The short answer
In most of the world, CV and resume mean the same thing: a document listing your work history, skills, and education for a job application. The real difference is regional:
- CV (curriculum vitae) is the standard term in the UK, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and most of Asia and Africa.
- Resume is the standard term in the United States and Canada.
If you're applying to a British or European company, say "CV." If you're applying in North America, say "resume." Either way, you're submitting the same document. The name changes by geography, not by content.
Where it gets confusing
The confusion comes from one exception: in academic and research contexts, especially in the US and Canada, a CV means something different — a much longer document that includes publications, presentations, grants, and research projects. It can run to 10, 20, or more pages.
So in North America:
- A resume = the standard 1–2 page job application document
- A CV = a long academic or research document
Everywhere else:
- A CV = the standard 1–2 page job application document
If you're not in academia, you're almost certainly looking to build the short version.
Do the documents look different?
Not really. A UK CV and a US resume contain roughly the same sections: contact details, a professional summary, work experience, education, and skills.
A few formatting conventions differ:
- Photo: common on European CVs (particularly Germany, France, Spain), but unusual on US and UK resumes
- Date of birth and marital status: still seen on some European CVs, but generally omitted on US resumes
- Personal profile: very common on UK CVs, less standard on US resumes
- Length: European CVs can run two pages for mid-level candidates; US resumes are typically one page unless you're very senior
These are conventions, not rules. If you're applying internationally, err toward clean, concise, and professional — and leave out personal details that might invite discrimination.
Which do you need?
Follow the job description's language:
- If it says "CV," submit a CV.
- If it says "resume," submit a resume.
- If it says "application" or nothing specific, match the convention of the country the job is based in.
What about cover letters?
A cover letter accompanies your CV or resume — it's a separate document, not a third option. It explains why you're applying and what makes you a good fit. Some employers ask for one; many don't. When in doubt, send one.
If you're starting or rebuilding your document, NobelCV lets you build from scratch or import an existing PDF and shape the draft before exporting. No account required to start.