Quick answer
In the US and Canada, a resume is the short document you send for most jobs, and a CV usually means a longer academic or medical record. In the UK (and Ireland), the short document for most jobs is called a CV, and "resume" is rarely used.
Side by side
| US | UK | Canada | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Name for most jobs | Resume | CV | Resume (CV in academia and some fields) |
| Typical length | 1 page early career, 2 pages with more experience | Usually about 2 pages | Up to 2 pages (Job Bank's advice) |
| Paper size | Letter, 8.5 × 11 in | A4, 210 × 297 mm | Letter, 8.5 × 11 in |
| Photo | Leave out | Leave out (except some acting or modelling roles) | Leave out; not the norm |
| Personal details | Leave out age, date of birth, marital status, religion | Leave out date of birth, marital status, nationality unless asked | Leave out age, marital status, religion; never your Social Insurance Number |
| Spelling | US: organize, color, center | UK: organise, colour, centre | Canadian: colour, centre, often organize |
| Contact line | City and state, email, phone, optional LinkedIn | Town or city, email, phone, optional LinkedIn | City and province, email, phone, optional LinkedIn |
You don't need your full street address on any of the three. A city and region is enough for most applications.
Why personal details stay off
Employers in all three countries are covered by anti-discrimination laws, such as US federal equal employment law enforced by the EEOC and the UK's Equality Act 2010. Leaving age, photos and family details off helps reviewers focus on your skills. Canada's Job Bank advises leaving out personal details such as age and marital status, and never including your Social Insurance Number.
Academic and medical CVs
In all three countries, an academic or research CV can run many pages. It lists publications, grants, teaching and presentations. If a US or Canadian ad asks for a "CV" for a faculty, research or medical post, it usually means this long version.
Switching between them
- Change the paper size (Letter ↔ A4) and check the page breaks.
- Switch spelling to match the country.
- Rename the file and heading: "resume" for US and Canada, "CV" for the UK.
- Keep the content true. Only the format changes.
Sources
FAQ
Is a CV the same as a resume?
In the UK, a CV is the everyday job document, much like a US or Canadian resume. In the US and Canada, "CV" usually means a longer academic or medical document.
Should I put a photo on my resume or CV?
For most jobs in the US, UK and Canada, no. Photos are not the norm and can invite bias.
What paper size should I use?
Letter (8.5 × 11 in) in the US and Canada. A4 (210 × 297 mm) in the UK.
Should I include my home address?
Not your full street address. A city and state, province or county is usually enough.
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