CV vs Resume

I have heard these two terms used interchangeably but I do want to clarify they are two different things. A CV (Curriculum Vitae, which is Latin for “course of life”) is designed to show everything academically and professionally done throughout your career and the amount of pages is generally uncapped. This will include publications, grants, fellowships, awards, presentations and conferences. Generally CV’s are required for educational, healthcare, scientific research and some government roles.

The Resume (from the French résumé, meaning "summary") is a concise document, generally 1-2 pages that is designed to be a highlight reel of the impact you’ve had throughout your professional career. It’s less about your tasks and responsibilities and more on what you truly accomplished in your various roles.

One important note. These two distinctions apply to the US and Canada. Across Europe, the UK, Ireland, New Zealand and Australia, you may be requested for a CV but in reality companies are looking for a 1-2 pages resume.