What Is the Difference Between a Resume and a CV?

If you are applying for jobs, you have probably seen employers ask for either a CV or a resume. The two terms are often used interchangeably, but they can have different meanings depending on the country, employer and type of job.

For South African job seekers, this can be confusing. A vacancy may ask you to upload a CV, while an international company may use the word resume for the same type of document.

The good news is that you usually do not need to create two completely different documents. Understanding the main differences can help you choose the right format and make your application more relevant.

What Is a CV?

CV stands for Curriculum Vitae, which means "course of life". A CV is a document that presents your education, qualifications, work experience, skills and other information relevant to your career.

In South Africa, the term CV is commonly used when referring to the document submitted when applying for employment.

A South African CV can include sections such as:

• Personal and contact details.
• Professional summary.
• Work experience.
• Education and qualifications.
• Skills.
• Certifications and training.
• Projects.
• Volunteer experience.
• Professional memberships where relevant.
• References where requested or appropriate.

The length of a CV depends on your experience and the requirements of the position. Someone applying for their first job may have a one-page CV, while an experienced professional may need two or more pages.

What Is a Resume?

A resume is generally a shorter, targeted document that highlights the experience, skills and qualifications most relevant to a particular job.

The word resume is particularly common in countries such as the United States and Canada. A resume is often designed to give an employer a quick overview of why the applicant is suitable for a specific position.

A resume commonly focuses on:

• Relevant professional experience.
• Key skills.
• Education.
• Important achievements.
• Qualifications and certifications relevant to the role.

Unlike some academic CVs, a typical resume does not necessarily include every qualification, job, publication or professional activity a person has completed.

CV vs Resume: What Is the Difference?

Is a CV the Same as a Resume in South Africa?

For most South African job seekers, the practical difference is relatively small because employers commonly use the term CV for the document submitted with a job application.

If a South African vacancy says "submit your resume", it normally makes sense to provide your professional CV unless the employer gives specific instructions about the required format.

CV vs Resume for South African Job Applications

If you are applying for jobs in South Africa, your main priority should not be whether the document is called a CV or resume. Your priority should be whether the document clearly shows that you meet the requirements of the vacancy.

A strong job application document should:

• Clearly show your name and contact details.
• Highlight your relevant qualifications.
• Show your most relevant skills.
• Explain your work experience clearly.
• Use keywords that genuinely match the vacancy.
• Be easy for recruiters to read.
• Use a professional and consistent layout.
• Follow the employer's application instructions.

Which One Should You Use?

If You Are Applying for a South African Job

Use a professional South African CV. This is the standard term used across many local job advertisements, recruitment websites, government opportunities, internships, learnerships and graduate programmes.

If You Are Applying for an International Job

Check the terminology used by the employer. If the company asks for a resume, prepare a targeted resume that follows the expectations of that particular country or employer.

If You Are Applying for an Academic Position

An academic CV can be considerably more detailed than a standard job application CV or resume. It may include research, publications, conferences, teaching experience, academic achievements and professional memberships.

What Should a South African CV Include?

A straightforward CV can contain the following sections:

• Full Name: Your professional name.
• Contact Details: Phone number, professional email and location.
• Professional Summary: A short introduction relevant to the position.
• Skills: Relevant technical and professional abilities.
• Work Experience: Previous employment and relevant achievements.
• Education: Qualifications, institutions and completion dates.
• Certifications: Relevant professional training and certificates.
• Projects: Useful for graduates, students and career changers.
• References: Include them when requested or when they strengthen the application.

How Long Should a CV or Resume Be?

There is no universal page limit that applies to every applicant.

A matriculant or recent graduate with limited experience may have enough relevant information for a one-page CV. An experienced professional may need two or more pages to explain their career history.

The important thing is to avoid unnecessary information. Your CV should contain enough detail to demonstrate your suitability without becoming difficult to read.

CV and Resume Formatting Tips

Whether you call your document a CV or resume, formatting can affect how easily both recruiters and recruitment software can read it.

For most online applications, consider using:

• A simple single-column layout.
• Clear section headings.
• A readable font such as Arial or Calibri.
• Consistent spacing.
• Normal bullet points.
• Professional date formatting.
• Selectable text rather than text embedded in images.

Avoid unnecessary graphics, excessive colours, decorative icons and complicated layouts when applying through an Applicant Tracking System.

Should Your CV and Resume Be the Same?

Not necessarily. You can maintain a detailed master CV and then create a shorter, targeted version when an international employer asks for a resume.

For example, your master CV might contain your complete work history, while a targeted resume could focus only on the five years of experience most relevant to the position.

This approach also makes it easier to tailor applications without rewriting your entire career history every time you apply for a job.

Common CV and Resume Mistakes

Job seekers should avoid common mistakes such as:

• Sending exactly the same document for every application.
• Including false qualifications or work experience.
• Using an unprofessional email address.
• Adding unnecessary personal information.
• Using too many graphics or decorative elements.
• Writing long paragraphs instead of clear bullet points.
• Listing duties without explaining achievements where possible.
• Ignoring the employer's application instructions.
• Submitting a document with spelling or grammar errors.
• Using an unprofessional filename such as CVfinalfinal2.pdf.

CV vs Resume: What Should a Matriculant Use?

If you are a matriculant applying for your first job, learnership, internship or entry-level opportunity in South Africa, a simple CV is usually the most appropriate choice.

You do not need years of employment experience to create a useful CV. Instead, focus on your education, relevant subjects, skills, achievements, volunteer activities, projects and other genuine experience.

CV vs Resume: What Should a Graduate Use?

Graduates can use a CV that highlights their qualification, relevant subjects, projects, internships, practical experience, technical skills and certifications.

If you have completed university or TVET projects, include them when they demonstrate skills relevant to the position.

Application Checklist

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a CV and a resume?

A CV generally provides a broader overview of your education, qualifications and career experience, while a resume is usually shorter and more targeted to a specific job. However, the exact meaning varies between countries.

Is a CV better than a resume?

Neither is automatically better. The appropriate document depends on the country, employer, industry and application instructions.

Do South Africans use CVs or resumes?

The term CV is much more commonly used for employment applications in South Africa. A professional CV is normally appropriate for local job applications unless the employer specifies otherwise.

Can I use my CV when an international company asks for a resume?

You can often adapt your CV into a targeted resume, but check the employer's requirements first. International employers may have specific expectations about length, content and format.

How many pages should a CV be?

There is no fixed page limit for every applicant. Keep it as long as necessary to present relevant information clearly and remove unnecessary content.

Should I have both a CV and a resume?

You can maintain a detailed master CV and create shorter targeted versions for specific applications. This can be useful when applying to both South African and international employers.

Is a CV the same as a resume in South Africa?

For many South African employment applications, the terms are used interchangeably. The document employers call a CV is generally a professional summary of your qualifications, skills and experience.

Conclusion

The difference between a CV and a resume depends largely on where you are applying and what the employer expects. In South Africa, CV is the term most commonly used for a job application document.

For most South African job seekers, the best approach is to create a clear, professional CV that highlights your qualifications, skills and relevant experience. When applying internationally, check whether the employer expects a resume and adapt your document accordingly.

Regardless of the name, the goal is the same: give the employer a clear picture of your background and explain why your skills and experience make you suitable for the opportunity.