CV vs. Resume: Key Differences (Plus How To Write a CV)
What Is a CV?
A CV, short for curriculum vitae, is a detailed document that outlines your education, professional experience, academic work, research, publications, presentations, certifications, awards and other credentials.
The phrase curriculum vitae comes from Latin and means “course of life.” In a career context, a CV is meant to show a complete or highly detailed record of your academic and professional qualifications.
A CV is often used when applying for:
Academic positions
Research roles
Scientific positions
Medical roles
Fellowships
Grants
Graduate programs
Teaching positions
International jobs
Unlike a resume, a CV is not always limited to one or two pages. It can grow over time as you add publications, research projects, teaching experience, presentations and professional achievements.
What Is a Resume?
A resume is a concise job application document that summarizes your most relevant skills, work experience, education and accomplishments.
The purpose of a resume is to show an employer that you are qualified for a specific role. Because of this, a resume is usually tailored to each job application.
A resume commonly includes:
Contact information
Professional summary
Work experience
Skills
Education
Certifications
Projects
Awards or achievements
Most resumes are one to two pages. Instead of listing every detail from your career, a resume highlights the information most relevant to the target job.
For example, if you are applying for a marketing role, your resume should emphasize marketing campaigns, content strategy, analytics, customer research and measurable business results.
CV vs. Resume: Main Difference
The main difference between a CV and a resume is scope.
A CV gives a broader and more detailed view of your background. A resume gives a shorter and more targeted view of your qualifications.
A simple way to remember the difference is:
A CV is comprehensive.
A resume is concise.
A CV may include your full academic and professional history. A resume includes the experience and skills that best match one job.
For example, a university professor may use a CV to list degrees, teaching history, research interests, peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, grants and academic service. A project manager applying to a corporate role would usually use a resume that highlights project delivery, leadership, budgets, timelines and measurable outcomes.
CV vs. Resume Comparison Table
| Category | CV | Resume |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Curriculum vitae | Resume |
| Main purpose | Shows a detailed academic or professional history | Shows qualifications for a specific job |
| Typical length | Multiple pages | Usually one to two pages |
| Level of detail | Very detailed | Concise and targeted |
| Common use | Academic, research, medical, scientific or international roles | Corporate, business, nonprofit and most private-sector roles |
| Customization | May be updated but often stays comprehensive | Usually tailored for each job |
| Common sections | Education, research, publications, teaching, grants, awards, presentations | Summary, work experience, skills, education, certifications |
| Focus | Credentials and complete record | Relevance and job fit |
| Best for | Academic or highly credentialed applications | Most standard job applications |
When To Use a CV
Use a CV when the application specifically asks for one or when you are applying for a role that expects a detailed academic or research record.
You may need a CV for:
University faculty positions
Research assistant or research scientist roles
Postdoctoral positions
Academic fellowships
Graduate school applications
Medical residencies
Scientific grants
Teaching roles in higher education
Academic conferences
Some international job applications
A CV is especially useful when your publications, research, teaching experience, grants or academic credentials are important to the decision-maker.
If you are applying for an academic role, a resume may be too short to show the full scope of your qualifications.
When To Use a Resume
Use a resume for most standard job applications, especially in business, technology, sales, marketing, finance, operations, customer service, administration, design and other corporate roles.
A resume is usually best when the employer wants a quick overview of your relevant qualifications.
You may need a resume for:
Corporate jobs
Internships
Entry-level roles
Management positions
Sales jobs
Marketing jobs
Technology jobs
Administrative roles
Customer service jobs
Finance roles
Operations positions
A resume should be tailored to the job description. It should not list everything you have ever done. Instead, it should highlight the experience, skills and achievements most relevant to the role.
Regional Differences Between CVs and Resumes
The meaning of CV and resume can change depending on location.
In the United States, a CV usually refers to a long academic or research-focused document. A resume is the standard document for most nonacademic jobs.
In some countries, such as the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, India and South Africa, the term CV is often used for what U.S. job seekers might call a resume. In those cases, employers may ask for a CV but expect a shorter job application document.
This is why it is important to consider the country, industry and employer instructions before applying.
If a job posting asks for a CV and you are unsure what format they expect, review the role type. Academic or research roles usually require a detailed CV. Corporate roles may simply use “CV” to mean a standard job application document.
Why Employers Ask for a CV
Employers or institutions may ask for a CV when they need a deeper understanding of your qualifications.
For academic or research roles, hiring committees often want to see:
Your education
Research areas
Publications
Teaching experience
Conference presentations
Grants and funding
Academic honors
Professional memberships
Service to the field
A resume may not provide enough space for this information.
