Do I use a Resume or a CV?

Oct 14, 2026 | Job Searching, Resume Writing

What’s the difference between a resume and a CV, and when should I use each?

QUESTION: What’s the difference between a resume and a CV, and when should I use each?

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Alison King, King Career Services

The answer depends on location and field/industry. In the U.S., the resume is standard except for in specific fields, like academia and medicine. An academic CV is more comprehensive than a resume and includes teaching experience, publications, committee service, and more. Elsewhere in the world, CV and resume are interchangeable terms. When in doubt, default to your industry’s norms.

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Kate Williamson, Scientech Resumes

In the U.S., a resume and CV are generally different. A resume is a targeted marketing document used primarily for corporate/private-sector roles, while a CV is a complete record of your academic and professional career most commonly used in academia, research, and medicine. Internationally, the terms are often used interchangeably, so always check the conventions for your target country.

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Jaime Chambron , Career Agility System

A resume is a concise, results-focused summary (1-2 pages) tailored to a specific job, most common in the US for corporate and executive roles. A CV is longer and more comprehensive, covering a full career, publications, and credentials, and is used mainly in academia, research, medicine, or when applying internationally in Europe/Asia.

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