Want to work abroad but don’t really know how to write that perfect CV that will give you the opportunity to find your dream job in a completely different country?
Writing a CV is not always as easy as it sounds, because even though there are now templates and various programmes that make it easy for you, if you miss a trivial word or some simple detail that is considered essential in certain countries when it comes to CVs, your application may end up straight in the bin.
The person who handles all the applications and reads all the CVs usually only skims through the first and most important parts, so it is crucial that your CV stands out from the crowd. Focus on keywords, preferably those specified in the job advertisement, and make sure to place them at the top of your CV. Focus on the skills and competencies required for the job and mention them as much as possible in your CV, as many countries and even larger companies use a special ‘screening’ and sorting process when looking for suitable candidates, and do not review all the applications they receive. A computer system selects candidates who are considered suitable for the position by searching for different keywords, so if you use the wrong words, your CV may never be read.
Another important aspect is not to write a CV that is too long, preferably 1-2 pages. Of course, it also depends on how much experience you have (the more experience, the more pages), but make sure to mention the essentials and express yourself concisely. Many recruiters do not usually read more than 1 page, so it is important that the basic information is at the top and on the first page.
In an international CV, it is also important to mention language skills and any visas and work permits. In addition to the usual information and knowledge, it is a good idea to research the country you are sending your CV to. Google or contact someone who lives there to find out what is preferred or not in an application, format, length, etc. It is also important to find out what is considered culturally acceptable to avoid embarrassing situations, because what is acceptable in the United States may not be acceptable in China, for example.
The tone is also an important part of an international CV and clearly depends on the country you are applying to. In the US, it is common to use strong words when describing yourself and your skills, while in China it is common to use simpler and more modest words.
CVs in different parts of the world
First, it is necessary to understand the difference between a CV and a resume. CV stands for curriculum vitae, which in Latin means ‘course of life’ and provides a more detailed description of a person’s skills, qualifications and experience. A resume is a short summary of a CV and is usually one page long. A CV describes your work experience from your first job to your most recent, while a resume highlights your most important work experience and skills.
USA
In the United States, the most common form is a resume. A CV is written when applying for a job in a technical or academic field, where you need to describe your work experience and qualifications in more detail. Otherwise, a resume is what you use when applying for a job. A resume in the United States is mainly intended to get a company to notice you and call you in for an interview, so it is essential that it be short. A good tip is to stick to one page, where you mention your qualifications and work experience at the top, and then fold it in half. This is basically what a recruiter will read. The title should ideally contain keywords and skills that are sought in the advertisement and should also be based on the position you are applying for, as this makes it easier for the person reading your application to understand what job you are applying for.
Many companies in the US use database-driven selection, so it is extremely important to choose the right keywords to have a chance of being called for an interview.
An American CV should contain the following information:
- Contact information
- Title (preferably the position you are applying for)
- A short introduction of about 3 lines about your skills, experience and why you are suitable for the job.
- Work experience, where you list your previous jobs in chronological order.
- Skills
- Education and courses (highest education first and other minor courses last)
- Interests and hobbies
Remember to omit your address, age, gender, race and family status from your CV, as these can be considered discriminatory in the US and there is a good chance that your CV will end up in the bin and never be read, and we want to avoid that, don’t we?
References are also not mentioned, but are provided afterwards, once you have been interviewed and the choice is between you and a few other candidates.
United Kingdom
If you are looking for a job in the United Kingdom, you should write a CV. You can write a longer or shorter CV depending on the job you are applying for. If you write a shorter CV, you can include a cover letter in which you introduce yourself and explain your education and work experience in more detail.
It is also necessary to include references, as these are usually checked.
A longer CV should include:
- Contact information
- Work experience
- Education and courses
- Other education
- Areas of expertise
- Languages
- Computer skills
- Other merits/awards
- Interests and hobbies
- References
A shorter CV should include:
- Contact information
- A short introduction with your education, qualifications and why you are suitable for the job.
- Work experience
- Education
- Languages
- Computer skills
- Interests and hobbies
- References
You can use these different websites to download various templates and examples when writing an English CV or resume:
- ResumeGenius
- Myperfectresume
- Zety
Asia
If you are looking for a job in Asia, it is important to include a professional photo on your CV. If you are writing a CV for a job in the financial sector, you should stick to one page, while for a more creative job (architecture or design), two pages are acceptable. In Japan, for example, it is common to have a handwritten CV, as it is believed that a person’s handwriting can reveal a lot about them. In China, on the other hand, it is common to mention your health status and to list your education in reverse order, i.e. with your most recent education first. Many countries in Asia also prefer to have two CVs, one in English and one in the local language.
The following information should be included on an Asian CV:
- Photo (at the very top)
- Contact information
- Personal information (including gender, as it is not always easy to tell from the name)
- Visa status
- Marital status
- Health status
- Education
- Work experience
- Languages
- Interests and hobbies
For a Chinese CV template, click here.
For a Japanese CV template (Rirekisho and shokumukeirekisho), click here.
Europa
If you are looking for a job in Europe or within the EU, you can use Europass when writing your CV. There is already a ready-made template that can be downloaded online, which you can then fill in with your details. Otherwise, keep in mind that it should not be too long, max 2-3 pages, depending on how much experience you have. Be concise and include the most important information in chronological order. Tailor your CV to the job you are applying for.
A European CV should include:
- Photo
- Personal information
- Contact information (telephone number, email, Skype, LinkedIn)
- Nationality
- Gender
- Date of birth
- Title or specification of the job you are applying for
- Work experience
- Education
- Skills and personal qualities
- Languages (native language first)
- Computer skills
- Driving licence
- Other information (e.g. if you have completed military service)
- References
Remember to always ask first before giving out names and numbers to other people for references.
If you are using the Europass template, stick to it and do not change anything.
Click here to write and download your Europass.
Last but not least…
Here are a few points to go through before sending off your CV.
Read it through several times and ask someone else to read it too.
Check for spelling and grammatical errors.
Check that all the information is correct.
Make sure your photo is professional (no holiday snaps).
Make sure the title of your CV matches the job advertisement.
Double-check all references to ensure that names and numbers are correct.
Good luck!
