"Send your CV" and "upload your resume" aren't always interchangeable. In the US, they usually mean different documents — and using the wrong one can get you screened out before anyone reads your experience.
Quick answer
| Resume | CV (Curriculum Vitae) | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 1–2 pages | Often 3+ pages, grows over time |
| Purpose | Private-sector jobs | Academia, research, medicine, some international roles |
| Content | Tailored, concise | Comprehensive history |
| Updates | Rewritten per application | Appended with new publications/roles |
When to use a resume
Almost every corporate, startup, nonprofit, and government job in the US expects a resume — a short, targeted summary of relevant experience. You choose what to include based on the role.
Build yours with an ATS-friendly template so formatting doesn't break parsing.
When to use a CV
Use a CV when applying for:
- Faculty and postdoc positions
- Research grants and fellowships
- Many medical and clinical academic roles
- Some EU/UK/Asia-Pacific employers (they may use "CV" the way Americans use "resume")
CVs include publications, presentations, grants, teaching history, and committees — sections you'd leave off a standard US resume.
"CV" on a US job posting
Some US employers say "CV" loosely and mean resume. Check the industry:
- Tech, sales, marketing → resume (1–2 pages)
- University lab manager → likely a CV
- International company HQ abroad → read the posting's country norms
When unsure, ask recruiting or submit a concise 2-page document unless they specify otherwise.
Formatting rules apply to both
Whether resume or CV, applicant tracking systems still prefer:
- Single-column layout
- Standard headings
- No text embedded in images
Wizume builds resumes and CVs for job seekers in the US and international markets — the standard one- to two-page format. For academic CVs, use your institution's template — but keep the same parser-safe habits for online submissions.
Next steps
Ready to build a US-style resume or CV? Start with our free CV builder, free resume builder, or see a resume example for your role.