Cool MateCurriculum vitae vs Résumé
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Curriculum vitae
FormalTop 2,000 (common)
Résumé
FormalTop 2,000 (common)B1
| Curriculum vitae | Résumé | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //kəˈrɪkjʊləm viˈteɪ//🇺🇸 //kəˈrɪkjʊləm viˈteɪ// | 🇬🇧 //ˈrɛzjʊmeɪ//🇺🇸 //ˈrɛzəˌmeɪ// |
| Meaning | A document listing your education and work experience. | A document that lists your work experience and education. |
| Example | She submitted her curriculum vitae to the company for the job interview. | I need to update my résumé before applying for the job. |
| Register | Formal | Formal |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | - | B1 |
| Collocations | update curriculum vitae, submit curriculum vitae, strong curriculum vitae, academic curriculum vitae, professional curriculum vitae | update a résumé, send a résumé, create a résumé, tailor a résumé, submit a résumé |
| Antonyms | - | unemployment, ignorance |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'resume'; CV is longer and more detailed., Using 'curriculum vitae' in informal contexts where 'CV' is sufficient., Failing to include all relevant experiences and qualifications in the CV. | Spelling confusion with 'resume' (the verb) versus 'résumé' (the noun)., Using too much jargon that doesn't apply to the job., Making it too long; should be one or two pages. |
| Usage notes | Used in job applications; can be abbreviated as 'CV.' More common in UK than US, where 'resume' is preferred. | Use 'résumé' in job applications. It is not suitable for informal contexts or casual conversations. |
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Frequently asked questions: Curriculum vitae vs Résumé
What's the difference between Curriculum vitae and Résumé?
Curriculum vitae: A document listing your education and work experience. Résumé: A document that lists your work experience and education.
Can you show an example of each?
Curriculum vitae: She submitted her curriculum vitae to the company for the job interview. Résumé: I need to update my résumé before applying for the job.
Can I use Curriculum vitae and Résumé interchangeably?
Not always. Curriculum vitae and Résumé are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.