GuidesResume vs CV: what's the difference, and which one do you need?
In the US a resume is your 1–2 page job document and a CV is an academic record. In the UK, Europe and the Middle East, 'CV' means what Americans call a resume.
Oct 16, 2026
Short answer: it depends where you're applying.
The country cheat sheet
| Where you apply | What they call it | What they mean |
|---|---|---|
| USA, Canada | Resume | 1–2 pages, tailored to the job |
| USA (academia, research, medicine) | CV | A long, complete record: publications, teaching, grants |
| UK, Ireland | CV | Same as a US resume, usually 2 pages |
| Most of Europe | CV | Same idea; some employers accept the Europass CV format |
| Middle East and North Africa (incl. Egypt, UAE, Saudi Arabia) | CV | Same as a US resume |
| India | CV (also resume, sometimes "biodata") | Usually 1–2 pages |
| Australia, New Zealand, South Africa | Both | Often a bit longer than a US resume |
So which should you send?
Use the word the job ad uses. Then follow the local norms:
- US/Canada: no photo, no date of birth, 1–2 pages.
- UK/Europe: usually no photo in the UK; photos are more common in parts of Europe and the Middle East. Keep it to 2 pages unless you're senior.
- Academic jobs anywhere: send the long academic CV.
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