Should I Use A Resume Or CV For International Jobs?

You're applying for your first job in a different country!

You get a reply back asking for more information: your hobbies, a photo, and even your marital status!

You quickly realize that the document you use to apply for jobs that worked in one country may not work in another.

How do you find out what's expected and avoid cross-cultural confusion?

Résumé

• Short: 1-2 pages

• Provides a summary of your skills and work experience

CV (curriculum vitae)

• Longer: 2-3 pages

• Provides the details of you and your experience like a photo or date of birth

The first step is to identify your audience. What country or region you are applying to? Understand which document they use. Do this by:

• Searching online for information about application expectations for the particular country

• Looking at job postings in the country and see what they ask for

• Networking with colleagues in the country and ask their advice or for samples of their resume/CV

• Consulting with career guidance professionals in the area

Or, check out the infographic below!

There are no set rules about what exactly to include on either a résumé or CV. The information will vary by country and industry.

But no matter what, you should include your:

• Name and contact information

• Education section

• Work experience

• Skills

Remember:

• Résumés or CVs should be tailored to the specific job requirements and country norms

• No one résumé or CV can work across different industries or countries

Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash

Ready to start applying?

Search for information on your country or region of focus and tailor your résumé or CV to their specifications. When in doubt, ask!

Photo by Nareeta Martin on Unsplash

Get a head start! The European Union (EU) has an online template to create and share your CV in 29 different languages. Find it here.