Do We Say Resume or CV in Australia?

The words 'Resume' and 'CV' (abbreviation for Curriculum Vitae) are often used interchangeably here in Australia by job seekers, HR professionals, employers and recruiters.

When you apply for a job, you may be asked to submit a copy of your CV, or they may use the word resume. They essentially are the same - a written document outlining your professional employment experience, skills, accolades and achievements throughout your career in a chronological, easy-to-read and follow format.

In Australia, we say CV and resume together.

Rarely will an Australian employer say: "No, don't send me a copy of your resume; I want a copy of your CV!" because an employer wants to see what you have done in the past, your skills, training and qualifications relevant to the job that they are looking to fill. And to obtain that information, they'll use the words CV and resume interchangeably.

In 2026, the distinction between a CV and a resume in Australia is largely academic. While there are technical definitions—where a CV is traditionally longer and more detailed, and a resume is shorter and tailored—most Australians use the two terms interchangeably. Whether a job advertisement asks for a "CV" or a "resume," employers generally expect the same thing: a concise, professional summary of your skills, experience, and qualifications.

CV and resume mean the same thing to most Australians

If you ask ten Australian recruiters whether they prefer a CV or a resume, you'll likely hear both terms used throughout the same conversation. It's common to see employers advertise for a "CV," while candidates talk about updating their "resume." In practice, very few people stop to debate the terminology, and using one term instead of the other is unlikely to raise any eyebrows.

Employers care more about content

Australian hiring managers are far more interested in the quality of your application than what you call it. A well-structured, relevant document that clearly demonstrates your experience and achievements will always matter more than whether the file is titled Resume.pdf or CV.pdf. As long as your document is tailored to the role and easy to read, the label makes little difference.

Use the term that feels natural to you

If you're applying for jobs in Australia in 2026, feel free to use whichever term you're most comfortable with. Some industries, employers, or recruitment agencies may favour "CV," while others naturally say "resume," but there's no universally accepted rule. Both are widely understood, both are widely accepted, and for the overwhelming majority of Australian job applications, no one really bats an eyelid either way.

Here at Client Centric Executive Employment Solutions, we specialise in writing Australian resumes and cover letters for people wanting to secure work all over Australia, be it Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Brisbane or Hobart.

However, in saying that, the word 'Curriculum Vitae' sometimes is used for highly skilled and qualified professionals, academics and executives. It's more professional and accurate. The word according to the Merriam-Webster online dictionary, means:

"A short account of one's career and qualifications prepared typically by an applicant for a position."