CV vs. resume: which do you need?
In the US, most jobs require a resume (1-2 pages). A CV (curriculum vitae) is longer and used for academic, research, or international positions. The good news: the formatting principles are the same.
Use a resume for
Most US corporate jobs, startups, and non-academic roles. Keep it to 1-2 pages focused on relevant experience.
Use a CV for
Academic positions, research roles, medical jobs, and international applications where a full career history is expected.
What to include in your CV template
Contact information
Full name, email, phone, LinkedIn, and location. No photo needed for US applications.
Professional summary
2-3 sentences summarizing your expertise, years of experience, and key qualifications.
Experience & achievements
Reverse-chronological work history with measurable impact bullets.
Education & certifications
Degrees, institutions, and relevant certifications. Include publications for academic CVs.
Why use JobScoutly instead of Google Docs CV templates?
Google Docs templates can work, but many use tables, columns, or custom formatting that confuse applicant tracking systems. JobScoutly is a free resume and CV builder that ensures your document is ATS-compatible from the start.
- Google Docs tables can break ATS parsing order.
- Custom formatting often doesn't survive the ATS extraction process.
- No built-in keyword matching or job description analysis.
- JobScoutly handles formatting automatically and includes a Job Match Analyzer.
FAQ
What is the difference between a CV and a resume?
In the US, a resume is a 1-2 page summary for most jobs. A CV (curriculum vitae) is a longer document used in academia, research, and some international applications. For most US job applications, you need a resume.
Can I use a CV template for a regular job application?
For US corporate jobs, use a resume template instead. CVs are typically for academic, research, medical, or international positions. JobScoutly's template works perfectly as both a resume and a compact CV.
What should a CV template include?
Contact info, professional summary, work experience, education, skills, and optionally publications, certifications, or research. The structure is similar to a resume but may be longer.
Are Google Docs CV templates ATS-friendly?
Some are, some aren't. Google Docs templates with tables, columns, or custom formatting can confuse ATS. A purpose-built resume builder gives you better ATS compatibility.
Can I download the CV template as a PDF?
Yes. JobScoutly lets you build your CV/resume and download it as a clean PDF—free, no watermark, unlimited downloads.
Related Resources
Free Resume Builder
Build your resume or CV online for free with our ATS-optimized builder.
Professional Resume Guide
Learn how to write a professional resume that gets interviews.
Resume Format Guide
Choose the right format for your CV or resume.
ATS-Friendly Resume
Make sure your CV passes applicant tracking systems.
Build your CV — free and ATS-friendly
JobScoutly helps job seekers build ATS-friendly CVs and resumes that get interviews. Free PDF download, no watermark.