CV vs Resume: Know key differences to pick the right document for your job

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Feeling confused whether to submit a CV or a resume for your job application? Here’s a quick guide to help you understand the key differences and choose the right one with confidence.

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A CV or Curriculum Vitae, literally means 'course of life.' It’s a detailed document that tells the complete story of your professional journey, including your education, work experience, research, awards, publications and achievements.

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CVs are usually longer than resumes and don’t have a strict page limit. You include as much detail as needed to show your career growth, accomplishments and contributions to your field.

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People mostly use CVs for academic roles, research positions, grants or fellowship applications. They provide a comprehensive record of your professional life for institutions that want the full picture.

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A resume is shorter and more concise than a CV. It focuses only on the skills, experiences and achievements that are relevant to the specific job you are applying for, making it quick for employers to read.

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Resumes are usually one to two pages long. They are flexible documents that you can update and tweak to highlight your most important qualifications for each role.

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Resumes are most commonly used for corporate jobs, private sector roles and non-academic positions. They give a snapshot of why you are the best fit for a particular position without overwhelming the reader with too much detail.

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The main difference between a CV and a resume is that a CV is detailed and permanent, showing your entire career, while a resume is brief and tailored to a specific job. A CV tells your full story and a resume focuses on the highlights that matter most for the role you want.