What is the difference between CV and resume ?

The terms 'Curriculum Vitae' and 'resume' are generally interchangeable. However, few people know that they do differ in many ways. It is true that both are lists of the most relevant information of a person pertaining to job seeking. Both are used for the same purpose - i.e. seeking employment.

However, there are a few basic differences, i.e. while the Curriculum Vitae represents an in-depth and structured information about the professional experience and qualification of a person, the resume usually is the same thing in a very short form - hence, the name. The resume would usually represent a skeletal representation of what would otherwise be included in depth and detail in the Curriculum Vitae. This is why typically a CV would be two to three pages while the resume would not normally exceed one page.

The Curriculum Vitae is the most accepted form for job applications all over the world. You would find some basic variations in the order of presentation from country to country and sometimes from company to company. However, in terms of content, it basically remains the same.

The resume, on the other hand is the most accepted form for job applications in USA. Here, the Curriculum Vitae would be used exclusively for jobs in academics. A detailed Curriculum Vitae would also be demanded when you apply for government grants.

A curriculum vitae, commonly referred to as CV, is a longer (two or more pages), more detailed synopsis than a resume. It includes a summary of your educational and academic background, as well as teaching and research experience, publications, presentations, awards, honors, affiliations, and other details.

My resumes have always been one page only, they always have a cover letter.

There are templates of each below. If in doubt, submit a resume.