
How to Spell Resume: Accents or Not? Résumé, Resumé?
To spell resume with accents or not? Is résumé "more correct" than resume? We'll show you the correct spelling. (And no, it's not resamay.)
What is the definition of a CV? What are the differences for CVs in the US and across the globe? Read on to learn about the meaning, use, and purpose of a CV.
What is a CV? What does CV stand for and why the confusion? It’s a real problem for job applicants. “CV” has two different meanings and definitions, depending on where you’re from.
Don’t fret. There’s a simple explanation (well, two). Just scroll down to see the CV meaning you need.
This guide will show you:
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What does the CV stand for? CV stands for Curriculum Vitae or “course of life.” In the US, a CV is a 2–12 page academic document that describes your school career in deep detail. In Europe, a CV is a standard 1–2 page resume for a job, tailored to the position.
In other words, the meaning and definition of a CV depends on your location.
Here’s a quick rundown of both kinds of CV definitions:
In the United States, the definition of a CV is a document that's an exhaustively comprehensive rundown of your entire academic career. It’s massive, like a federal resume or academic cv.
Since it’s not tailored to a specific job opening, it adds everything universities might care about. That means every publication, conference, and school project you’ve done.
In Europe and Ireland, a CV is a resume for a job. It’s 1–2 pages long. It doesn’t list every achievement. Instead, it touts accomplishments that prove key skills needed for the job. It’s similar to American resumes with a few notable exceptions.
Do you need to write a CV or a resume? See our guide: CV vs. Resume: Difference, Definitions & When to Use Which
Pro Tip: What is a Curriculum Vitae? CV stands for those two Latin words. It’s an acronym for “Course of” and “Life.” Your resume is the course of your life in short.
A CV for a job is the same as a resume for jobs. Europeans and New Zealanders call it a CV, and Americans call it a resume. Either way, CV meaning is the same. It’s just a 1–2 page document showing skills and experience.
Hold up a sec.
If you’re in America, don’t write a job CV. Write a resume instead. Need help? See our guide: How to Make a Resume for a Job [from Application to Interview in 24h]
If you’re in the US and writing an academic CV, see the section below.
If you’re applying for a job in Europe or New Zealand, here’s how to write a job CV:
Americans applying for work in Europe or New Zealand may need to write a job CV. If that’s you, see our guide: How to Write a CV for a Job in 7 Easy Steps
Pro Tip: What is a CV summary? It’s the same as a resume summary. It’s a short paragraph at the top of your CV that gives your key achievements in a nutshell.
When making a CV in our builder, drag & drop bullet points, skills, and auto-fill the boring stuff. Spell check? Check. Start building a professional CV template here for free.
When you’re done, Zety’s CV maker will score your CV and tell you exactly how to make it better.
We know. It’s daunting. You’re trying to put your whole school life on paper to impress the powers that be. Where do you start? What do you leave out?
Aargh!
Take your finger off the panic button.
Thankfully, writing a CV for academia isn’t thesis-paper hard. (But CV meaning for schools is different.)
Want to learn more about the right CV format? Check this out: CV Format: How to Structure Your CV
Pro Tip: Your CV can be two pages long or six or 12 or 15. Just use whatever length lets you show all your academic accomplishments.
Some people think a CV is a letter. It’s not. It’s a kind of resume. To refresh: in Europe a CV is just like an American resume. In America, CV meaning is: a comprehensive academic resume.
But there is such thing as a CV letter.
A CV letter is a cover letter for your CV. In a CV letter for a job in Europe or New Zealand, it adds achievements that prove you’ll fit the job. With an academic CV, it shows passion and fit for a position or award.
Do you need to write a CV letter? See our guide: How to Write a Cover Letter for a Resume
Pro Tip: Start your CV letter with a hook. You need to grab the reader right away so they don’t get bored and skip your letter–and your CV.
Plus, a great cover letter that matches your CV will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write it in our cover letter builder here. Here's what it may look like:
See more cover letter templates and start writing.
Summary: What is a CV?
Still can’t figure out the answer to “what is a CV?” Do you have questions about when to use a CV or when to use a resume? Give us a shout in the comments. We’d be happy to reply!
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To spell resume with accents or not? Is résumé "more correct" than resume? We'll show you the correct spelling. (And no, it's not resamay.)
Learn about what a resume really is and how it can help your job search. The more informed you are, the better the outcome will be.
These are not the same, but we'll sort that out. Just bear in mind you need both—