I get asked often by clients if they need a CV. Then the next question inevitably is, “What IS a CV?”
A CV is a Curriculum Vitae. It is generally used by college professors, physicians, researchers, lawyers and any profession where lists of information are required. Examples include publications, presentations, conferences, residencies, education, etc. They can even be over 20 pages long in some cases.
Internationally, in some areas of the world resumes are called CVs, but they really are resumes. Other countries require a CV type of a format (lists) from candidates. Those are usually the countries where pictures on resumes are required as well.
If you are planning on staying in the United States and do not plan on going into medicine, law or academia, chances are you will only need a resume.