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Working abroad and visas

What CV format should I use when applying for jobs in another country?

Use the format of the country where the job is, not your own. Three things change most: length (one page in some markets, two to four in others), the photo (expected in German-speaking countries, left off in the US, UK, Canada and Singapore) and personal details such as date of birth. A reverse-chronological layout works almost everywhere.

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How do CV length, photo and personal details differ by country?

The table summarises Ruubu's country guides, each of which cites the employment service or government source it is based on. Length is the usual expectation, not a rule. "Leave it off" for a photo means the official guidance advises against one; "customary" means most applicants include one even though it is optional.

CV length, photo and personal details in 14 countries
CountryLengthPhotoPersonal details
United StatesOne or two pagesLeave it offNo age, marital status or religion
United KingdomUsually up to two A4 pagesLeave it offNo age, date of birth, marital status or nationality
CanadaAt most two pagesLeave it offNo age or marital status; never your Social Insurance Number
AustraliaOften two to four pagesLeave it off unless you modelNo age, marital status or religion
IrelandOne to two pagesOnly if a form asks for oneLeave out age and civil status
GermanyAt most two A4 pages, tabularCustomary, cannot be demandedCommon but your choice
AustriaOne to two A4 pages, tabularCustomary, cannot be requiredOptional
SwitzerlandUp to two A4 pages, tabularUsually includedDate of birth, nationality, permit usual
FranceOne page junior, up to two experiencedOptionalNothing is required by law
NetherlandsUsually up to two A4 pagesOptionalDate of birth and nationality optional
SpainIdeally up to two A4 pagesNot compulsory, can help for some jobsAdapt to the offer
PolandOne, at most two A4 pagesOptionalConsent clause only if the advert asks
IndiaOne or two pagesOnly if a form asks for oneDate of birth, religion, father's name not needed for most private jobs
SingaporeConciseLeave it offNo NRIC number, date of birth, race, religion or marital status

Every country in the table has a full guide in the resume format by country hub, with the official sources and a sample layout.

What stays the same in almost every country?

The core of a modern CV travels well: contact details at the top, a short profile, work experience from the most recent job back, then education and skills. Dates on every entry. Clear headings in the language of the posting. A PDF unless the employer asks for Word. Results stated as facts, not adjectives.

That is why one well-structured resume is a good base for every market: you change the length, the photo and a few personal details, not the whole document.

What else should you add when you apply from another country?

Say where you are and whether you can work there. Employers abroad want your current location, your work permit or visa status, your notice period and your language levels. Explain lesser-known employers in a few words, and give the local equivalent of your degree. Leave out anything the country's guidance says not to include.

  • Current city and country, and when you could relocate.
  • Work permit or visa status, if you already hold one.
  • Language levels on the CEFR scale (A1 to C2) for European employers.
  • One line on what each lesser-known former employer does.
  • The local name of your degree, with the original in brackets.
  • Phone number with the international prefix.

The guide to adapting a resume for international jobs covers cover letters and references abroad.

Should you use the Europass CV for jobs in Europe?

Only where it is expected, which is mainly in some public-sector roles, EU institutions and a few markets. EURES points Italian applicants to the Europass template, for example. For most private employers in Germany, the Netherlands or the UK, a shorter, cleaner CV in the local style reads better than the long Europass format.

Europass is free and accepted everywhere in the EU, so it is never wrong. It is just rarely the strongest choice. Ruubu's country guides on Europass explain where it fits.

How can Ruubu help you adapt a resume for another country?

Start from the country guide for the job's location, then pick a template that matches its norm: photo-free single-column layouts for the US, UK and Canada, a photo template such as European for Germany or Switzerland. Ruubu can translate the resume into 16 languages (Resume Pass and Pro) and keeps the layout while doing it.

The template gallery labels which layouts have a photo. For German-speaking countries, the German CV guide includes a sample layout.

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Frequently asked questions

Is a CV the same as a resume?

In most of the world, "CV" simply means the document you apply with. In the US, a CV usually means a long academic record, and a resume is the one- or two-page version.

Should I write my CV in the local language?

Follow the posting. If it is in the local language, so is your CV, unless it says English is fine.

Do I need to sign my CV in Germany?

The German guidance still suggests place, date and signature at the end. For email and online applications, a scanned signature is enough.

Which date format should I use abroad?

Month and year for every entry (03/2022 to 06/2024 in German-speaking countries). Avoid formats that read differently in different countries, such as 03/04/2022.

Can I send the same CV to several countries?

Keep one base and make a version per country. Length, photo and personal details differ enough that one file rarely fits all.

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