What’s the Difference Between CV and Resume?

Many job seekers use the terms CV and resume interchangeably, but they’re not the same. Understanding the difference between CV and resume is essential if you want to present the right document for the job. Whether you're applying for a role in academia, research, or corporate industries, knowing which format to use—and how to structure it—can significantly affect your chances.

What Is a Resume?

A resume is a concise, targeted document typically one to two pages long. It summarizes your skills, experience, and education relevant to a specific job application. Resumes are designed to be quick snapshots of your qualifications, customized for each role you apply to.

• Length: 1–2 pages.

• Focus: Tailored to the job description, highlighting relevant experience.

• Structure: Includes a professional summary, work experience, education, and skills.

• Usage: Common in private sector, corporate jobs, internships, and entry-level roles.

What Is a CV (Curriculum Vitae)?

A CV is a comprehensive document that covers your entire career history. It’s more detailed than a resume and used mostly in academic, research, education, and scientific roles. CVs can be several pages long depending on your experience.

• Length: No page limit; often 2–5 pages or more.

• Focus: A complete record of academic background, publications, teaching, and professional accomplishments.

• Structure: Includes sections like education, research, publications, grants, awards, teaching experience, and professional affiliations.

• Usage: Common in academia, higher education, research, government positions, and fellowships.

Key Differences Between CV and Resume

Here’s a breakdown to clarify the difference between CV and resume based on the most important aspects:

• Purpose: A resume is job-specific, while a CV is career-specific and detailed.

• Length: Resumes are short (1–2 pages); CVs are long and in-depth.

• Customization: Resumes should be tailored for each job; CVs stay largely the same, with updates over time.

• Content: Resumes emphasize accomplishments and job-ready skills; CVs list full educational and research history.

• Geography: In the U.S. and Canada, resumes are standard. In Europe, Asia, and Africa, CVs are more common—even for non-academic roles.

Examples of a Resume vs. CV

Resume Example (For a Marketing Role)

Name: Priya Mehta
Email: priya@gmail.com
Phone: +91-9999999999
Summary: Results-driven marketing graduate with experience in social media strategy and campaign analytics. Seeking a full-time marketing associate role.

Skills: SEO, Google Analytics, Content Creation, Excel, Canva
Education: BBA in Marketing, Delhi University, 2024
Experience:

• Intern, XYZ Media (2023) – Increased Instagram engagement by 35% in 2 months.

CV Example (For a Research Position)

Name: Priya Mehta
Email: priya@gmail.com
Phone: +91-9999999999

Education:

• M.Sc. in Biotechnology, IIT Delhi, 2024

• B.Sc. in Life Sciences, University of Mumbai, 2022

Research Interests: Genetic engineering, molecular biology, bioinformatics

Publications:

• Mehta, P. (2023). Genetic Mutation and Protein Expression. International Journal of Biology.

Conferences & Workshops:

• Speaker, International Biotech Forum, 2023

Teaching Experience:

• Teaching Assistant, Molecular Biology Lab, IIT Delhi (2022–2023)

Awards:

• Gold Medalist, M.Sc. Program

• UGC Research Fellowship (2023)

When to Use a Resume vs. a CV

Understanding when to use a CV or a resume depends on your industry, geography, and application type.

• Use a Resume: When applying for corporate jobs, internships, entry-level roles, or private sector positions.

• Use a CV: When applying for academic posts, research roles, PhDs, fellowships, or government jobs that require detailed documentation.

If you're unsure, check the job description. Some global companies ask for a “CV,” but actually mean a resume—especially outside academic contexts.

Tips to Write a Strong Resume or CV

• Customize based on the role: Don’t use the same resume or CV everywhere. Tailor it to meet expectations.

• Use clear headings and formatting: Keep the document clean and skimmable. Avoid too many fonts or colors.

• Quantify your achievements: Use numbers and data to make your accomplishments more credible.

• Update regularly: Keep your resume and CV current so you’re always prepared for new opportunities.

• Use PDF format: To preserve formatting and avoid compatibility issues.

Build CVs and Resumes Easily With Truscholar Wallet & AI Resume Builder

The Truscholar Wallet & AI Resume Builder App, available on Google Play and App Store, helps you create job-winning resumes and CVs with ease.

• Pick from multiple templates designed for both resumes and academic CVs.

• Let AI guide your writing with industry-specific tips and prewritten suggestions.

• Download high-quality PDFs formatted to match recruiter and ATS standards.

Now that you know the difference between CV and resume, use this knowledge to apply confidently with the right document and structure for every opportunity.