Applying for a job for the first time can be confusing. During your research, you may have come across the terms CV and resume. To present yourself as a strong candidate when applying for a job in the US (or any part of the world), it is important to know what is a CV and resume and what is the difference between a CV and resume.
Read on to learn what is a resume, what is a curriculum vitae, what is the difference between a resume and CV, when to use a CV vs resume, employer and country preferences, and more.
What Is a CV?
A CV (short for curriculum vitae) is a document outlining information about your career, education, skills, and achievements, including scholarships and awards. Generally, a CV is two to three pages long. The length of a CV can vary depending on your work experience.
There are three different types of CV formats:
Chronological CV — This is the most commonly used curriculum vitae format, and it lists your work history starting with the most recent position. Use a chronological CV if you have prior work experience and want to highlight your skills and project experience.
Functional CV — Also known as a skill-based CV, this format is used to focus on your skills and work experience, instead of chronological work history. While it is not as widely used as a chronological CV, a functional CV can be preferable if you have not worked previously, have gaps in your career history, or want to change careers.
Combination CV — This format is a combination of a chronological CV and a functional CV. Using a combination CV, you can highlight your skills and provide a chronological work history.
With these in mind, let us look at the meaning of a resume to get a better understanding of what is the difference between a CV and resume.
What Is a Resume?
A resume is a document summarizing your education, work experience, and skills. The length of a resume may depend on how many years of work experience you have. However, in most cases, applicants can keep it to a single page.
Generally, there are four standard types of resumes:
Chronological resume — Similar to the chronological CV, this resume format lists your work experience in descending chronological order, starting with your most recent position. A chronological resume is considered the standard format that many hiring managers prefer.
Functional resume — This format emphasizes skills and experience over employment history. A functional resume format is ideal if you are changing careers or have little work experience.
Combined resume — A combined resume is a mix of chronological and functional formats. This resume format highlights your skills and experience before listing your employment history in descending chronological order.
Targeted resume — A targeted resume is a customized document highlighting your qualifications and experience for a specific job opening. Generally, a targeted resume requires more preparation since it is tailored to one prospective company at a time.
Now that you know what is a CV and resume, it is important to understand what is the difference between a CV and resume, especially when preparing your application for different roles or academic opportunities.
What Are the Differences Between a CV and a Resume?
When thinking about a CV vs resume and considering the CV and resume difference, the main distinctions are:
Length
Type of information included
The ability to customize for specific job roles
Curriculum vitae vs resume – differences at a glance
Length
CV
Two to three pages (or more depending on your achievements)
Resume
One to two pages
Type of information
CV
Includes all your academic qualifications, experience, skills, and achievements
Resume
A summary showing only your most relevant skills and work experience for the job role
Customization by role
CV
Generally, information stays the same
Resume
Highly customizable
Understanding the CV and resume difference can help you decide which document to use. Knowing the difference between a resume and CV is especially important when applying internationally, as expectations may vary by country or industry. Next, we will look at when to use each format.
Between a Resume and a CV, Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing between a resume and a CV depends on the type of role you are applying for and the expectations of employers in that industry. Understanding what is the difference between a CV and resume will help you decide which format is best suited to highlight your qualifications and improve your chances of success. Let us explore when it is appropriate to use each.
When Should I Use a Resume?
Use a resume when applying to non-academic or non-research-oriented jobs. Most corporate, governmental, and nonprofit employers in the US will expect a resume as part of your job application.
A resume’s one-page format gives employers a quick overview of the person applying to determine if they meet the baseline requirements for the job. Resumes are screened for applicable information to determine which candidates are rejected and which get further consideration (e.g., called in for an interview).
When Should I Use a CV?
As a CV contains multiple pages of information about your professional skills and experience, they are ideal for specialized job roles that require specific expertise. Consider using a CV when applying for education-based jobs or research positions, as the full list of your qualifications will appeal to organizations in these sectors.
Having understood when you should use a CV vs resume, let us look at how you can get started with preparing a curriculum vitae vs a resume.
How to Prepare a Good CV or Resume
When preparing a CV or a resume, it is important to keep the difference between a resume and CV and the purpose of each in mind. Below are some important guidelines and tips you should follow while preparing either document.
What Should You Include in Your CV?
When preparing your CV, you should include:
Your name and contact information
Personal statement (a brief overview of your professional background and career objectives)
Professional experience
Academic qualifications
Technical and personal skills
A CV could also include:
Certifications
Language fluency
Publications
Awards or honors received
Interests and hobbies
Special Tips for Preparing a Successful Resume
To land your dream job, it is necessary to have an exceptional resume. Here are some tips to consider when preparing your resume.
Look for relevant keywords — Each time you apply for a job, look for important keywords by reading the job descriptions and include these exact words or phrases in your resume. These keywords are what the employer is looking for in a candidate.
Refer to resume examples — By reviewing various resume examples, you can pick an ideal format that will work best for you and identify which information will make your resume stand out.
