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CV or Resume? Which One You Should Send

Pick country + role type, and we'll tell you which document to send, the recommended length, and what to do (and not do).

'CV' and 'resume' mean different things depending on where you're applying and the kind of role. In the US, a CV is a long-form academic document and a resume is a short industry document. In the UK, EU, and Australia, 'CV' is the generic term for what Americans call a resume. This tool gives you the right answer in seconds, plus a short list of what to do (and what to avoid).

Where are you applying?
Role type

How it works

A few steps, no signup

  1. Step 1

    Pick the country you're applying in

  2. Step 2

    Pick role type: industry, academic, or US federal

  3. Step 3

    Get the verdict + dos / don'ts

When to use

The right moment

  • Applying internationally and unsure which term to use
  • Switching from academic to industry (or vice versa)
  • Applying to a federal / government role for the first time

Examples

What you'll get

US industry role

Input: Country: US, Role type: industry

Output: Send a resume, 1-2 pages.

UK industry role

Input: Country: UK / EU, Role type: industry

Output: Send a CV (UK term for what Americans call a resume), 1-2 pages.

US academic role

Input: Country: US, Role type: academic

Output: Send an academic CV, long-form, 2-10+ pages.

What this tool isn't

Honest limitations

  • Norms vary by employer and country — when the employer's instructions contradict ours, follow theirs.
  • We default to widely-cited 2026 conventions for each region.

FAQ

Common questions

What's the difference between a CV and a resume in the US?

In the US, a resume is a 1-2 page industry document. A CV is a long-form academic document for research and faculty roles. They're not interchangeable.

Is a CV the same as a resume in the UK?

Yes, more or less. In the UK, Ireland, and most of Europe, 'CV' is the generic term and is 1-2 pages — what Americans call a resume. A true academic CV is separate and longer.

What about federal jobs?

US federal jobs use a 'federal resume' — distinct from both the industry resume and the academic CV. Expect 3-5 pages with detailed hours, GS levels, and supervisor info.

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