CV vs Résumé: What's the Difference?
The words are often used for the same thing, but they don't always mean the same thing. What you should send depends mostly on where the job is.
The short answer
- In Ghana, the UK, Ireland, most of Africa and Europe: “CV” is the normal word for the one-to-two-page document you send with a job application.
- In the United States and Canada: that document is usually called a “résumé”, and “CV” usually means a longer academic record.
Side by side
| Job-application CV (Ghana, UK, Europe) | US/Canada résumé | Academic CV | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical length | 1–2 pages | 1 page (2 for senior roles) | As long as needed |
| Purpose | Job applications | Job applications | Academic, research and some medical posts |
| Content | Focused on relevant experience and skills | Very focused; heavy on achievements | Full record: publications, teaching, grants, conferences |
| Personal details | Contact details only, usually | Contact details only; no photo or age | Contact details only |
Which one should you send?
Follow the job advert's wording and the country. For most jobs in Ghana, a clear one-to-two-page CV is right. For US or Canadian jobs, shorten it to a one-page résumé, remove any photo, and use American spelling if the employer does. For university lecturer or research posts, a full academic CV is usually expected.
Adapting your CV to a résumé
- Cut to the most relevant experience — ideally one page.
- Lead every bullet with a result.
- Remove photos and any personal details beyond contact information.
- Drop “References available on request” — it's assumed.
Related resources
Create your CV now
Free, no sign-up, and your details stay on your device.
Start building your CV