CV vs Resume: What’s the Difference in the US, UK, Canada and Australia?

A CV and a resume both help you apply for jobs, but the terms do not mean exactly the same thing in every country.

In the United Kingdom, a CV is the standard document used for most job applications. In the United States, a resume is usually a concise summary of your qualifications for a particular job, while an academic CV provides a much more detailed record of a person’s education, research and publications.

Canada generally uses the term resume for regular job applications, and Australia commonly uses it too.

Understanding these differences can help you prepare the right document when applying for jobs abroad. The format, length and personal information employers expect can vary, so it is worth checking the guidance for your destination before sending an application.

The Short Answer: CV vs Resume

• United Kingdom: A CV is the usual document for job applications.
• United States: A resume is normally used for jobs; an academic CV is used for many academic and research applications.
• Canada: A resume is the standard choice for most jobs.
• Australia: A resume is commonly used for job applications, although some employers also use the term CV.

The most important distinction is between a UK-style job CV and a US academic CV. In everyday recruitment, a UK CV and a North American resume serve broadly the same purpose: showing an employer why you are suitable for a role.

CV vs Resume: Country-by-Country Comparison

Feature	United Kingdom	United States	Canada	Australia
Common term for most jobs	CV	Resume	Resume	Resume
Typical length	Keep it focused and relevant	Usually 1–2 pages for many applicants	Up to 2 pages is common guidance	Often 2–3 pages, depending on experience and role
Photo	Generally unnecessary	Generally avoided	Not the norm	Usually unnecessary unless requested
Date of birth and age	Leave out	Generally leave out	Leave out	Usually leave out
Marital status	Leave out	Leave out	Leave out	Usually leave out
References	Can say available on request	Usually supplied separately if requested	Keep separate and provide when asked	Follow the employer’s instructions
Main purpose	Demonstrate suitability for the role	Summarise relevant skills and experience	Highlight relevant qualifications and achievements	Show relevant experience, skills and qualifications

These are general conventions, not universal laws. Certain professions, academic applications, government roles and employers may require different information. For example, an academic CV can be longer than a standard job resume.

Official guidance: UK National Careers Service, US CareerOneStop and Government of Canada Job Bank.

United States: Resume vs Academic CV

In the United States, choosing between a resume and a CV depends largely on the position you are applying for.

What is a US resume?

A resume is a concise document that highlights your most relevant skills, work experience, education and achievements. It should be tailored to the job rather than listing every task you have performed throughout your career.

For many applicants, one or two pages are sufficient. More experienced candidates may need additional space if their relevant achievements justify it.

A typical US resume includes:

• Name and professional contact information
• A short professional summary, where useful
• Relevant work experience and measurable achievements
• Education and qualifications
• Skills related to the job

CareerOneStop, sponsored by the US Department of Labor, recommends a clean, readable format and generally suggests keeping a resume to one or two pages. See its resume formatting guidance.

What is a US academic CV?

An academic CV provides a more detailed account of an academic or research career. Depending on the role and the person’s experience, it may include:

• Degrees and academic qualifications
• Research experience and publications
• Teaching experience
• Grants and fellowships
• Conference presentations
• Awards and professional memberships

Unlike a typical job resume, an academic CV can extend over several pages because its purpose is to document a broader record of professional and scholarly work.

Example: Someone applying for a marketing manager position would usually submit a resume. Someone applying for a university research position that requests a full academic record may need a CV.

Always follow the specific instructions in the job advertisement.

United Kingdom: What Should a CV Include?

In the UK, employers commonly ask applicants to submit a CV. The National Careers Service recommends including your contact details, an introduction, education, work history and references.

A straightforward UK CV structure looks like this:

1. Contact details: Your name, phone number, professional email address and relevant professional profile.
2. Personal profile: A short introduction explaining your experience and what you can offer.
3. Work experience: Your most recent relevant role first, followed by earlier positions.
4. Education: Qualifications, institutions and dates.
5. Skills: Relevant technical, professional and transferable skills.
6. References: Details only where appropriate, or a note saying references are available on request.

The order of education and work experience can depend on your background. Recent graduates may put education first, while experienced professionals may lead with work history.

What personal information should you leave out?

The UK’s National Careers Service advises applicants not to include their age, date of birth, marital status or nationality on a standard CV.

You generally do not need to include a photograph either. Use the space to demonstrate your suitability for the role rather than providing unnecessary personal information.

For further guidance, read the National Careers Service CV guide.

Canada: How to Write a Resume

Canadian employers generally expect a resume rather than a long academic CV for ordinary job applications.

The Government of Canada’s Job Bank recommends keeping your resume concise, highlighting relevant experience and achievements, and tailoring the document to the position.

How long should a Canadian resume be?

Job Bank recommends limiting a resume to two pages. You should prioritise recent and relevant experience instead of giving equal space to every job you have held.

For each role, explain what you accomplished, not just what your responsibilities were.

For example, compare these two descriptions:

Less effective:

• Responsible for customer support.
• Managed daily enquiries.

More effective, if accurate:

• Handled approximately 400 customer enquiries per week.
• Reduced the average response time from 24 hours to 6 hours.

The second example gives an employer a clearer idea of the scope and impact of the work. Only use figures you can substantiate.

Should you include a photograph?

No photograph is generally needed for a Canadian resume. Job Bank specifically notes that photos are not the norm and may reduce your chances of obtaining a position.

