What Exactly is a CV? The Full Story
CV is short for Curriculum Vitae, which is Latin for "course of life." That name is a massive clue—a CV is a comprehensive, multi-page document that details your entire academic and professional journey.
Think of it less like a marketing brochure and more like a detailed archive. It’s static, meaning you don't typically change it for each job application. It just grows longer as you accomplish more.
A CV typically includes:
A CV for an experienced academic or researcher can easily run from 3 to 10 pages, or even longer!
So, What's a Resume, Then? The Highlight Reel
A resume (from the French word for "summary") is the exact opposite. It's a short, concise, and highly-tailored document designed to grab a recruiter's attention quickly.
Its one and only job is to show a hiring manager that you are the perfect fit for a specific role. This means you should be customizing your résumé for every single job you apply for, highlighting only the most relevant skills and experiences.
A résumé is your professional movie trailer—it's the exciting preview, not the full-length feature film.
Key features of a resume:
The Key Differences at a Glance
Still a little fuzzy? Here’s a simple side-by-side breakdown.
Purpose
Length
Content
When to Use Which? The Golden Rule
This is the most important part. Using the wrong document can send the wrong message.
You should use a CV when you are applying for:
You should use a résumé when you are applying for:
Pro Tip: If you're ever unsure, re-read the job description carefully. If it's still not clear, it’s perfectly acceptable to contact the company's HR department and ask for clarification. They'll appreciate your attention to detail!
Now that you know the difference, you can approach any application with confidence, knowing you're providing exactly what the employer wants to see.
And whether you're building a concise résumé or detailing your life's work in a CV, a clean, professional format is non-negotiable. For a head start on creating a polished document that will impress any recruiter, check out the easy-to-use templates and tools at resumost.com.