CV vs. Resume: What is the Difference and Which One Do You Need?

You have found the perfect job. You are ready to apply. But then you see the requirement: "Please attach your CV." Or maybe it says: "Submit your Resume."

Are they the same thing? In many parts of the world, these terms are used interchangeably, but there are critical differences that every job seeker in East Africa and beyond needs to know.

Sending the wrong document could mean the difference between getting an interview and getting rejected. Let's break it down.

Table of Contents: 1. What is a Resume? 2. What is a CV (Curriculum Vitae)? 3. The "Location" Rule (USA vs. Africa) 4. Which One Should You Use? 5. Key Differences at a Glance

1. What is a Resume?

The word "Resume" comes from French, meaning "to summarize." And that is exactly what it is.

A resume is a short, concise document (usually 1 to 2 pages) created for a specific job application. It does not list everything you have ever done. Instead, it highlights the specific skills and experience relevant to the job you are applying for right now.

💡 Pro Tip: Customization is Key You should tweak your resume for every single job application. If you are applying for a Sales job, remove your experience in IT support unless it is relevant.

2. What is a CV (Curriculum Vitae)?

"Curriculum Vitae" is Latin for "course of life." A CV is a comprehensive, detailed document that lists your entire career history.

Unlike a resume, a CV can be 3, 5, or even 10 pages long (especially for professors or doctors). It includes:

• Detailed Education
• Publications & Research
• Awards & Honors
• Every job you have ever held

A CV is static; it doesn't change much for different jobs, you just keep adding to it as you gain experience.

3. The "Location" Rule (USA vs. Africa)

This is where the confusion happens.

In the USA: There is a strict difference. They use "Resumes" for 99% of jobs. They only use "CVs" for academic, scientific, or medical roles.

In East Africa (Somalia, Kenya), Europe, and Asia: We almost always use the term "CV." However, what employers actually want is a Resume.

⚠️ Warning: If a job in Nairobi or Mogadishu asks for a "CV," do NOT send a 10-page academic document. They want a 2-page summary of your skills (which Americans would call a Resume), but we call it a CV here.

4. Which One Should You Use?

For 90% of job seekers in the Horn of Africa applying for NGO or corporate jobs, you need a Modern CV (which follows the structure of a Resume).

• Keep it short: Maximum 2 pages.
• Focus on achievements: Use numbers and results.
• Use a clean layout: Avoid messy designs.

5. Key Differences at a Glance

• Length: Resume is short (1-2 pages); CV is long (no limit).
• Purpose: Resume is for getting a specific job; CV is for academic records.
• Content: Resume is a summary; CV is a full history.

Need Help Building Yours?

Creating a professional document requires the right tools and templates. Watch our full tutorial on how to design a winning CV using free tools.

Watch Casaawe Tech →