CV vs Cover Letter

A CV and a cover letter are not the same document, and they are not interchangeable. A CV (curriculum vitae) is a comprehensive record of your academic and professional history. A cover letter is a targeted narrative that explains why your background makes you the right candidate for a specific role.

The confusion between these two documents is common, especially because the terms "CV" and "resume" are used differently depending on the country. This guide clarifies the distinction, explains when you need each document, and shows how they work together in job applications.

First: CV vs Resume

Before comparing a CV to a cover letter, it helps to understand how a CV differs from a resume, because many applicants use the terms interchangeably.

In the United States, a resume is a concise one-to-two-page summary of your work experience, education, and skills. A CV is a longer, more detailed document used primarily in academia, research, medicine, and international applications. It includes publications, presentations, grants, teaching history, and professional affiliations that a resume would leave out.

Outside the United States, the term "CV" often refers to what Americans call a resume. In the UK, Europe, and many other regions, submitting a "CV" means sending a one-to-two-page career summary. Context matters, so always check what the employer expects.

For a detailed breakdown of how a resume and cover letter work together in US applications, see our guide on cover letter vs resume.

CV vs Cover Letter: Core Differences

A CV documents your history. A cover letter argues your case.

The CV tells the reader everything you have accomplished. The cover letter tells them why a few of those accomplishments are relevant right now.

When You Need a CV

A CV is the expected document in several specific contexts:

Academic Positions

Faculty roles, postdoctoral fellowships, and research scientist positions almost always require a CV. Search committees expect to see your full publication list, conference presentations, teaching portfolio, and grant history. A one-page resume would not provide enough detail.

Medical and Scientific Careers

Physicians, researchers, and clinical professionals frequently submit CVs that include board certifications, clinical rotations, research experience, and peer-reviewed publications.

International Applications

If you are applying for jobs outside the US, many employers expect a CV rather than a resume. The format and length expectations vary by country, so review the posting carefully.

Grants and Fellowships

Funding agencies typically require a CV to evaluate your track record. NIH biosketches, NSF CVs, and foundation applications each have their own formatting requirements.

For US private-sector roles, a resume paired with a cover letter is the standard. Use a CV only when the employer or field explicitly calls for one.

How a CV and Cover Letter Work Together

When both documents are required, they play complementary roles:

The CV provides the complete record. It lists every publication, every role, every grant. It is designed for thoroughness, not persuasion.

The cover letter provides the argument. It selects two or three highlights from your CV and explains why they make you the right fit for this particular position. It addresses the search committee directly, demonstrates your understanding of the department or organization, and gives you space to discuss research direction, teaching philosophy, or clinical focus.

A strong academic cover letter does not summarize the CV. It interprets the CV for a specific audience. Here is how that looks in practice.

Academic cover letter excerpt

Connects CV highlights to the specific department and role.

Subject: Application for Assistant Professor of Environmental Science

Dear Members of the Search Committee, I am writing to apply for the Assistant Professor of Environmental Science position in the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at Calloway University. I am currently a postdoctoral fellow at the Whitmore Institute for Climate Research, where my work focuses on freshwater ecosystem response to changing precipitation patterns. My research has produced eight peer-reviewed publications in journals including Environmental Research Letters and Water Resources Research, and I have secured $340,000 in external funding through an NSF Doctoral Dissertation Improvement Grant and a state-level water quality initiative. These projects have given me extensive experience designing field studies, managing interdisciplinary teams, and mentoring graduate students through their first publications. Calloway's emphasis on community-engaged scholarship aligns closely with my approach. My current project partners with three regional water districts to translate monitoring data into actionable policy recommendations, and I would be eager to expand that model within your department's existing partnerships in the Colorado River Basin. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my research and teaching experience can contribute to the department's growth. My CV, teaching statement, and publication list are enclosed for your review. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Dr. Maya Rosenthal

Notice how the letter selects specific credentials from the CV, including publications, funding totals, and partnerships, and frames them around the department's priorities. The CV itself would contain the full list; the letter explains why certain items matter most.

Writing Tips for Pairing a CV With a Cover Letter

1. Do not summarize the CV. The search committee will read both documents. Use the cover letter to add context, not repeat content.
2. Lead with fit. Open by connecting your research or clinical focus to the department's stated needs or mission.
3. Quantify selectively. Pull two or three numbers from your CV, such as publication count, funding secured, or students mentored, and use them to support your argument.
4. Address the specific role. Reference the department, the institution's strategic priorities, or recent faculty work that aligns with yours.
5. Follow the posting instructions. Some positions ask for a combined cover letter and research statement. Others want them as separate documents. Read carefully.

For general cover letter writing guidance that applies across industries, see how to write a cover letter. For formatting standards, visit our cover letter format guide.

FAQ

Is a CV the same as a cover letter?

No. A CV is a comprehensive document that lists your full academic and professional history, including publications, grants, teaching, and credentials. A cover letter is a one-page narrative that explains why your background makes you a strong candidate for a specific position. They serve entirely different purposes and are submitted together, not as substitutes for each other.

Do I need a cover letter if I already have a CV?

Yes, in nearly all cases. A CV shows what you have done, but a cover letter explains why it matters for the role you are targeting. Search committees and hiring managers use the cover letter to assess fit, motivation, and communication skill. Submitting a CV without a cover letter is like presenting evidence without making an argument. Review our cover letter examples for reference.

When should I use a CV instead of a resume?

Use a CV for academic positions, research roles, medical careers, international applications, and grant or fellowship submissions. For US private-sector jobs, a resume is the standard unless the posting specifically requests a CV. When in doubt, check the job posting language or ask the recruiter.

How long should an academic cover letter be?

Academic cover letters are typically one to two pages, which is longer than the standard industry cover letter. The additional length is justified because you need to address research interests, teaching experience, and how your work fits the department's focus. Even so, keep it concise. Every paragraph should advance your case for the position.