Looking for a job or internship? If yes, you’ve probably come across the terms resume and CV. Many companies use these words interchangeably, but they are actually quite different. Understanding when to use a resume and when to use a CV is important—especially if you’re a student, a fresher, or a working professional applying for roles in India or abroad.
In this blog, you’ll learn the key differences between a resume and a CV, how to choose the right one for your career stage, and why picking the correct format can help improve your chances of getting shortlisted.
Resume: What is it?
A resume is a short, focused document. It lists down the most important skills, education and work experience you have. A resume is often one to two pages long and focuses on what matters most for the specific job you’re applying to. Recruiters often prefer resumes because they allow them to quickly scan and understand a candidate’s qualifications.
Unlike a CV, a resume is not a complete record of everything you’ve done. Instead, it shows the information that is most useful for that particular job. What does that mean? It means you should tailor your resume for each application. The document should include keywords, skills, and experiences that match the job description. Resumes are commonly used for private-sector jobs, internships, startup roles, and campus placements.
CV: What is it?
CV stands for “Curriculum Vitae,” which is Latin for “course of life.” As the name suggests, a CV is a much more detailed document. It includes your entire academic and professional history. A typical CV is longer than two pages and includes information such as educational qualifications, research work, publications, awards, conferences attended, teaching experience, and more.
CVs are mostly used for academic positions, research fellowships, government jobs, or scholarships. In these cases, employers need to see a full record of your achievements, not just selected highlights. Unlike resumes, CVs are usually not customized for every job. They stay mostly the same and are updated over time with new accomplishments.
What is the difference between a CV and a Resume?
The main difference between a resume and a CV is the length and depth of the content. A resume is brief and focused, while a CV is longer and more detailed. A resume shows the relevant skills and experiences you have for a specific job. A CV provides a complete picture of your academic and professional journey. It is often used in academic or formal hiring settings.
Another major difference is that resumes are job-specific and tailored for each application. Contrastingly, CVs tend to be static and comprehensive. While resumes are more common in countries like India, the United States, and Canada, CVs are often preferred in Europe, the UK, and some research-based roles worldwide.
When Should You Use a Resume?
You should use a resume when applying for most jobs in the private sector. This includes roles in companies, startups, multinational corporations, and internships. Employers in these industries prefer short and relevant documents that allow them to make quick hiring decisions.
A resume is also the right choice for freshers who are applying for their first job after college or looking for internships. Since freshers often don’t have much work experience, resumes allow them to highlight their strengths such as academic projects, certifications, internships, and soft skills in a clean and professional format.
When Should You Use a CV?
A CV should be used when applying for academic positions, government roles, or research-based opportunities. If you’re applying for a job as a professor, research assistant, or fellow, or if you’re submitting an application for a PhD or a grant, a CV is the correct choice.
CVs are also common in some international contexts. For example, companies and universities in the UK, Germany, or the Middle East often expect a CV instead of a resume. If the job description clearly mentions “Curriculum Vitae” or asks for a detailed academic or career history, it’s best to send a CV.
What Should Freshers Use—Resume or CV?
If you’re a fresher entering the job market for the first time, you should almost always use a resume. Most entry-level roles in companies, internships, or campus placements require short, focused documents that quickly explain what you can offer as a candidate. A well-made resume helps you stand out, even with limited experience.
However, if you’re a student applying for a research internship, an academic position, or a postgraduate program that asks for detailed academic work, then a CV would be more suitable. It’s important to read the job description carefully to know which one is expected.
How Salahkart Makes It Easy to Build Both
On Salahkart, you can easily build both resumes and CVs depending on your needs. The platform allows you to choose your preferred format, whether you’re applying for a job in a startup or submitting an academic application. You can duplicate your resume to create multiple job-specific versions without starting from scratch. Salahkart also offers clean, professional templates that are easy to edit and ATS-friendly. This ensures that your document gets noticed by recruiters and hiring systems alike.
Final Thoughts
Knowing the difference between a resume and CV can help you save time. Also, it can help make a better impression during your job search. Remember, a resume is short and focused. However, a CV is like a professional story of your life. It is also used for academic hiring processes. If you are confused about choosing the right one, just think about the role and country where you are applying. Also, ensure to look at the job description and see what the recruiters want. Sending the right document, can increase your chances of getting hired.
If you’re ready to create a resume or CV that actually works, try Salahkart’s free online resume builder. It’s simple, fast, and built for job seekers like you. Start now and create a professional, recruiter-ready document in minutes at Salahkart.com.