"CV" and "resume" are often used as if they mean the same thing — and in many countries they do. But in the United States and Canada the two words describe different documents, and sending the wrong one can make an application look out of place.
This guide explains both terms, how they differ in length and content, and which one to use depending on where you are applying.
What is a CV?
CV stands for curriculum vitae, Latin for "course of life". In the UK, Ireland, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, South Asia and much of the world, "CV" is simply the standard word for the document you send when applying for a job. A typical professional CV in these regions is one to two pages long.
In the US and Canada, however, a CV usually means an academic CV: a comprehensive record of education, research, publications, teaching, grants, conferences and awards. It has no page limit and is used for academic, research, scientific and some medical positions.
What is a resume?
A resume (sometimes written résumé) is the standard job application document in the US and Canada, and the term is also common in Australia, the Philippines and parts of Asia. It is a concise, targeted summary of your skills and experience — usually one page for early-career candidates and up to two pages for experienced professionals.
Resumes are tailored heavily to each job. You include only what is relevant and leave out personal details such as photo, age and marital status.
CV vs resume at a glance
| Academic CV (US/Canada) | Resume (US/Canada) | CV (UK, Europe, Gulf, Asia) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical length | 2 pages to 10+ pages | 1–2 pages | 1–2 pages (3 for senior roles) |
| Purpose | Full academic record | Targeted job application | Targeted job application |
| Tailored per job? | Lightly | Heavily | Heavily |
| Publications & research | Detailed | Rarely | Only if relevant |
| Photo / personal details | No | No | Depends on country |
Put this into practice
Build an ATS-friendly CV with live preview and free PDF download.
Which document should you use in each country?
- United States and Canada: send a resume for most jobs. Use a full academic CV for university, research and scientific posts. See our US resume guide and Canadian resume guide.
- United Kingdom and Ireland: "CV" is the standard word for a two-page job application document. See our UK CV guide.
- Australia and New Zealand: both words are used. Documents tend to be slightly longer (two to three pages). See our Australian CV guide.
- Germany and most of Europe: "CV" or "Lebenslauf" in Germany — usually a structured, chronological document. See our German CV guide.
- UAE, Saudi Arabia and the Gulf: "CV" is standard and personal details like nationality and visa status are common. See our UAE CV guide.
- India and Pakistan: "CV", "resume" and "biodata" are all used; two pages is typical. See our India and Pakistan guides.
Can one document work for both?
Yes — for most non-academic jobs, a well-structured two-page document with a profile, achievements-based experience, skills and education works as both a CV and a resume. The main adjustments are length (trim to one page for early-career US applications) and personal details (remove photo and date of birth for North America, the UK and Australia).
The BuildCVFast builder lets you switch templates and remove the photo with one click, so you can keep a single master document and export versions for different markets.
Frequently asked questions
Is a CV longer than a resume?+
In the US and Canada, yes — an academic CV is usually much longer than a resume. Elsewhere, a CV and a resume are typically the same length: one to two pages.
Should I call my document a CV or a resume in the UAE?+
CV is the most common term in the UAE and wider Gulf, although many international companies accept either word.
What is a biodata?+
Biodata is a term used in parts of South Asia for a document focused on personal details such as date of birth, family and religion. For professional jobs, a modern CV is preferred.
BuildCVFast Editorial Team
This guide is written and reviewed by the BuildCVFast editorial team using current hiring practices, published employer guidance and official government sources where relevant. We update our guides regularly. Read our editorial policy or send us a correction.