Resume vs. CV: What's the Difference and Which One Should You Use in 2025?

Hey everyone! Let's clear up the confusion around resumes and CVs. Many job seekers in India get tripped up by this, especially freshers. While they seem similar, they serve distinct purposes. Think of it like this: a resume is a snapshot, a CV is a detailed story.

What's a Resume?

A resume is a concise summary of your skills and experience, typically one page long. It's designed to highlight your most relevant accomplishments and qualifications for a specific job. Recruiters in India often scan resumes quickly, so brevity and impact are key. Think of it as your elevator pitch on paper. It's tailored to each job application, focusing on what the employer wants to see.

What's a CV?

A CV (Curriculum Vitae) is a more comprehensive and detailed account of your educational and professional background. It's usually longer than a resume and provides a complete picture of your career journey. CVs are often used for academic positions, research roles, or when applying for jobs outside of India where a more extensive profile is expected. According to the World Economic Forum, the use of CVs is still prevalent in specific sectors globally, even with the rise of AI in recruitment.

Key Differences in a Nutshell:

• Length: Resumes are typically one page; CVs can be multiple pages.
• Purpose: Resumes highlight specific skills for a job; CVs provide a complete career overview.
• Content: Resumes focus on accomplishments; CVs include detailed information on education, publications, and presentations.
• Use Cases: Resumes are best for most jobs in India; CVs are ideal for academia and some international roles.

Which One Should You Use?

• Use a Resume when: Applying for most jobs in India, especially entry-level positions. This is especially true when using AI-powered resume screening tools, as highlighted by LinkedIn Talent Solutions.
• Use a CV when: Applying for academic roles, research positions, or jobs in certain international contexts, particularly Europe or North America. If you're unsure, checking the job description is a good first step.

Making Your Resume or CV Shine:

Regardless of whether you're crafting a resume or a CV, remember to tailor your document to each job application. Use keywords from the job description and quantify your accomplishments whenever possible. Remember, a well-structured, ATS-friendly resume, as discussed in the Naukri Resume Blog, is your first step in beating the Applicant Tracking System. Make sure your resume is easy to read and visually appealing! Consider using a tool like RebuildCV to help optimize your document for both human and machine readers.

Need more help crafting a killer resume? Check out our guides on /knowledge-center/how-to-write-a-resume-that-gets-you-noticed-in-2025 and /knowledge-center/resume-format-for-freshers-step-by-step-guide.