CV vs. Resume: What’s the Difference?

A curriculum vitae (CV) is an itemized list of your education, experience, publications, certificates, awards, and other achievements.  Meanwhile, a resume is a one- to two-page summary of your work experience and skills relevant to the job you’re applying for.

While both are used for job applications, a CV and a resume serve different purposes. In this article, you'll learn when to use each one, their unique features, and the kinds of content they should contain.

When preparing for your job search, whether you’ll need to submit a CV or a resume, consider brushing up on your writing skills with the Good with Words: Writing and Editing Specialization offered by the University of Michigan on Coursera.

When to use a CV

CVs are often used in educational settings, usually when applying for grants, fellowships, research positions, postdoctoral positions, and similar applications. Some may also ask you for a CV when applying to graduate-level programs. Interviewers and recruiters will use your CV to verify your skills, experience, and educational qualifications.

Features of a CV

If you work in academia, your CV will likely be the first shot you have at setting yourself apart from your future employer. Though this will be a detailed document, the main features should include your contact information, professional objective, educational background, work experience, skills, and any certifications and licenses you may hold. Detailing all of these categories can mean a pretty lengthy document. Thankfully, CVs have no length limit.

CV content

Two important things to remember when creating your CV: make sure all information is accurate and honest, and be ready to explain any gaps in your work history. CVs are credential-based. Organizations asking for a CV often want to see your information in the following order: 

1. Contact details

2. Education

3. Research experience

4. Publications

5. Presentations

6. Awards and honors

7. Details on any professional training

8. Professional affiliations

CV format 

CVs are typically at least two pages long. They have uniform sections and consistent text formatting. Except for section headings, you’ll want your text size to be between 10 and 12. This text should be bolded and slightly larger. Utilize bulleted lists when appropriate and ensure each section is formatted similarly to make your CV easier to read. 

CVs do not need to be extravagantly designed. Employers are looking for plenty of white space, an uncluttered document, consistent formatting, and content free of spelling and grammatical errors. Incorporating all of these qualities will result in a pleasant, polished document.

CV vs. resumé: Which should I choose? 

If you’re applying for a position in education, science, or research, submitting a CV will likely be required. Otherwise, unless an employer specifically asks you for a CV, it’s best to submit a one to two-page resumé, depending on your work experience. Read more: How Many Pages Should a Resume Be? Guide + Tips

When to use a resume 

A resumé serves three critical purposes: introducing yourself to a potential employer, presenting your qualifications, and landing an interview. While CVs are primarily used for academic purposes, resumés are typically used to apply for business or organization positions.

Features of a resume 

Resumes are created to feature all of your best qualities and accomplishments. They should be concise, tailored to the job you're applying for, and easily scanned by a recruiter. While a CV will list your educational information first, a resumé will usually feature your work experience first.

Resume content

First, you’ll want to ensure that your contact information is displayed so you can easily be contacted for an interview. Then, you should focus on your job history. This portion of your resumé will explain your work experience and show that you fit the role well.

It’s also essential to provide an educational background that emphasizes your studies and academic achievements. After listing your educational accomplishments, you should include any information about state-required licenses and Professional Certificates that you may have. The last section will focus on the skills that may help demonstrate your special talents and abilities. 

At a glance, then, your resume should include your:

• Contact information and job title

• Professional objective

• Past work experience

• Educational background

• Relevant certifications and licenses

• Relevant technical and human skills

Resume format

The most significant difference between CV and resumé formatting is that CVs will be multiple pages long and resumés will be one page unless you have 10 or more years of relevant work experience. 

Effective resumes are designed to grab employers' attention. Take some time to explore and create different templates. Choose one that will help your resume stand out visually. It's okay to pick a template that uses color; however, it’s better to steer clear of multicolored, overly decorated ones—one accent color is more than enough.

Those reviewing your resumé will typically prefer a well-organized resumé with sufficient white space, text no smaller than 11 font size, and consistent margins of no less than 0.5 inches.

CV vs. resumé: Which should I choose? 

If you’re applying for a position in education, science, or research, submitting a CV will likely be required. Otherwise, unless an employer specifically asks you for a CV, it’s best to submit a one to two-page resumé, depending on your work experience. Read more: How Many Pages Should a Resume Be? Guide + Tips

Take the next steps to create a quality resume or CV on Coursera.

It is essential to represent yourself clearly and professionally in either your CV or resume. Consider the Good with Words: Writing and Editing Specialization offered by the University of Michigan on Coursera to help you put into words your knowledge and experience to potential employers. You can also learn to enhance your resume with tips and tricks from the State University of New York project-centered How to Write a Resume course, available on Coursera. All you need is a word processor.