CV vs resume: what's the difference and which should you use?

In many countries, "CV" and "resume" are used interchangeably. But they're actually distinct documents with different purposes — and using the wrong one can cost you an application, especially when applying to companies across different markets.

What is a CV (Curriculum Vitae)?

CV stands for "Curriculum Vitae" — Latin for "course of life". It's a comprehensive and detailed document of your entire academic and professional history. Characteristics:

• Length: Typically 2 to 5+ pages (longer for academics)
• Content: Complete experience, education, publications, conferences, awards, research, languages, certifications
• Updates: A "living" document — you keep adding to it throughout your career
• Customisation: Little or none — it's a complete record

When to use a CV: Academic applications (PhD, grants, research positions), applications in most European countries, applications in the UK and Ireland for academic or healthcare positions.

What is a resume?

A resume is the standard document for American and Canadian job applications. It's more focused, shorter and highly customised for each role. Characteristics:

• Length: Strictly 1 page (maximum 2 for senior professionals)
• Content: Experience relevant to that specific role, professional summary, skills, essential education
• Updates: Rewritten (or at least customised) for each application
• Customisation: High — you adapt it for each job listing

When to use a resume: Applications to American, Canadian or multinational companies that follow the North American model; positions at tech companies (even outside the US, many multinationals prefer the resume format).

Key practical differences

Element	CV (academic/European)	Resume (US/tech)
Length	2-5+ pages	1 page (max 2)
Photo	Common in Europe	Never (US/Canada)
Publications	Yes	No
Personal objective	Optional	Yes (summary)
Customisation	Low	High — per role

Should I include a photo on my CV?

It depends on the destination:

• Portugal, Spain, France, Germany, Italy — Photo is common and generally expected
• UK — Not customary (to avoid discrimination)
• USA, Canada, Australia — Never. Can be grounds for immediate rejection for legal reasons

Which format do tech companies want?

Most tech companies — even those based in Europe — have adopted the resume format influenced by Silicon Valley culture: 1 page, no photo, highly focused on achievements with metrics, and customised per role. If you're applying to Google, Meta, Spotify, Revolut, or similar, think resume, not traditional European CV.

CV Creator Pro automatically creates the right format for the market you select — European, British or North American. Try it free