A CV allows the reader to evaluate your full academic or professional record, especially when credentials and scholarly contributions matter.
Why Employers Ask for a Resume
Employers ask for a resume when they want a quick, job-focused summary of your qualifications.
Hiring managers often review many applications, so they need a document that is easy to scan. A strong resume makes your fit clear quickly.
A resume helps employers evaluate:
Relevant work experience
Key skills
Measurable achievements
Education
Certifications
Career progression
Fit for the role
Because resumes are shorter, they require careful editing. Every section should support the job you want.
What To Include in a CV
A CV can include more sections than a resume.
Common CV sections include:
Contact information
Professional profile or research statement
Education
Academic appointments
Research experience
Teaching experience
Publications
Presentations
Grants and fellowships
Awards and honors
Certifications and licenses
Professional experience
Clinical experience, if relevant
Professional memberships
Academic service
Languages
Technical skills
References
Not every CV needs every section. Choose sections based on your field, career level and application type.
For example, a research CV should emphasize research, publications and grants. A teaching CV should emphasize teaching experience, course development and student support. A medical CV may include clinical rotations, licenses, board certifications and professional affiliations.
What To Include in a Resume
A resume usually includes fewer sections.
Common resume sections include:
Contact information
Resume summary or objective
Work experience
Skills
Education
Certifications
Projects
Volunteer work
Awards
Professional links
The strongest resume sections are tailored to the job.
For example, a software developer resume may include programming languages, technical projects and GitHub links. A sales resume may include revenue growth, account management and quota achievement. A marketing resume may include campaign results, SEO, content strategy and analytics.
A resume should show why you fit the job as quickly as possible.
How To Write a CV
1. Review the Application Requirements
Before writing your CV, read the application instructions carefully.
Some institutions may request specific information, formatting or section order. For example, an academic job may ask for a CV, teaching statement, research statement and writing sample. A graduate program may ask for academic history, publications and references.
Do not assume every CV should look the same.
Check for:
Required sections
Page limits, if any
File format
Reference requirements
Publication formatting
Submission instructions
Keywords from the job description
Following instructions is part of presenting yourself professionally.
2. Add Contact Information
Start with your contact information at the top of the CV.
Include:
Full name
Email address
Phone number
City and state or country
Professional website, if relevant
LinkedIn profile, if relevant
Portfolio or academic profile, if relevant
You do not need to include your full street address in many modern applications unless the employer specifically asks for it.
Make sure your email address is professional and easy to read.
3. Write a Professional Profile or Research Summary
A CV may include a short professional profile, research summary or academic profile near the top.
This section should briefly explain your background, focus area and key qualifications.
For example:
“Biology researcher with doctoral training in molecular genetics and experience in laboratory instruction, peer-reviewed publication and grant-supported research. Research interests include gene regulation, cell signaling and translational applications in disease modeling.”
This section is optional, but it can help readers quickly understand your focus.
For academic CVs, keep this section concise and avoid marketing language that feels too promotional.
4. List Your Education
Education is one of the most important sections of a CV, especially for academic or research roles.
List your degrees in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent.
Include:
Degree name
Field of study
Institution name
Location
Graduation year or expected graduation year
Thesis or dissertation title, if relevant
Advisor name, if relevant
Honors, if relevant
Example:
Ph.D. in Psychology
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Dissertation: Decision-Making Under Uncertainty in Adolescent Populations
Advisor: Dr. Rebecca Lee
For students and recent graduates, education may appear near the top. For experienced professionals, placement may vary depending on the field.
5. Include Research Experience
If you are applying for academic, scientific or research roles, include your research experience.
Describe your research projects, methods, tools and outcomes.
You may include:
Research assistantships
Lab experience
Fieldwork
Data analysis
Research methods
Study design
Collaborations
Published or pending work
Grant-supported projects
Example:
Research Assistant
Department of Sociology, University of Texas
Supported a mixed-methods study on urban housing access. Conducted literature reviews, coded interview transcripts, managed survey data and contributed to manuscript preparation.
Use specific language that reflects your discipline.
6. Add Teaching Experience
Teaching experience is important for academic, education and training roles.
Include courses taught, teaching assistant roles, guest lectures, curriculum development and student mentoring.
You may include:
Course title
Institution
Role
Semester or year
Responsibilities
Teaching methods
Student population
Example:
Teaching Assistant, Introduction to Microeconomics
University of California, Davis
Led weekly discussion sections, graded assignments, held office hours and supported students with economic modeling and exam preparation.
If teaching is central to the role, provide enough detail to show your approach and responsibilities.
7. List Publications
Publications are a major part of many academic CVs.
