CV vs. Resume: UK Differences & When to Use Each

Navigating the job market can feel like learning a new language sometimes, especially with terms like ‘CV’ and ‘Resume’ floating around. You might wonder, “Aren’t they the same thing?” or “Which one do employers actually want here in the UK?”

It’s a common point of confusion, particularly if you’ve seen advice aimed at the US market. Don’t worry, we’re here to clear things up specifically for UK job seekers. Let’s break down the difference and figure out exactly what you need.

What is a CV (in the UK)?

In the United Kingdom, the standard document you use to apply for jobs is called a CV (Curriculum Vitae). The term literally means “course of life” in Latin, which gives you a clue about its nature.

• Comprehensive: A UK CV aims to provide a detailed overview of your entire professional and academic history relevant to your career.
• Length: Typically, a UK CV is two pages long. For very senior roles or academic positions, it might stretch to three pages, but two is the standard target for most professionals.
• Content: It includes sections like:
  • Contact Information
  • Personal Statement (or Professional Summary)
  • Work Experience (in reverse chronological order, with detailed responsibilities and achievements)
  • Education and Qualifications
  • Skills (technical, languages, etc.)
  • Optional sections like Hobbies/Interests, References (often stated as ‘Available upon request’).

Think of your UK CV as the default, go-to document for almost all job applications within the country.

What is a Resume (in the UK context)?

A Resume is primarily an American term. While the concept exists, the word ‘resume’ isn’t used nearly as often in the UK job market.

• Concise: The key characteristic of a traditional US resume is brevity – usually strictly one page.
• Highly Targeted: It’s a summary document, focusing only on the skills and experience directly relevant to the specific job you’re applying for. Less relevant roles or details are often omitted to save space.
• UK Usage: You’ll rarely be required to submit a document specifically called a ‘resume’ that adheres to the strict one-page US format in the UK. If a UK employer asks for a ‘resume’, they often just mean ‘CV’. The main exception might be when applying to UK branches of American multinational companies.

Key Differences Summarised (UK Perspective)

So, Which One Should YOU Use in the UK?

For the vast majority of job applications in the UK, you should use a CV.

Here’s your simple guide:

1. Default = CV: Prepare a standard, comprehensive, two-page UK CV.
2. Check the Job Advert: Read the application instructions carefully. If they ask for a