Resume vs CV: Format Rules by Country (US, UK, CA, AU, India)

Resume or CV: what is the difference?

The terms mean different things depending on the country. In the United States and Canada, a resume is a short, tailored summary of your experience, usually one or two pages. A curriculum vitae (CV) is a longer, complete record of academic and professional achievements, used for research, teaching, and medical roles. In the UK, Australia, and India, “CV” and “resume” are often used interchangeably for the standard job application document.

Side-by-side comparison

	United States	United Kingdom	Canada	Australia	India
Common term	Resume	CV	Resume	Resume or CV	Resume or CV
Typical length	1 page early career, up to 2 later	2 pages	1 to 2 pages	2 to 3 pages	1 to 2 pages
Photo	No	No	No	No	Only if asked
Paper size	US Letter	A4	US Letter	A4	A4
Spelling	American	British	Canadian	Australian	Usually British
Date of birth, marital status	Leave off	Leave off	Leave off	Leave off	Not needed by most employers
References	“Available on request” or omit	“Available on request” or omit	Omit, or provide on request	Often list two referees	Provide on request

United States

Keep it concise and results-focused. Employers in the US are cautious about information that could lead to discrimination, so omit your photo, age, and marital status. Use a single-column layout, standard headings, and the keywords from the job description.

United Kingdom

A two-page CV is standard. Many UK CVs open with a short personal profile of three to four lines. Use UK spelling, keep personal details to your name, location, phone, and email, and add professional memberships where relevant.

Canada

Resumes run one to two pages, with Canadian spelling. If a role requires French or you are applying in Quebec, say clearly which languages you speak, and consider whether a French-language version is needed. Include volunteer work and Canadian experience where you have it.

Australia

Australian resumes are often a little longer, around two to three pages. It is common to include two referees with their contact details, and to state your work rights, such as citizenship, permanent residency, or the visa you hold and its conditions. Employers value clear evidence of achievements and teamwork.

India

Older Indian templates often include a photo, date of birth, parents’ names, and a declaration at the end. Multinational employers and most modern recruiters do not need these, and applicant tracking systems read them as clutter. Focus on skills, projects, and measurable results. Add your city and notice period if relevant. Applying to roles abroad? Switch to the format of the destination country.

Not sure which layout to choose? See our guide to the best resume format for every career stage.

Frequently asked questions

Is a resume the same as a CV?

In the UK, Australia, and India, the terms are often used interchangeably for a standard job application document. In the US and Canada, a resume is a short, targeted document, while a CV is a longer record used mainly in academia, medicine, and research.

Should I include a photo on my resume?

Not in the US, UK, Canada, or Australia. In India, include one only when the employer requests it.

What paper size should I use?

Use US Letter for the US and Canada, and A4 for the UK, Australia, and India. Most applications are submitted digitally, so a clean layout matters more than the page size.

Can one resume work for several countries?

A clean, single-column base resume works almost anywhere. Adjust the length, spelling, contact details, and optional sections for each country before you apply.