CV vs. Resume in Europe: Key Differences & When to Use Each

Applying for jobs can feel like navigating a maze, and sometimes even the basic terms trip you up! One common point of confusion, especially if you’re looking at roles across different regions, is the difference between a CV and a resume. You might hear both terms used, but what do they actually mean, especially when you’re job hunting in Europe? Let’s clear things up.

Understanding the difference is crucial because using the wrong document could hinder your application before it even gets read properly.

What Exactly is a Resume?

Think of a resume as a concise summary of your skills, experience, and education, typically tailored to a specific job.

• Length: Usually short, aiming for one page (sometimes two for very experienced professionals).
• Focus: Highlights the most relevant qualifications and achievements for the specific role you’re applying for.
• Common Use: Primarily used in the United States and Canada.

Because it’s so targeted, you’d often tweak your resume for each job application to emphasize different skills or experiences.

And What is a CV (Curriculum Vitae)?

CV stands for Curriculum Vitae, which is Latin for “course of life.” As the name suggests, a CV is a much more detailed and comprehensive document.

• Length: Can be longer, often two or more pages, especially for those with extensive academic or professional backgrounds.
• Focus: Provides a thorough overview of your entire academic and professional history, including publications, presentations, research, awards, and detailed work experience.
• Common Use: The standard document expected in most countries across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

Unlike a resume, a CV doesn’t usually change significantly for each application, although you might still tailor a cover letter or introductory profile section.

Key Differences at a Glance

So, Which One Do You Need for Europe?

Here’s the straightforward answer: For the vast majority of job applications in Europe, you need a CV.

Employers in countries like Germany, France, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Scandinavia, and the UK (though sometimes ‘CV’ and ‘resume’ are used interchangeably in the UK, the expected format is the detailed CV) generally expect the comprehensive Curriculum Vitae format.

Are there exceptions?

• Multinational Companies: Some large, US-based multinational companies with offices in Europe might ask for a ‘resume’. However, providing a standard European-style CV is rarely wrong.
• Specific Industries/Roles: In some highly specific, modern tech roles or creative fields, a shorter, skills-focused document might be acceptable, but ‘CV’ is still the term generally used.

Your best bet is always to carefully read the job description. If it explicitly asks for a ‘resume’, consider if they mean the short US-style document or if they’re using the term loosely. If it asks for a ‘CV’, provide the detailed European format. If it doesn’t specify, assume a CV is required for a European-based role.

Quick Tips for Your European CV

• Personal Details: Often includes more detail than a US resume (e.g., date of birth, nationality - check local norms, photo sometimes expected but becoming less common/optional in some places).
• Structure: Typically reverse chronological order for work experience and education.
• Detail: Be thorough in describing your roles, responsibilities, and achievements.
• Length: Don’t be afraid of going over one page if your experience warrants it.

Making it Easier

Crafting the right document can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Using a dedicated tool can help ensure you include all the necessary sections in the right format. ThePerfectCV offers templates designed with European standards in mind, making it simpler to create a professional and comprehensive CV that meets employer expectations.

In Conclusion

While ‘resume’ is the go-to in North America, ‘CV’ is the standard across most of Europe. Remember, the European CV is a detailed account of your professional and academic life. Always check the job advert, but when in doubt for a European role, prepare a comprehensive CV.

Ready to create a CV that stands out to European employers? Give ThePerfectCV builder a try!