It also advises applicants to leave out unnecessary personal details, such as age, marital status, religion and political views. Do not include your Social Insurance Number on a resume.

References should generally be kept separately and supplied when an employer requests them.

Read the official Government of Canada Job Bank resume guide.

Australia: CV or Resume?

In Australia, resume is a common term for the document used to apply for a job. You may also see employers use the word CV, so it is sensible to follow the wording in the advertisement.

An Australian resume usually highlights the experience, skills, qualifications and achievements that are relevant to the position.

A practical structure is:

• Contact details and professional profile
• Key skills
• Relevant work experience
• Education and qualifications
• Professional licences or certifications, where relevant
• Referees, if requested

How long should an Australian resume be?

There is no single length that suits every role. A short resume may be suitable for someone entering the workforce, while a more experienced applicant may need extra space to explain relevant achievements.

Rather than adding information just to reach a particular page count, keep the document focused and easy to scan.

Should you include a photo or personal details?

For most standard applications, a professional photograph is unnecessary unless the employer specifically requests one for a legitimate reason.

Personal details such as date of birth and marital status are generally not needed to demonstrate your ability to perform a job. Include only the information relevant to the application and any legitimate requirements stated by the employer.

For country-specific requirements, check the relevant Australian government employment and careers resources, and follow the instructions in the vacancy.

Applying Abroad: What Should You Change?

If you are applying for jobs in another country, do not assume that the document you already use will be suitable without adjustments.

1. Remove unnecessary personal details

A CV format used in one country may contain a photograph, date of birth or marital status. Those details are generally unnecessary for standard applications in the UK, US, Canada and Australia.

For the UK and Canada, official career guidance explicitly advises applicants to leave out several of these details.

There is no need to disclose personal information simply because it appeared on an older CV template. Follow the requirements of the employer and the country.

2. Use the term in the job advertisement

If a UK vacancy asks for a CV, submit a UK-style job CV. If a US company requests a resume, send a concise, targeted resume.

If an American university asks for an academic CV, do not automatically send the same short document you would use for a corporate job.

The wording of the advertisement is usually the best starting point.

3. Adapt spelling and date formats

Use the spelling conventions appropriate to the employer where practical. For example, British organisations often use “organisation”, while American employers commonly use “organization”.

Write dates clearly to avoid confusion. Month names can help prevent misunderstandings between different numeric date formats.

4. Tailor the document to the job

A strong application highlights the skills and achievements most relevant to the vacancy.

Read the job description carefully and identify the essential qualifications, responsibilities and technical skills. Where you genuinely have the required experience, make that connection clear in your CV or resume.

Do not simply copy the job advertisement or add keywords for skills you do not possess.

5. Check the file format and instructions

Some employers request a PDF, while others use an online application system or ask for a Word document.

Follow the stated requirements. Use clear headings, readable text and a simple layout that makes your experience easy to find.

A Simple CV or Resume Template

The following fictional example illustrates a basic structure that can be adapted for a standard job application.

Alex Morgan
Email: alex.morgan@example.com
Phone: +00 000 000 000
Location: City, Country
LinkedIn: LinkedIn profile URL, if relevant

Professional Profile

Customer support professional with experience handling customer enquiries, resolving service issues and coordinating daily operations. Skilled in communication, problem-solving and maintaining accurate records.

Work Experience

Customer Support Lead — Example Company
2023–Present

• Coordinated daily customer support activities.
• Monitored service performance and helped resolve complex enquiries.
• Worked with colleagues to improve response times and customer communication.

Education

BSc Business Studies — Example University
2022

Key Skills

• Customer service
• Written communication
• Problem-solving
• Record management
• Team coordination
• Microsoft Office

References

Available on request, where appropriate.

This is a fictional example. Replace it with your actual qualifications, experience and achievements. Do not claim results or skills you cannot substantiate.

Common CV and Resume Mistakes to Avoid

Whichever country you are applying in, several mistakes can weaken your application.

• Sending the same document everywhere: Different roles require different evidence of your suitability.
• Listing duties without achievements: Explain your contribution and results where possible.
• Adding irrelevant personal information: Use the space for qualifications and experience.
• Using an unnecessarily complicated design: Keep headings, spacing and formatting consistent.
• Including unverified claims: Be accurate about job titles, dates, qualifications and achievements.
• Ignoring the application instructions: Follow any specific requests about file type, length or supporting documents.
• Forgetting to proofread: Check spelling, grammar, dates and contact information before sending the application.

A well-presented document cannot guarantee an interview, but it can make your qualifications easier for a recruiter to assess.

Final Verdict: Is a CV the Same as a Resume?

For most standard job applications, a UK CV and a North American resume serve essentially the same purpose: they summarise your qualifications and explain why you are suitable for a job.

The important exception is the US academic CV, which is usually much more detailed than a standard resume.

If you are applying abroad, focus on three things: use the document the employer requests, follow local conventions, and highlight relevant achievements honestly.

A clear, targeted application is more useful than a long document filled with information that does not help an employer assess your suitability.

Sources and Further Reading

• UK National Careers Service — How to write a CV
• US CareerOneStop — Resume Guide
• US CareerOneStop — Resume Formatting
• Government of Canada Job Bank — How to write a good resume
• Government of Canada Job Bank — Job search safety tips

Last reviewed: October 2026.