Include only relevant information — Unlike a CV, a resume is a summary of your academic qualifications and work experience. Keep your resume as brief as possible.
Proofread — Read your resume several times and correct any grammatical and spelling errors.
To get started with preparing your resume or CV, you can also reach out to a Shorelight advisor. Your advisor can support you with better understanding the difference between a resume and CV, offer resume tips, help you create a career action plan, advise you on Optional Practical Training opportunities, and direct you to career development programs. They can also provide exclusive international student services, including visa assistance and teaching you how to apply for OPT and CPT status.
Learning how to prepare a CV or resume based on the difference between a resume and CV is an important first step. Next, let us explore how the use of CVs and resumes can vary depending on the country.
How Do a CV and a Resume Differ Based on the Country?
When it comes to a CV vs resume, keep in mind that employers in certain countries may have specific preferences — while resumes are the most commonly used format for job applicants in the US, employers in other countries may request a CV. So, what is the difference between a CV and resume overseas?
The table below goes over how the requirements for a CV and resume can change based on the country. Keep in mind that the following is a general overview for each country — it is important to do your research before applying and update your application accordingly.
CV or Resume
US
Resume for most jobs and CV for academic roles
China
Resume
Brazil
CV
India
CV (the terms CV and resume are used interchangeably)
UK
CV
Australia
Resume (the terms CV and resume are used interchangeably)
Length
US
CV—two to three pages or more, Resume—one to two pages
China
One to two pages
Brazil
One to two pages
India
Two pages
UK
One to two pages
Australia
One to two pages
Personal Details
US
Include name and contact information. Do not include your photo, age, gender, marital status, race, and religion due to anti-discrimination and labor laws.
China
Include name, date of birth, contact information, and your photo. Many employers also look for details such as gender, marital status, and the number of children and their ages in your application.
Brazil
Include name, date of birth, and contact information. Include your photo, if required.
India
Include name, address, email address, and phone number. Add other information, such as age, gender, marital status, photo, and nationality, if required.
UK
Include name and contact details. Do not include your photo, unless required.
Australia
Include name, address, phone number, mobile number, and email address. You are not required to include your photo.
References
US
Do not include references in your resume, unless requested
China
Add references, if required
Brazil
Do not add references, unless requested
India
Do not add references, unless requested
UK
Include references, if required
Australia
Add references, if required
Knowing what is the difference between a CV and resume based on different countries can help you tailor your application to local expectations and improve your chances of success. Next, we will look at some tips for writing your CV or resume as an international student in the US.
CV and Resume – Ultimate Writing Tips to Impress in 2025
When considering a CV vs resume, remember their primary purpose is to showcase your professional portfolio to employers. Understanding the CV and resume difference can help you choose the best format for your application.
A well-constructed resume or CV can highlight your most important qualifications, achievements, and experiences to employers to show that you would be the best fit for the role. If you are not sure which one to use, ask the hiring manager listed in the job description.
As an international student, you may not be sure how to tailor your resume or CV based on what is the difference between a CV and resume matters most to US employers. We have a few tips to help you get started.
Match Your Resume or CV to the Position
Customizing your resume or CV to specific positions you want to apply for is key, as this allows you to highlight the most relevant skills that will help you perform well in the role, and you will also stand out to employers. (Additionally, you can get into even more detail with a cover letter, which should always be matched to individual job opportunities.)
Be sure to submit the specific requirements listed in the job description, as most offers will specify the exact documents and information you need in order to be considered as a candidate.
By understanding the CV and resume difference and customizing your resume or CV accordingly, you can show employers that you are enthusiastic about the job role and are willing to go the extra mile while applying.
Use a Template
Each CV and resume is different, and the design for yours differs based on the industry of the jobs you are applying for and the employer’s requirements. When starting out, a resume or CV template can be very helpful for preparing your application, as this gives you an idea of what you can include in your own resume or CV, and what the difference between a CV and resume is in the US. You can also compare your resume or CV with a job application resume sample to check if you have covered common areas.
If you plan to use a template or a job application resume sample, remember to only use these as a general guideline for creating your resume or CV — avoid copying the template and customize the sections as needed for the job role you are considering. You want to make it your own!
Proofread and Edit
Creating a resume or CV can be a long process depending on the individual and the job role, and you may make many edits and changes throughout the process. This is why it is important to carefully review and proofread your resume or CV once you have completed it to make sure it is error-free. In addition to being a good professional habit to develop, editing and proofreading results in a clean resume or CV that shows employers you pay close attention to detail.
Consider having a friend or family member check your document after you proofread it, as they may spot issues or areas for edits that you may have missed.
Preparing a successful resume or CV for the first time can be challenging, especially when there are different requirements for each country. However, by doing your research and taking your time in putting together your documents, you will be able to create a CV or a resume that is best suited to the job and will make a good first impression. Over time, as you update your CV or resume, you will gain a better understanding of what difference between CV and resume matters most for each opportunity. If you are still unsure about the CV and resume difference, remember that Shorelight advisors can guide you toward building a standout application.
Good luck with your job search!
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