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Resume vs CV: what is the difference and which one do you send

In the US and Canada a resume is one to two pages and a CV is a full academic record. In the UK, India and much of Europe the words are often swapped. Here is how to tell what an employer wants.

RB

Rishab BhattBuilder of Dossier · October 13, 2026

Cover for: Resume vs CV: what is the difference and which one do you send

The two words mean different things in different countries, which is why people argue about them.

In the US and Canada

  • Resume: one to two pages, tailored to one job, covering recent experience and skills.
  • CV: a complete record of your academic career, with publications, grants and teaching. Length grows with your career.

In the UK, Ireland, India and much of Europe

"CV" usually means what a US employer calls a resume: a two-page summary for a job. Some European countries also expect a photo or date of birth, which US employers do not want.

Which one to send

  1. Read the job post. If it says "resume" or "CV", use their word in the file name.
  2. Applying for a research, faculty or fellowship role? Send the full academic CV.
  3. Applying for an industry job in the US or Canada? Send a one or two page resume.
  4. Unsure? Send two pages, recent roles first.

Both need the same basics

One column, standard section names, text you can select in the PDF. See how to pass an ATS resume scan for the full list.