CV vs Résumé: What's the Difference?
5 min read · Updated May 28, 2026
By Bogdan
In short
In the US and Canada, a résumé is a short (1–2 page) targeted summary of your experience, while a CV (curriculum vitae) is a longer, comprehensive academic document used for research, academia and medicine. In the UK, Ireland, and most of Europe and the world, “CV” simply means the standard 1–2 page job-application document — the same thing Americans call a résumé. So the right answer depends entirely on the country you're applying in.
It depends on where you are
The confusion comes from the same words meaning different things in different regions. There's no universal definition — there's a US definition and a rest-of-the-world definition.
- United States & Canada: A “résumé” is the standard, concise job-application document (1–2 pages). A “CV” is a long, detailed academic record (publications, research, teaching) used for academia, science and medical roles — and can run many pages.
- UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand: “CV” is the everyday word for a job-application document, typically 1–2 pages. The word “résumé” is rarely used.
- Continental Europe & most of the world: “CV” is the standard term, usually 1–2 pages, often following local conventions (and sometimes the EU's Europass format).
Which one should you send?
Match the country and the convention of the role. Applying to a company in London, Berlin or Bucharest? Send a focused 1–2 page CV. Applying to a US company? Send a 1–2 page résumé — unless it's an academic, scientific or medical post, where a full multi-page CV is expected.
When in doubt, use the word the job posting uses and follow its length expectation. The document itself — clear sections, achievements, dates — looks much the same either way.
What about local conventions?
Beyond length, countries differ on details: whether to include a photo, date of birth, nationality or marital status. These are common and expected in parts of Europe but discouraged (and a discrimination risk) in the US, UK and Ireland. A locale-aware builder sets the right defaults for you so you don't over- or under-share.
Frequently asked questions
Are a CV and a résumé the same thing?
Outside the US, usually yes — “CV” is the normal word for a 1–2 page job-application document. In the US they differ: a résumé is the short job document, a CV is a long academic one.
How long should a CV be?
For most jobs worldwide, 1–2 pages. Academic and medical CVs in the US can be much longer because they list publications, research and teaching in full.
Should I put a photo on my CV?
It depends on the country. Photos are common and often expected in much of continental Europe, but discouraged in the US, UK and Ireland to avoid bias. Follow the local norm for where you're applying.
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