Resume vs CV: which one do you need?
The words mean different things in different countries. Here’s what employers expect when they ask for a resume or a CV, and how long it should be.
Updated September 2026. Sources are listed at the end.
- Use the word the job ad uses
- US and Canada: one or two pages
- UK, Ireland and New Zealand: about two pages
- Academic CV only for academic, research and some medical roles
United States and Canada
A resume is the standard job-application document: one or two pages, tailored to the job. A CV (curriculum vitae) is a longer record of an academic or research career (publications, grants, teaching) used for academic, research and some medical jobs. Canada’s Job Bank advises two pages at most, and US federal jobs have a strict two-page limit.
United Kingdom and Ireland
CV is the everyday word for the job-application document, typically about two pages. “Resume” is understood but less common.
Australia
Both words are used, and usually mean the same document. Two to three pages is common; government jobs may also ask for a pitch or selection criteria responses.
New Zealand
CV is the usual word. The government’s careers service advises two pages if you can.
Everywhere
Whatever it’s called, the document that gets interviews is short, tailored to the job, and proves the job’s requirements with results.
Sources
- Job Bank (Government of Canada): How to write a good resume
- Tahatū Career Navigator (NZ Government): How to write a CV
- OPM: Applicant guidance on the two-page resume limit
General guidance, not legal or immigration advice. Always follow what the job ad or information pack asks for.