What’s the difference between a CV and a resume?

A resume is typically one page, tailored to a specific job, and focused on relevant skills and experience. A CV (curriculum vitae) is usually longer and more comprehensive — common in academic, medical, and research fields, and standard practice (regardless of length) in the UK, Ireland, and much of Europe, where “CV” is simply the general term for what Americans call a resume.

If you’re a student applying for jobs in the US, you likely want a resume. If you’re applying academically, internationally, or somewhere that uses “CV” as the standard term, follow CV conventions instead.

Quick answer: In the US, a resume is short and job-specific; a CV is longer and academic. Outside the US, “CV” is often just the general term for what Americans call a resume.