What is a CV? Curriculum Vitae Definition and Meaning

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Table of contents

What Is a CV?
What Is a CV for a Job?
What Is an Academic CV?
What Is the Difference Between a CV and a Resume?
Key Takeaways

You’re here because you’re wondering — what is a CV? What does CV stand for? We’ll help answer this question and help you figure out if you should be using one.

You may have heard that the meaning of CV is different in the U.S. and in Europe. That’s a common source of confusion.

But fear not! While there are two definitions, it’s not as complicated as it sounds.

This guide will show you:

The definition of a CV in Europe and the U.S.
Why the meaning of CV changes depending on your location.
How a CV for a regular job differs from an academic CV.

Do You Need to Make a CV? If so, head directly to our CV Builder where you can choose a template and get hundreds of text examples for each section of your CV.

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What Is a CV?

CVs, an abbreviation for the Latin term curriculum vitae, are a type of detailed job application document used in academia and certain career fields in the U.S.

But just what is a CV when applying for a job? To answer your question, we first need to know: where do you live?

What Is an American CV?

In the U.S., Australia and Canada, CVs are used by job seekers in academic fields like medicine, law and science.

CVs are longer and more detailed than resumes, listing all of a candidate’s experience, achievements and research projects. They are an important part of the job search for the millions of Americans who work in law, medicine and higher education.

But what about the rest of the world? In Europe, a CV is a different document!

What Does CV Mean in Europe?

Throughout the rest of the world, including Europe, CVs are almost indistinguishable from American resumes. They are one- to two-page application documents used by job seekers in all career fields.

There are small differences — it’s more common for European CVs to include personal information you wouldn’t find on a resume, like hobbies and nationality, for example — but they are largely the same.

What Is a CV for a Job?

In Europe, when you apply for any job, you’ll need to know how to write a CV.

If you’re making a CV for a job in Europe, follow these steps:

Create a header with your contact information.
Write a concise resume profile — a brief professional summary or resume objective should work fine.
List your previous jobs in the work experience section.
Make sure you have a well-rounded selection of resume skills.
Cover your educational achievements and professional certifications in the education section.
Consider adding optional sections, like foreign languages and awards.
Save your CV as a PDF.

Before we move on, remember: If you’re in the U.S., you should create a resume, not a CV. In that case, see our guide on how to make a resume.

OK, let’s examine academic CVs next.

What Is an Academic CV?

An academic CV is longer and more detailed than other types of CVs.

Don’t worry. “Longer and more detailed” doesn’t have to mean harder. You can write an academic CV just as quickly as a resume. It starts with understanding what a CV is.

An academic CV should include the following:

Contact Information: Just like you would in a resume, CVs prominently feature your name, email address and phone number.
Summary Statement: Start with a tight, informative summary statement explaining why you are the best candidate for the job.
Core Qualifications: Highlight your most relevant qualifications as a bullet-point list near the top of the CV. Include a mix of soft skills and hard skills.
Education: Education plays a more central role in the CV, with most candidates having an advanced degree.
Teaching Experience: Academic candidates should always place teaching experience on the first page.

These optional sections are also frequently found on academic CVs:

Research Experience: Showcase research projects you’ve been involved with by listing your experience in the field or the classroom.
Publications: Include any papers you’ve published in a professional forum, like an academic journal.
Awards & Honors: Mention the scholarships, grants and other honors and awards you’ve received for work in your chosen career field.
Presentations & Lectures: Touch on high-profile presentations or lectures you’ve delivered, most likely at a professional conference.
Professional Associations: Most CV writers belong to at least one association. Here’s your chance to show your professional engagement.

Check out our CV examples if you want more insight into academic CVs. And redesign your CV by browsing the best CV templates for 2024.

What Is the Difference Between a CV and a Resume?

CVs and resumes may have the same goal — helping you land a job — but the execution is significantly different. This may lead you to ask, what is a CV versus a resume?

Here are three fundamental differences between the two:

CVs Are Used in Fewer Career Fields.

Unlike resumes, which are popular in most industries, CVs have a narrow application. In the U.S., they are used mainly for academic purposes, such as applying for a graduate program or faculty position, and in fields like medicine, law and the sciences.
CVs Are Longer.

Resumes are one to two pages long and focused on recent experience. CVs are often longer and can take up five or six pages — as many pages as needed to detail a candidate’s professional history.
CVs Have More Sections.

While resumes usually focus on five core sections — contact info, professional summary, work experience, skills and education — a well-written CV will include those and more (e.g., research projects, professional associations, publications).

For a more detailed comparison, see our post CV vs resume.

Key Takeaways

In Europe, CV Means the Same Thing as Resume. CVs are the same as resumes throughout much of the world and should include the basic resume sections.
In the U.S., CVs Are Written in Academic Fields. You’ll make a CV for academic careers like medicine and law when you’re based in the U.S., Australia or Canada.
Academic CVs Are Longer Than European CVs. If you’re writing an academic CV, you must cover your entire teaching and research history. They often run longer than two pages.
CVs Should Always Be Customized. Whether you’re writing a CV in or outside the U.S., you should personalize your application for every job you’re targeting.

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Don is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with more than 10 years’ experience creating digital content, including four years helping job seekers develop their careers. He holds an M.S. in Journalism from Northwestern University.