Is a resume the same as a CV?

In Australia, the UK, New Zealand and for most jobs they mean the same thing: the document you send when applying. In the US and Canada, a CV is usually a longer academic document.

How long should a CV be in the UK?

Two pages is the usual expectation for most roles.

Should I include a photo on my resume?

In Australia, New Zealand, the UK, the US and Canada, a photo is generally left off unless the employer asks for one, for example for some acting or modelling roles.

Do I put referees on my resume?

In Australia and New Zealand it is common to list referees or say they are available on request. In the US and Canada they are usually given later in the process.

Resume vs CV: Differences in Australia, NZ, the UK, the US and Canada

Resume or CV: what is the difference?

In Australia, the US and Canada, the document you send for most jobs is called a resume. In the UK and New Zealand, it is called a CV. They do the same job.

In the US and Canada, "CV" usually means something different: a long academic document listing research, publications and teaching, used for academic, scientific and some medical roles.

Quick comparison

Country	What it is called	Typical length	Notes
Australia	Resume	2–3 pages	Referees often listed or "available on request". Mention work rights if relevant.
New Zealand	CV	2–3 pages	Similar to Australia. Referees are commonly included.
United Kingdom	CV	2 pages	Personal statement at the top. Date of birth and photo left off.
United States	Resume	1 page early career, 2 pages experienced	Concise. No photo, age or personal details.
Canada	Resume	1–2 pages	Close to the US style. Language skills worth noting.

These are common expectations, not strict rules. Some sectors (for example government, academia and senior roles) expect more detail.

Australia

Two to three pages is normal; very senior people sometimes go a little longer.
Start with a short career summary and key skills.
Many people list two referees at the end, or write "Referees available on request".
Government jobs often ask for a separate response to selection criteria.
Use Australian spelling ("organised", "licence" as a noun).

New Zealand

Called a CV, usually two to three pages.
Very similar in style to Australia, with a profile at the top and referees at the end.
Mention your right to work in New Zealand if you are applying from overseas.

United Kingdom

Two pages is the standard expectation for most roles.
Open with a short personal statement or profile.
Leave off your date of birth, photo and marital status.
Many public sector roles, including the NHS, use application forms with a supporting statement. See our NHS guide.
Use UK spelling.

United States

Keep it tight: one page for students and early career, two pages for experienced professionals.
No photo, date of birth, marital status or other personal details.
References are usually provided later, not on the resume.
Federal government jobs are different and often expect much more detail.
Use US spelling ("organized", "license").

Canada

Usually one to two pages, close to the US style.
No photo or personal details.
If you speak French and English, say so clearly. It can matter a lot for some roles.

What stays the same everywhere

Every country rewards the same basics: a clear layout software can read, keywords that match the job, and achievements rather than duties. Our ATS-friendly checklist covers these.