CV vs Resume: Which One Should You Use?

If you have spent any time scrolling through job ads in Australia, you have probably noticed hiring managers using the terms CV and resume as if they mean the same thing. While they share similarities, the two documents are not identical — and knowing the difference helps you present the right information, in the right way, for the job you want.

This guide breaks down the key differences between a CV and a resume, how long each should be, what to include, and when to use which one in the Australian job market.

CV vs Resume: What’s the Actual Difference?

1. Length

CV (Curriculum Vitae)

A CV is a comprehensive document that outlines your full career history. In Australia and New Zealand, a CV typically ranges from 2 to 4 pages, depending on your experience. The more senior you are, the longer your CV is likely to be.

Resume

A resume is deliberately short and targeted — usually 1 or 2 pages. It focuses only on the experience relevant to a specific role, allowing hiring managers to assess suitability quickly.

In short: a CV gives the whole picture; a resume gives the highlights.

2. Information Included

CVs include:

• Full employment history
• Education and qualifications
• Certifications
• Research, publications, and academic achievements
• Conference presentations
• Projects
• Volunteering and community involvement
• Awards and honours

A CV is ideal for showcasing the depth and breadth of your professional journey, especially when your achievements span multiple roles, projects, or disciplines.

Resumes include:

• Key skills
• Relevant work experience
• Targeted accomplishments
• Education (summarised)
• Certifications relevant to the job

A resume focuses on immediate relevance. Anything unrelated to the target job is removed to keep the document sharp and concise.

When Should You Use a CV vs a Resume?

The terms are often used interchangeably in Australia, but here’s how to know which one the employer actually wants:

Use a CV when applying for:

• Academic and research roles
• University teaching positions
• Senior executive roles
• Government roles requesting a “CV” specifically
• Jobs where a full career history is required

These employers want the bigger picture — your projects, contributions, and long-term career progression.

Use a Resume when applying for:

• Corporate roles
• Business and commercial positions
• Technical or specialist roles
• Most private sector jobs
• Any application with a strict page limit

These employers want clarity, relevance, and quick insights into your suitability.

Tip: If the job ad specifies a page limit, follow it. In Australia, a 2–3 page “CV-resume hybrid” is extremely common and perfectly acceptable unless otherwise stated.

Which One Should You Use in Australia?

In Australia, employers often use “CV” and “resume” to mean the same thing — a document summarising your career. Unless a page limit is stated, both formats typically follow the same structure and purpose: showcasing your professional experience in the clearest, most effective way possible.

However, the real difference lies in how much detail you include:

• CV = detailed, comprehensive
• Resume = focused, tailored, shorter

The key is to choose the format that gives you the strongest chance of demonstrating your suitability for the role.

Need Help Choosing or Creating the Right Document?

Whether you are a graduate taking your first step into the workforce or a seasoned professional aiming for your next opportunity, your CV or resume plays a major role in securing interviews.

At CV Writers Australia, we help jobseekers create documents that are:

• professional and polished
• ATS-friendly
• strategically tailored
• aligned with employer expectations

If you want to stand out in a crowded job market, expert guidance can make all the difference.

Want to learn more? Explore our CV Services or book a free consultation with one of our career specialists.