What is a resume in simple words?

A short document that lists your work experience, education, and skills so employers can decide whether to interview you.

What is the difference between a resume and a CV?

In the US, a resume is a short job-application document and a CV is a longer academic record. In the UK and much of the world, CV and resume mean the same thing.

Is it résumé or resume?

Both are correct. "Résumé" is the traditional spelling and "resume" is the simpler, more common form in US job postings.

How long should a resume be?

One page for most people with under 10 years of experience, and up to two pages for experienced professionals.

Do I need a resume for every job?

Most professional jobs ask for one. Some hourly roles only need an application form, but a resume still helps you stand out.

Resume basics

What Is a Resume? Resume vs CV

Resume meaning: a resume is a short document, usually one or two pages, that summarizes your work experience, education, skills, and achievements so an employer can quickly decide whether to interview you. The word comes from the French résumé, meaning "summary." In the US and Canada, a resume is the standard job-application document; a CV is a longer academic record. Elsewhere, "CV" often means the same thing as a resume.

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Key takeaways

A resume is a 1–2 page summary of your experience, education, and skills
It's tailored to each job and focuses on achievements
In the US, a CV is a longer academic document; elsewhere, CV often means resume
"Résumé" and "resume" are both correct spellings

Resume Definition and Purpose

A resume has one job: to get you an interview. It does that by showing, in a few seconds of skimming, that you have the experience and skills the job requires.

A resume is:

Short: one page for most people, two for experienced professionals
Targeted: tailored to the job you're applying for
Achievement-focused: results, not just responsibilities
Structured: standard sections that recruiters and applicant tracking systems recognize

What Does a Resume Include?

Contact information
Summary or objective
Work experience
Education
Skills
Optional: certifications, projects, volunteer work, languages, awards

See the full resume outline for what goes in each section.

Resume vs. CV vs. Biodata

Resume: a concise 1–2 page summary tailored to a job. Standard in the US and Canada.
CV (curriculum vitae): in the US, a long, detailed academic record including research, publications, and teaching. In the UK, Europe, and many other countries, "CV" is simply the word for a resume. See our CV maker.
Biodata: a format used in parts of South Asia that adds personal details like date of birth and family background. See what is biodata.

When in doubt, use the term the job posting uses.

How to Spell Resume: Résumé, Resume, or Resumé?

Résumé (two accents) is the original French spelling and is fully correct.
Resume (no accents) is the simpler form, common in US job postings and recommended by the AP Stylebook.
Resumé (one accent) is a less common variant that many readers see as a typo.

Pick one and use it consistently. To type é: Option + E, then E on Mac; Alt + 0233 on Windows; long-press E on your phone. More in how to spell résumé.

Cover letter: a one-page letter sent with your resume. See how to write a cover letter.
Course of study: your major or degree program. See field of study vs. course of study.
ATS (applicant tracking system): software employers use to store, search, and rank resumes. See the truth about ATS.

Put it into practice

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