Business & Money • Career

Resume

A resume is a concise document that summarizes a person's education, work experience, skills, and accomplishments, usually for job applications.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

A resume is a concise document that summarizes a person's education, work experience, skills, and accomplishments, usually for job applications. In North American usage, it is often treated as a short form of curriculum vitae, though the term can also mean a brief summary more generally. The spelling may appear as resume, résumé, or resumé.

Definition

A resume is a brief document that presents a person's background, qualifications, and accomplishments. Dictionaries also record a broader meaning of 'summary' or 'brief account'.

Use in employment

Employers commonly request a resume from job applicants. Career guidance sources describe it as a document tailored to a specific role, often emphasizing relevant experience and skills.

Typical structure

Common resume sections include contact details, professional summary, work history, education, and skills. Some resumes also include certifications, awards, projects, or volunteer experience.

Regional usage

In the United States and Canada, resume is commonly used as a term for a job application document. In British English, curriculum vitae is more common for this purpose.

Key facts

A resume is a short written summary of a person's qualifications and experience.
It is commonly used when applying for jobs.
Typical sections include contact information, work experience, education, and skills.
In Canadian and American usage, resume is often used as another name for curriculum vitae.
The term can also mean a general summary or an account of something written or spoken.

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Canadian context

In Canada, resume is the common term for the document used to apply for jobs, and Canadian employers frequently request one as part of the hiring process.

Frequently asked questions

What is a resume?

A resume is a short document that summarizes a person's education, work experience, skills, and qualifications for employment purposes.

Is a resume the same as a CV?

In Canada and the United States, the terms are often used similarly, though usage can vary by country and context.

What does a resume usually include?

It usually includes contact information, work history, education, skills, and sometimes certifications, awards, or projects.

Why is a resume important?

It helps employers quickly assess whether an applicant's background matches a job's requirements.

What other meanings does resume have?

It can also mean to continue after a pause or to provide a short summary of something.

References

Merriam-Webster — https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/resume
Supports: Definitions including 'a short account of one's career and qualifications' and general meanings such as 'to begin again after a pause.'
Dictionary.com — https://www.dictionary.com/browse/resume
Supports: Definition of resume as a brief written account of qualifications and as a summary.
Collins English Dictionary — https://www.collinsdictionary.com/us/dictionary/english/resume
Supports: Definition of résumé as a brief account of personal details, education, and jobs; notes US and Canadian usage.
Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R%C3%A9sum%C3%A9
Supports: Résumé/resume described as a document used to present background, skills, and accomplishments for job applications.
Indeed — https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/what-is-a-resume
Supports: Resume as a formal document displaying professional background and relevant skills; common components.
University of Pennsylvania Career Services — https://careerservices.upenn.edu/channels/resume/
Supports: Resume as a concise summary tailored to a specific opportunity; typical length guidance.