CV (Curriculum Vitae)

A curriculum vitae (CV) — Latin for "course of life" — is an exhaustive document that covers your complete academic and professional history. Unlike a resume, which is typically one to two pages and tailored for each application, a CV can run many pages and includes sections for publications, research experience, teaching history, grants, presentations, professional memberships, and awards.

In the United States and Canada, CVs are primarily used in academia, research, medicine, and certain international job applications. In many other countries — particularly the UK, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand — "CV" is the standard term for what Americans call a resume, and the documents are similar in length and format.

If you are applying for a non-academic position in the US or Canada, you almost certainly need a resume, not a CV. If you are applying for academic, research, or medical positions, or applying internationally, check whether the employer specifically requests a CV or a resume. When in doubt, follow the conventions of your target industry and country.