What is Curriculum Vitae?
A curriculum vitae (CV) is a structured document summarising your education, work experience, skills, and achievements for employers.
In the UK and much of Europe, 'CV' is the standard term; North American employers often say 'résumé' for a similar document. For job seekers, the practical difference is regional labelling: the underlying goal is identical, present a credible, scannable record of your professional story.
A strong CV is not a biography. It is a marketing document constrained by conventions: clear sections, consistent dates, bullet points with measurable outcomes, and no personal data employers cannot legally use in hiring decisions.
Length guidance varies by seniority. Many early-career CVs fit two pages; experienced professionals may extend further when every line adds relevant evidence. Clarity beats cramming.
CValuate offers CV Review for standalone quality feedback, and Job Match when you want to score a CV against a real job description before you apply. Start from our complete CV writing guide if you are building a document from scratch.
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