CV (Curriculum Vitae)
A CV is a comprehensive academic or professional document that details your entire career history, publications, research, and credentials without page limits.
Read the plain-English explanation
TERM MAP
resume
The term
CV (Curriculum Vitae)
3
definition sections
5
connected terms
1
deeper resources
PLAIN ENGLISH
What it means
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.
KEEP EXPLORING
Related terms
5 connections
01
Resume vs CV
Resume vs CV refers to the key differences between a concise, targeted resume and a comprehensive curriculum vitae in terms of length, content, and usage.
02
Resume Length
Resume length refers to how many pages a resume should be, which depends on career level, industry norms, and the amount of relevant experience.
03
Two-Page Resume
A two-page resume is an extended resume format typically appropriate for senior professionals with 10+ years of experience or extensive relevant qualifications.
04
Education Section
The education section is the part of a resume that lists academic credentials including degrees, institutions, graduation dates, and relevant academic achievements.
05
Certifications Section
The certifications section is a resume area that lists professional certifications, licenses, and completed training programs relevant to the target role.