You may include:
Journal articles
Books
Book chapters
Conference proceedings
Manuscripts under review
Accepted publications
Working papers, if appropriate
Use the citation style common in your field, such as APA, MLA, Chicago or another discipline-specific format.
Keep formatting consistent.
If you have many publications, you may divide them into categories, such as peer-reviewed articles, book chapters and works in progress.
8. Include Presentations and Conferences
Conference presentations can show engagement with your field.
Include:
Presentation title
Conference name
Location
Date
Co-presenters, if relevant
Presentation type, if relevant
Example:
“Community Health Outreach in Rural Clinics”
American Public Health Association Annual Meeting
Boston, MA, 2025
If you have many presentations, separate invited talks, conference papers, posters and panel presentations.
9. Add Grants, Fellowships and Awards
Grants, fellowships and awards can strengthen a CV by showing recognition and funding success.
Include:
Award name
Granting organization
Amount, if appropriate
Date
Project title, if relevant
Example:
Graduate Research Fellowship
National Science Foundation
2024–2027
For early-career candidates, academic honors and scholarships can also be useful.
10. Include Professional Experience
Even academic CVs may include professional experience, especially if it is relevant to the role.
List positions in reverse chronological order.
Include:
Job title
Organization
Location
Dates
Key responsibilities
Relevant achievements
For a CV, professional experience may be more detailed than on a resume, depending on the application.
If you are applying for a nonacademic role, you may choose a more resume-like format and focus on results.
11. Add Skills and Certifications
Include skills that are relevant to your field.
Examples include:
Research methods
Laboratory techniques
Software tools
Programming languages
Data analysis tools
Languages
Teaching platforms
Clinical tools
Technical equipment
Certifications and licenses should be listed clearly, especially in fields such as healthcare, education, finance, engineering or technology.
Example:
Certifications
Registered Nurse License, State of California
Basic Life Support Certification
12. Include Professional Memberships and Service
Academic and professional service can show involvement in your field.
You may include:
Committee work
Peer review activity
Professional association memberships
Mentoring
Volunteer service
Conference organization
Department service
Editorial work
Example:
Member, American Psychological Association
Peer Reviewer, Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology
Graduate Student Representative, Curriculum Committee
These sections are especially useful for academic and research roles.
13. Add References if Requested
Some CVs include references, especially in academic contexts.
If references are requested, include:
Name
Title
Institution or organization
Email address
Phone number, if appropriate
Relationship to you
If references are not requested, you can leave them out or write “References available upon request,” though this phrase is often unnecessary.
Always ask permission before listing someone as a reference.
14. Format Your CV Clearly
A CV should be easy to read and professionally formatted.
Use:
Clear headings
Consistent spacing
Readable font
Reverse chronological order
Consistent date formatting
Simple layout
Professional file name
Avoid overly decorative designs unless you are in a creative field where design is expected.
A CV may be longer than a resume, but it should still be organized and easy to scan.
15. Proofread Carefully
A CV often includes many details, names, dates and citations, so proofreading is essential.
Check for:
Spelling errors
Grammar mistakes
Inconsistent formatting
Incorrect dates
Publication formatting errors
Missing information
Broken links
Outdated contact details
A clean CV helps show professionalism and attention to detail.
CV Format Template
Use this template as a starting point.
[Full Name]
[Email Address] | [Phone Number] | [City, State/Country] | [Professional Website or Profile]
Professional Profile
[Two to three sentences summarizing your academic, research or professional focus.]
Education
[Degree Name], [Field of Study]
[Institution Name], [Location]
[Graduation Year or Expected Graduation Year]
[Thesis/Dissertation Title, if relevant]
Research Experience
[Role Title]
[Institution or Organization], [Location]
[Dates]
[Brief description of research work, methods, responsibilities and outcomes.]
Teaching Experience
[Course or Role Title]
[Institution], [Dates]
[Brief description of teaching responsibilities.]
Publications
[Publication listed in the appropriate citation style.]
Presentations
[Presentation title, conference name, location and date.]
Grants, Fellowships and Awards
[Award or grant name, organization and date.]
Professional Experience
[Job Title]
[Organization], [Location]
[Dates]
[Relevant responsibilities and achievements.]
Skills
[Relevant technical, research, language or professional skills.]
Certifications and Licenses
[Certification or license name, issuing organization and date.]
Professional Memberships
[Membership or association name.]
References
[Reference details, if requested.]
CV Example
Alex Morgan
alex.morgan@email.com | 555-555-5555 | Boston, MA | linkedin.com/in/alexmorgan
Professional Profile
Public health researcher with doctoral training in health policy, mixed-methods research and community health programs. Experienced in survey design, qualitative interviews, data analysis and academic writing. Research interests include healthcare access, rural health systems and patient-centered policy evaluation.
