CV vs Resume: What's the Difference? (By Country)
The short answer: it depends where you are. In the US and Canada, a resume is the 1–2 page document for most jobs and a CV is a long academic record. In most other countries, "CV" is the normal word for the same short document.
| Country | Standard for most jobs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Resume (1–2 pages) | CV = long academic document |
| Canada | Resume (1–2 pages) | CV for academic, medical, research |
| United Kingdom | CV (2 pages) | "Resume" rarely used |
| Ireland | CV (2 pages) | Same as UK |
| Australia | Resume (2–3 pages) | CV also used, often interchangeably |
| New Zealand | CV (2–3 pages) | CV is the usual term |
| India | Resume or CV (1–2 pages) | Terms used interchangeably |
| UAE & Gulf | CV (2 pages) | Visa and notice in header |
| Europe | CV (1–2 pages); Europass | Photo norms vary by country |
| South Africa | CV (2–3 pages) | CV is the usual term |
When you need an academic CV
Academic, research, medical and some scientific roles ask for a full CV: publications, conferences, grants, teaching and research experience. There is no page limit, but keep it well organised.
What stays the same everywhere
- Reverse-chronological experience with results.
- A clean single-column layout that ATS software can read.
- Keywords from the job ad, used honestly.
Full guides: CV and resume format by country. Build yours free in the resume builder.
FAQ
Is a CV longer than a resume?
In the US and Canada, yes: a CV is a full academic record. Elsewhere "CV" simply means the standard 1–2 page document.
Which should I send?
Use the term in the job ad. If the ad says CV in the UK, send a 2-page CV; if a US ad says resume, send a 1–2 page resume.
Can I call my resume a CV?
Outside North America, yes. In the US, calling a one-page resume a "CV" can confuse recruiters.