CV vs. Resume: What’s the Difference & Does It Even Matter?

If you’ve ever looked for a job, chances are you’ve come across the terms CV and resume, sometimes used separately, sometimes interchangeably. But what’s the difference? And more importantly, does it really matter which one you submit? At Pro CV, we know that no matter what you call it, what truly matters is having a document that gets you results.

What is a CV?

A Curriculum Vitae (CV) is a detailed document that provides an in-depth look at your professional journey. In the UK, a CV typically includes your work experience, education, skills, and key achievements—usually in two pages (unless you’re in academia, where CVs can be much longer). CVs are structured to showcase a complete career history, making them ideal for industries that value experience, such as finance, healthcare, and education.

What is a Resume?

A resume, on the other hand, is a more concise version of a CV, traditionally used in the United States, Canada, and Australia. Resumes tend to be one page (or two at most) and are highly tailored to a specific role, highlighting only the most relevant experience and achievements. The focus is on brevity and impact, making it more of a marketing document than a comprehensive career record.

Over time, the lines between CVs and resumes have blurred. In some countries, “CV” is the only term used, even when the document follows a resume-style format. In the UK, most employers expect a CV, but they often mean a tailored, job-specific document rather than a long-winded career history.

At Pro CV, we don’t just write documents. We craft tailored career tools that land interviews. Whether you need a UK-style CV, an international resume, or something in between, we create a professional, well-structured document that fits your industry and target role.

No matter what you call it, your job application needs to stand out. At Pro CV, we ensure your experience, skills, and value shine through in a way that recruiters will notice.

Get in touch today, and let’s create the right document for your next career move!