Executive Summary
Applying to a US job with a "CV" is the fastest way to get rejected. In the United States, a Resume is a concise, 1-2 page marketing document, while a CV is a massive academic record used only by PhDs and doctors. This guide clarifies the difference so you don't look like a rookie.
If you are applying for a job in the United States, there is a 99% chance you need a Resume. But if you Google "job application format," you will see millions of results for "CV."
The confusion is understandable. In Europe, South America, and New Zealand, the word "CV" (Curriculum Vitae) is used to describe the standard job document. But in the US, "CV" and "Resume" are two completely different things.
The Danger: If you send a CV to a US recruiter who asked for a Resume, you will likely be rejected. It signals that you don't understand the local business culture. This guide will clear up the confusion once and for all.
What is a Resume? (The US Standard)
The word "Resume" comes from the French résumé, meaning "summary." And that is exactly what it is. It is a marketing document designed to sell your skills for a specific job.
Key Characteristics of a Resume:
- Length: Strictly 1 to 2 pages. (Never 3+).
- Focus: Results, achievements, and skills relevant to this specific job.
- Order: Reverse-Chronological (newest job first).
- Customization: You should tweak your resume for every single job application.
Who uses it? Everyone in the US private sector. Corporate jobs, non-profits, government roles, startups.
What is a CV? (The Academic Record)
CV stands for Curriculum Vitae, Latin for "course of life." It is detailed, static, and exhaustive.
Key Characteristics of a CV:
- Length: Unlimited. (Often 5, 10, or 20+ pages).
- Focus: Credentialing. It lists everything you have ever done.
- Content: Publications, Research Grants, Conference Presentations, Teaching Experience, Awards, Affiliations.
- Customization: Rarely changed. You just add new items to the bottom.
Who uses it? In the US, CVs are ONLY used in:
- Academia: Professors, Deans, PhD candidates.
- Medicine: Doctors, Researchers.
- Science: Grants and Fellowships.
The "International" Trap
If you are applying from the UK, India, or Germany to a US company, you might be used to creating a 3-page "CV" that lists your high school grades, your marital status, and a photo.
To succeed in the US, you must convert this into a Resume.
How to Convert a CV to a Resume:
- Cut the Length: Be ruthless. Delete jobs from 15 years ago. Delete the "Conferences" section.
- Remove Personal Data: No photo. No age. No marital status. No religion. (These are illegal to consider in US hiring).
- Focus on Impact: Don't just list responsibilities ("Responsible for sales"). List achievements ("Increased sales by 20%").
Use our Resume Builder to force yourself into the correct format. It restricts you to the US-standard layout.
Special Case: The Federal Resume (USAJOBS)
There is one weird exception in the US: The Federal Government.
If you apply for a government job on USAJOBS.gov, they ask for a "Federal Resume." This is a hybrid monster. It looks like a resume but acts like a CV.
- Length: 3-5 pages is normal.
- Detail: You must list hours worked per week, supervisor names, and salary for every job.
- Keywords: You must match the "KSAs" (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities) exactly.
Unless you are applying for a Federal job, ignore this type effectively.
Side-by-Step Comparison Table
| Feature | Resume (US) | CV (US) |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 1-2 Pages | Unlimited |
| Goal | Get an Interview | Detailed Record |
| Audience | Recruiters / HR | Academics / Peers |
| Photo | Never | Sometimes (Rare) |
Which One Do You Need? (Quiz)
Q1: Are you applying to be a Professor of History at Yale?
- Yes -> CV
- No -> Go to Q2.
Q2: Are you applying to be a Marketing Manager at Google?
- Yes -> Resume
Q3: The job application button says "Upload CV." What do I do?
- If it is a corporate job -> Upload a Resume. They are just using the generic software terminology. Do not be fooled.
Conclusion
When in doubt, send a Resume. Brevity is respected in the American business world. A 2-page document that punches hard is infinitely better than a 10-page document that bores the reader.
Draft your perfect US-style Resume today with our Free Resume Builder.