CV or resume? What is the difference?

It depends on where you are applying. In some countries the two words mean the same thing. In others, they describe quite different documents.

The short answer

CV stands for curriculum vitae, Latin for "course of life". Resume (or résumé) comes from the French for "summary". Historically, a CV was the complete record of a career and a resume was a short, targeted summary. Today, most people use the words according to local custom rather than that distinction.

Australia and New Zealand

Employers and recruiters use both words for the same document, and job ads will ask for either. What they expect is a document of about two to three pages covering your recent experience, with the most relevant roles described in detail. Many Australian public sector roles also ask for a separate statement addressing selection criteria, or a short pitch, in addition to the CV. Read the application instructions carefully.

United Kingdom and Ireland

"CV" is the standard term, and "resume" is rarely used. Two pages is the widely accepted norm. A UK CV does not normally include a photo, date of birth or marital status.

United States and Canada

For most jobs, employers expect a resume: a concise, targeted document, usually one page for early-career candidates and up to two for experienced ones. US resumes tend to be punchier, with short bullet points and little or no summary paragraph. Photos and personal details such as age are left out, partly because of anti-discrimination law.

In North America, "CV" usually means an academic CV (see below). If a US job ad for a non-academic role asks for a CV, it most likely just wants a resume.

Academic, research and medical CVs

In academia, a CV is a full record of your professional life, and it can run to many pages. As well as education and appointments, it typically includes:

• publications, grouped by type
• grants, fellowships and funding
• teaching and supervision
• conference presentations and invited talks
• professional service, such as reviewing, committees and editorial roles
• awards and honours

Academic CVs are not cut down for each application in the same way. Instead, you use the cover letter and selection criteria responses to highlight what is relevant.

Other countries

Expectations vary more than people think. In parts of Europe and Asia, it is still common to include a photo, date of birth or nationality, and some employers expect a specific national format. If you are applying abroad, look at the careers pages of a few employers in that country, or ask a local recruiter, before you send your usual document.

So which should you write?

Write for the place and the employer you are applying to:

• Applying in Australia, New Zealand, the UK or Ireland? A two-page CV (or "resume") targeted to the job.
• Applying in the US or Canada for a non-academic role? A one to two page resume.
• Applying for an academic, research or clinical post? A full academic CV.

Whatever you call it, the principles in How to write a CV apply: lead with what the employer needs, show results rather than duties, and keep it easy to scan.