Education
Ph.D. in Public Health Policy
Boston University, Boston, MA
Expected Graduation: 2027
Dissertation: Barriers to Preventive Care Access in Rural Communities
Master of Public Health
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
2022
Bachelor of Science in Biology
University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
2020
Research Experience
Graduate Research Assistant
Boston University School of Public Health
2023–Present
Support a grant-funded study on rural healthcare access. Conduct literature reviews, prepare interview guides, code qualitative data and assist with manuscript development. Coordinate communication with community partners and research participants.
Research Intern
Center for Community Health Research
2021–2022
Assisted with survey collection and data cleaning for a statewide health behavior study. Prepared summary tables, supported participant outreach and contributed to research brief development.
Teaching Experience
Teaching Assistant, Introduction to Public Health
Boston University
Fall 2024
Led weekly discussion sections, graded assignments and supported students with research project development.
Publications
Morgan, A., Lee, R., & Patel, S. “Transportation Barriers and Preventive Care Access in Rural Counties.” Journal of Community Health. Manuscript under review.
Presentations
“Community-Level Barriers to Preventive Care”
American Public Health Association Annual Meeting
Atlanta, GA, 2025
Awards and Fellowships
Graduate Research Fellowship, Boston University School of Public Health, 2024
Dean’s Academic Excellence Award, University of North Carolina, 2022
Skills
Qualitative interviewing
Survey design
Literature reviews
NVivo
SPSS
Excel
Academic writing
Community partner coordination
Professional Memberships
American Public Health Association
Society for Public Health Education
References
Available upon request.
Resume Example
Here is how a shorter resume-style version of the same candidate might look.
Alex Morgan
alex.morgan@email.com | 555-555-5555 | Boston, MA
Professional Summary
Public health researcher with experience in mixed-methods research, survey design and community health program evaluation. Skilled in qualitative interviews, data analysis and research communication. Focused on improving healthcare access through policy-focused research.
Experience
Graduate Research Assistant
Boston University School of Public Health
2023–Present
Conduct literature reviews and qualitative data analysis for a rural healthcare access study.
Prepare interview guides, code transcripts and support manuscript development.
Coordinate communication with community partners and research participants.
Research Intern
Center for Community Health Research
2021–2022
Supported survey collection, participant outreach and data cleaning.
Created summary tables and assisted with research brief development.
Education
Master of Public Health, University of North Carolina, 2022
Bachelor of Science in Biology, University of Florida, 2020
Skills
Qualitative research, survey design, NVivo, SPSS, Excel, literature reviews, academic writing
This resume version is shorter and more targeted. It does not list every academic detail, publication, presentation or fellowship.
Tips for Writing a Strong CV
Keep your CV organized. A long CV can still be easy to read if the sections are clear.
Use consistent formatting. Dates, headings and citations should follow the same style throughout.
Put the most relevant sections first. If research is most important, place research experience high. If teaching is most important, place teaching experience high.
Be specific. Include project names, methods, tools, courses, publications and outcomes.
Update your CV regularly. It is easier to add new work as you complete it than to rebuild your CV years later.
Tailor when necessary. Even though a CV is comprehensive, you can still adjust section order and emphasis based on the role.
Proofread more than once. CVs often include complex details, so errors are easy to miss.
Common CV Mistakes To Avoid
One common mistake is using a resume when the employer clearly asks for a detailed CV. This may leave out important academic or research information.
Another mistake is making a CV too cluttered. A CV can be long, but it should not be messy.
A third mistake is failing to use consistent formatting. Inconsistent dates, headings or citation styles can make the document look careless.
Another mistake is including irrelevant personal information. Keep the CV focused on professional, academic and career-related details.
Finally, some candidates forget to update their CV. A CV should grow with your career. Add new publications, presentations, certifications and awards as they happen.
Common Resume Mistakes To Avoid
One common resume mistake is making it too long. A resume should usually be concise and relevant to the job.
Another mistake is using the same resume for every role. A strong resume should match the job description.
A third mistake is listing duties without results. Employers want to know what you accomplished, not only what you were assigned.
Another mistake is using vague phrases such as “hardworking” or “team player” without evidence.
Finally, do not overload a resume with academic details if they are not relevant to the job. Save that level of detail for a CV when appropriate.
How To Decide Whether To Send a CV or Resume
The easiest rule is to follow the employer’s instructions.
If the job posting asks for a resume, send a resume.
If it asks for a CV, send a CV.
If it asks for either, choose based on the role and location.
