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CV vs Resume: What's the Difference (and Which Do You Need)?

April 26, 2026 4 min read

"CV" and "resume" are used interchangeably in many countries, but they can mean different documents. Here's a quick, practical breakdown.

The short answer

In the US, a resume is a short (1–2 page) targeted summary of your experience, while a CV (curriculum vitae) is a longer, detailed academic document. In the UK, Europe, the Middle East, and much of the world, "CV" simply means what Americans call a resume.

When to use each

Applying to most jobs in the UK, Gulf, Europe, or Asia? You want a concise 1–2 page CV. Applying for academic, research, or some medical/scientific roles (especially in the US)? You likely need a long-form CV with publications and grants.

What both should have

Either way, the fundamentals are the same: a clear summary, results-focused experience, relevant skills, education, and an ATS-friendly layout. write.cv handles both styles and both languages.

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