CV vs. Resume: Key Differences Around the World

Applying for jobs can feel like navigating a maze, and one of the first hurdles is figuring out whether you need a CV or a resume. You might hear the terms used interchangeably, but depending on where you’re applying, they can mean very different things! Getting it wrong could hurt your chances.

So, what’s the deal? Let’s break down the CV vs. resume confusion for different parts of the world.

The Core Difference: Length and Detail

Before diving into specific countries, let’s understand the fundamental difference generally accepted in many places:

• Resume: A concise summary (usually 1-2 pages) of your skills, experience, and education, tailored specifically to the job you’re applying for. Think of it as a highlights reel.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV): A longer, more detailed document covering your entire academic and professional history, including publications, presentations, research, awards, and affiliations. It grows as your career progresses.

Now, let’s see how this plays out globally.

CV vs. Resume Around the World

Here’s a quick guide to what employers generally expect in different regions:

United Kingdom (UK)

• Term Used: CV
• What it Means: In the UK, ‘CV’ is the standard term for your job application document. It’s typically 2 pages long (sometimes 3 for very senior roles) and functions much like a North American resume – a tailored summary of relevant experience, skills, and education. It’s not the exhaustive document described in the core difference above (unless you’re in academia).

United States (US) & Canada

• Term Used: Resume
• What it Means: This is the standard document for most job applications. It’s expected to be a concise (1-2 pages) summary tailored to the specific role. The term ‘CV’ is generally reserved for academic, medical, or scientific positions and refers to the longer, comprehensive document.

Australia

• Term Used: Resume
• What it Means: Similar to the US and Canada, Australians use the term ‘resume’ for the standard 1-3 page tailored summary document for most job applications. ‘CV’ is typically used only in academic contexts.

Europe (General Overview)

• Term Used: Often CV, but usage varies.
• What it Means: The term ‘CV’ is widely used across Europe, but the expected format can differ. Many countries favour a slightly more detailed document than a US resume, often 2-3 pages. The Europass CV format is a standardized template used in some EU countries, though not always preferred by employers. It’s crucial to research norms in the specific country.

Germany

• Term Used: Lebenslauf
• What it Means: This is the German equivalent of a CV. It’s typically chronological, often includes a professional photo (though this is becoming less mandatory), and can be 2-3 pages long. It’s generally more detailed than a US resume but focused on professional and educational history relevant to the job.

France

• Term Used: CV
• What it Means: Similar to the UK, the French ‘CV’ is the standard job application document, usually 1-2 pages. Tailoring is key. Including a photo was common but is becoming less so.

India

• Term Used: Resume or CV (often used interchangeably), sometimes ‘Bio-data’ for government jobs.
• What it Means: For private sector jobs, ‘Resume’ is common and usually means a 1-2 page summary. ‘CV’ might imply slightly more detail. ‘Bio-data’ is an older term focusing more on personal information (age, gender, religion, etc.), which is generally not recommended for modern resumes/CVs unless specifically requested for certain public sector roles.

South Africa

• Term Used: CV
• What it Means: In South Africa, ‘CV’ is the standard term. It’s typically a comprehensive summary of your career history, skills, and education, often running 2-4 pages depending on experience. It’s generally more detailed than a US resume but tailored to the role.

International / Academic Roles (Global)

• Term Used: CV (Curriculum Vitae)
• What it Means: In academic, scientific, research, and medical fields worldwide, the ‘CV’ refers to the long-form, comprehensive document. It lists all relevant credentials, publications, presentations, research projects, grants, etc., and can be many pages long.

So, Which One Should You Use?

1. Check the Job Description: Does it specify ‘CV’ or ‘Resume’? Follow that instruction.
2. Consider the Location: Use the term and format standard for the country where you’re applying (refer to the list above).
3. Consider the Industry: Are you in academia/research? You’ll likely need a comprehensive CV. For most other industries, a tailored summary (called a Resume or CV depending on location) is best.
4. When in Doubt: If applying internationally outside academia and the job ad isn’t specific, a concise, tailored 2-page document (similar to a UK CV or US Resume) is usually a safe bet. Focus on relevance!

Navigating these differences can seem tricky, but understanding the local context is key. Remember to tailor your document – whether it’s called a CV or a resume – to the specific job you want.

Need help crafting the perfect document for your target country? ThePerfectCV offers templates and guidance designed for various international standards, making it easier to create a CV or resume that impresses employers, wherever they are. Good luck with your job search!