static — not customized per role
More formal and detailed than a resume
In countries where a CV is the norm, employers expect a full history rather than a tailored snapshot. The University of Oxford and Harvard both provide helpful CV formatting guidance for global or academic applicants.
When Should You Use a Resume?
✅ Use a resume when applying to:
U.S. or Canadian private-sector jobs
Tech startups, agencies, and most corporate roles
Roles posted with a resume-specific request
Even if a company uses the term “CV,” check their location and job type. In the U.S., "CV" often means “extended resume” — not a European-style document.
When Should You Use a CV?
✅ Use a CV when applying to:
Academic roles (professor, postdoc, research assistant)
Fellowships, PhDs, or medical residencies
Jobs outside North America (especially in Europe or Africa)
Roles that require a publication or grant list
You can learn more about global application standards through the European Commission’s Europass CV platform — a free tool designed for international applicants.
Do You Need Both?
In today’s global job market, yes — having both a polished resume and an up-to-date CV can prepare you for a wide range of opportunities. This is especially helpful if you're applying to jobs across countries or industries.
Want to Stop Guessing What to Submit?
Job Genius helps you tailor and send the right document to the right job — whether that’s a resume optimized for U.S. tech roles or a multi-page CV for academic posts in Europe.
👉 Let Job Genius apply to jobs for you
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between a CV and a resume?
A resume is concise and job-specific; a CV is a comprehensive record of your professional and academic history.
Is a CV or resume better for international jobs?
It depends on the region. In Europe or the Middle East, a CV is standard. In the U.S. and Canada, a resume is usually preferred — unless you’re in academia.
Can I use the same document for all jobs?
You can, but you shouldn’t. Resumes should be customized for each job. CVs are more static, but still need occasional updates as your experience grows.
Should I submit both a CV and a resume?
No — only send what the employer asks for. Submitting both can overwhelm recruiters or come off as not following directions.