For academic, research, medical or scientific roles, a CV is usually safer. For corporate roles, a resume is usually better.
If the employer is outside the United States and uses the term CV, they may mean a standard job application document. In that case, review local expectations and keep the document focused on the role.
If you are unsure, you can ask the recruiter or hiring contact what format they prefer.
Should You Have Both a CV and a Resume?
Yes, many professionals benefit from having both.
A CV can serve as your complete career record. It can include your education, research, publications, presentations, awards, teaching experience and credentials.
A resume can be created from that information and tailored to specific jobs.
This approach is useful because you do not have to remember every detail each time you apply. You can maintain a full CV and pull the most relevant information into a shorter resume when needed.
Students, researchers, educators, healthcare professionals and career changers may especially benefit from keeping both documents.
How To Convert a CV Into a Resume
To convert a CV into a resume, shorten and focus the information.
Start by reading the job description. Then identify the sections of your CV that are most relevant.
You may need to:
Remove unrelated publications
Shorten research descriptions
Reduce teaching details
Move skills higher
Emphasize work experience
Add measurable achievements
Use a professional summary
Limit the document to one or two pages
For example, if you are moving from academia into industry, you may translate research experience into business-relevant skills such as data analysis, project management, writing, stakeholder communication and problem-solving.
The goal is not to hide your academic background. The goal is to make it easier for the employer to understand why your experience fits the job.
How To Convert a Resume Into a CV
To convert a resume into a CV, expand the information.
Add relevant academic, research, teaching and professional details that may not fit on a resume.
You may add:
Research projects
Publications
Presentations
Teaching experience
Academic service
Fellowships
Awards
Certifications
Professional memberships
References
Detailed education information
A CV should show a fuller record of your credentials, especially if you are applying for academic or research opportunities.
How Dokie Can Help With CV and Resume Presentations
Job seekers, students and professionals often need to present their qualifications beyond a written CV or resume. Dokie can help turn career highlights, academic achievements, research projects, portfolio work and interview notes into clear, professional presentation slides. Whether you are preparing for a job interview, graduate school interview, academic presentation, portfolio review or career coaching session, Dokie can help organize your experience into a polished, business-ready deck without spending hours on manual formatting.
Conclusion
A CV and a resume are both job application documents, but they are not always the same.
A CV is usually longer, more detailed and more comprehensive. It is often used for academic, research, medical, scientific and international applications. A resume is shorter, more targeted and more common for standard job applications in business and corporate settings.
The best choice depends on the employer’s instructions, the country, the industry and the role.
If you are applying for an academic or research position, prepare a detailed CV. If you are applying for most corporate jobs, use a concise resume tailored to the job description.
Understanding the difference can help you submit the right document, present your qualifications more clearly and improve your chances of making a strong first impression.
FAQs
What is the difference between a CV and a resume?
A CV is usually a longer, more detailed document that covers your academic and professional history. A resume is a shorter document focused on your most relevant qualifications for a specific job.
What does CV stand for?
CV stands for curriculum vitae, a Latin phrase that means “course of life.”
Is a CV longer than a resume?
Yes, in many contexts. A CV can be several pages long, while a resume is usually one to two pages.
When should I use a CV?
Use a CV for academic, research, scientific, medical, higher education or some international applications.
When should I use a resume?
Use a resume for most standard job applications, especially corporate, business, nonprofit and private-sector roles.
Can I use a CV instead of a resume?
You should follow the employer’s instructions. If a job asks for a resume, sending a long academic CV may not be ideal.
Can I use a resume instead of a CV?
If the employer asks for a detailed CV, a short resume may leave out important information. Use a CV when the role requires academic or research detail.
Do CV and resume mean the same thing in every country?
No. In some countries, CV is used broadly to mean a standard job application document. In the United States, CV usually refers to a longer academic or research-focused document.
What should a CV include?
A CV may include contact information, education, research experience, teaching experience, publications, presentations, awards, grants, certifications, professional memberships and references.
What should a resume include?
A resume usually includes contact information, a summary, work experience, skills, education, certifications and relevant achievements.
Should a CV be tailored?
Yes. A CV may be comprehensive, but you can still adjust section order, emphasis and details based on the application.
Should a resume be tailored?
Yes. A resume should be tailored to each job description whenever possible.
Can a CV be one page?
It can be one page for someone with limited experience, but academic and research CVs are often longer.
Can a resume be more than two pages?
Sometimes, especially for senior professionals, but most resumes are one to two pages.
Should I keep both a CV and a resume?
Yes. Keeping both can be useful. Your CV can serve as a complete record, while your resume can be tailored for specific job applications.