CV vs Resume: What's the Difference?

The Short Answer

In the UK, Ireland, Australia, and most of Europe: use a CV. The word "resume" is rarely used.

In the USA and Canada: use a resume. A "CV" in the US refers specifically to an academic document used for university and research positions.

For most practical purposes — especially in the UK — CV and resume mean the same thing: a document summarising your experience and skills for a job application.

CV vs Resume: Key Differences

What Does CV Stand For?

CV stands for curriculum vitae — Latin for "course of life." It's a document that outlines your entire professional and academic history. In the UK, it's the standard document for job applications across all industries.

When to Use a CV vs a Resume

Use a CV when:

• Applying for jobs in the UK, Ireland, Europe, Australia, or New Zealand
• Applying for academic positions anywhere in the world
• Applying for research or grant positions
• The job advert asks for a "CV"

Use a resume when:

• Applying for jobs in the USA or Canada
• The job advert asks for a "resume"
• You're targeting US companies with UK offices

How Long Should a CV Be?

In the UK: 2 pages is the standard. New graduates: 1 page. Highly experienced professionals: up to 3 pages, but only if every line earns its place. Recruiters spend about 7 seconds on the first scan — keep it tight.

Do Both Need to Pass ATS?

Yes. Whether you're writing a CV or a resume, Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are used by employers worldwide. Your document needs to be ATS-friendly — correct formatting, right keywords, no tables or graphics.

Use our free ATS CV checker to see your score and exactly what to fix.

Free CV Builder

Whether you need a UK CV or a US-style resume, FixerCV's free CV builder has templates for both — clean, ATS-friendly designs that work globally.