If you’ve ever wondered about the difference between a CV and a resume, you’re not alone. The answer is both simple and complex.
- In some cases, the terms mean the same thing.
- In others, a CV refers to a much longer, more detailed document, typically used in academic and research fields.
This confusion exists because different countries and industries have different definitions for a CV. In the United States and Canada, a resume is the standard term, while in the UK, Europe, and India, CV is more commonly used. But when it comes to academic, medical, or research positions, a CV is something entirely different—longer and more detailed.
Let’s break down the key differences between a CV and a resume, what each one includes, and which one you should use.
What is a CV?
CV stands for Curriculum Vitae, which is Latin for “course of life.” It provides a comprehensive summary of your work experience, education, skills, and achievements.
A standard CV (also called a resume in some regions) is a short, structured document used to apply for jobs. It usually follows a reverse-chronological format, listing your most recent experience first.
However, an academic CV is much longer and more detailed, especially in research, medical, and teaching fields. It can include publications, conferences, grants, and research projects.
What is a Resume?
A resume (sometimes written as résumé) comes from the French word “résumer,” meaning “to summarize.” It is a concise job application document that highlights work experience, education, and skills.
For most jobs, resume and CV mean the same thing—a 1-2 page document summarizing your qualifications.
Key Differences Between a CV and a Resume
| Feature | Resume (or Standard CV) | Academic CV (Long-Form CV) |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 1-2 pages | No limit (can be 10+ pages) |
| Purpose | General job applications | Research, academic, medical, or scientific positions |
| Focus | Skills and work experience | Education, research, publications, and academic achievements |
| Customization | Tailored for each job | Standardized, often not customized |
| Use in India | Most private-sector jobs | Used in academic and research fields |
In India, a CV is the common term for what is called a resume in the US. However, if you’re applying for a research, teaching, or medical role, you may need an academic CV.
How to Write a Resume (or Standard CV)
If you are applying for a job in India, you should prepare a resume (or standard CV) that follows this structure:
1. Contact Information
- Full name
- Phone number
- Email address
- LinkedIn profile (optional)
- Portfolio or website (if relevant)
2. Resume Headline
A one-line summary that highlights your expertise. Example:
- “Experienced Digital Marketer | SEO & PPC Specialist with 5+ Years of Experience”
3. Professional Summary
A short paragraph (3-4 sentences) summarizing your skills, experience, and career goals.
4. Skills Section
- Hard skills (technical skills like JavaScript, SEO, accounting)
- Soft skills (communication, leadership, problem-solving)
5. Work Experience
List jobs in reverse chronological order (latest first), including:
- Job title
- Company name
- Dates of employment
- Key responsibilities and achievements
6. Education
- Degree name
- Institution name
- Year of completion
7. Certifications & Additional Training (if any)
8. Projects (if relevant)
9. Volunteer Experience (optional)
10. Languages (optional)
11. Hobbies & Interests (optional)
How to Write an Academic CV
If you’re applying for a teaching, research, or medical position, you’ll need a long-form CV with the following additional sections:
- Publications (books, journal articles, research papers)
- Conference presentations and seminars
- Grants, fellowships, and scholarships
- Awards and honors
- Professional memberships
- Research experience
- Teaching experience
- Technical skills and certifications
- Languages
- References
Since academic CVs have no length limit, they include detailed descriptions of all academic and professional achievements.
Resume vs CV: Which One Should You Use in India?
For most job applications in India, a resume (or standard CV) is required. A 1-2 page document is preferred.
Use a long-form academic CV only when applying for:
- University faculty positions
- Research roles in labs or institutions
- Medical and scientific research jobs
If you’re unsure which one to submit, check the job posting or ask the employer.
- If you’re applying for a regular job in India, submit a 1-2 page resume (or standard CV).
- If you’re applying for an academic, research, or medical position, submit a long-form CV.
- The terms “resume” and “CV” are interchangeable in most industries, but academic CVs are completely different.
By following the correct format, tailoring your content, and focusing on relevant experience and skills, you can create a compelling resume or CV that increases your chances of landing a job.