Résumé or CV? When applying for a new job, you may be asked to submit a résumé or a CV. Both documents serve as an introduction and provide information that is useful to employers. The word résumé is French and means "summary." A résumé presents an overview of your employment history and education. CV is short for the Latin phrase curriculum vitae and translates as "the course of my life." Like a résumé, a CV provides a review of your work history and education, though it often goes into more detail about work history. In addition, a CV includes special skills, noteworthy accomplishments, and any personal traits that make you especially suited for the job.