CV guide · Updated 15 October 2026
CV vs resume: what's the difference?
In the UK, Ireland and New Zealand, 'CV' is the everyday word for the document you send with a job application. In the US and Canada, the same document is called a résumé, and 'CV' means a longer academic record. Australia uses both words.
At a glance
| Country | Usual name | Typical length | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK | CV | 2 A4 pages | No photo or date of birth |
| Ireland | CV | 2 A4 pages | Similar to the UK |
| US | Résumé | 1 page (early career), 2 pages (experienced) | Letter paper; 'CV' means academic CV |
| Canada | Résumé | 1–2 pages | Letter paper; bilingual skills valued |
| Australia | CV or résumé | 2–3 A4 pages | Referees often listed |
| New Zealand | CV | 2–3 A4 pages | Referees often listed |
| Europe | CV (often Europass) | 2 A4 pages | Photo and date of birth sometimes included |
Which should you send?
Use the local name and conventions of the country where the job is. CVTailorly lets you set your country, and the CV builder and checker switch spelling, page size and headings to match.
Country guides: UK, Ireland, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Europass.
What about an academic CV?
Academic CVs, in any country, list education, research, publications, teaching, grants and conferences in full. They can run to many pages. If you're applying for a lecturing or research post, follow the institution's instructions.
FAQs
Can I send a UK CV for a US job?
Convert it first: shorten it, use US spelling, US Letter paper and US headings (Summary, Work Experience). Our builder can switch it for you.
Is 'resume' or 'résumé' correct?
Both are used. US employers commonly write 'resume' without accents.