CV vs. Resume: Key Differences
By Jennifer Herrity at Indeed – Updated January 19, 2026
Video: Ultimate CV Guide
What is a CV? Who needs one? Is it different than a resume or cover letter?
Get all your questions answered, plus expert tips on what sections matter most and how to showcase your biggest wins to impress employers. As with a resume, a CV (or curriculum vitae) is often an employer’s first impression of your professional and academic credentials, so it’s important to structure it in a way that best showcases your accomplishments and experience.
Certain jobs in academia or in medicine might require you to submit a CV instead of a resume, and a CV can also open doors for grant applications, fellowships and jobs outside the United States.
In this article, we offer a guide to writing a powerful CV that will help you stand out to employers, along with easy-to-follow examples.