Preparing a CV for international applications – does one size fit all?

If you are considering moving internationally to further your career, it is important that you understand that the format, structure, presentation and content requirements of your CV or resume will differ from country to country.

Just as every CV and cover letter you write needs to be tailored to the role and company you are applying for, it is equally important that it is also targeted to meet the unique requirements of that country.  It is your first chance to show that you understand, and are able to adapt to, differences in the working environment. Adapting your CV for applications to different countries isn’t a difficult task, but it’s an important one and will give you the best possible chance of securing an international role.

What stays the same?

The main purpose of a resume is to highlight to the reader why you are suitable for the role in a clear and concise manner.  There is basic information which needs to be included on each CV you create, regardless of where in the world you are job hunting. For example:

• Your name and contact details
• Your qualifications and skills
• Your work history

If you are applying for an international role, you should also:

• Outline your work permit situation
• If possible, ask someone who is a native speaker in the language your CV is written in to review the document.

 

What might change from country to country?

Is it a resume or a CV?

Some countries use these words interchangeably. However, in North America, a CV is a comprehensive document written only by a researcher, educator or academic, so you should only use the term CV in North America if you are applying for such a job.

Length

The length of your CV may vary depending on the requirements of the country. For example, in the UK, a CV of one or two pages is considered appropriate, whereas in North America, the resume is often a one-page document. In Russia, for example, CV’s often contain a large amount of information and extensively detail work experiences and in Greece, CVs are regularly up to five pages long.

If your aim is to keep your CV to only two pages, do not succumb to the temptation of decreasing your font size. Use content that is only relevant to the job and employer, ensure there is lots of white space and that your key selling features are prominent.

Photo

When applying for roles in the UK or in North America you do not need to include your photograph. This is because employers make every effort not to contravene discrimination law. However in Germany, France and many Asian countries, including a headshot is expected. In many places, it is your call as to whether you think a photograph will add value to your CV.  If you decide to include a picture, make sure it is professional looking and not one of you bungee jumping whilst on holiday!

Personal details

In Asia in particular, it is common for employers to expect to see personal information regarding religion, health status, gender, race, marital status, and age on your CV. This is not necessary in most European or North American countries.

Educational information

Regardless of where you are applying for a job, ensure your educational qualifications are clear. The level of detail required can vary.  For example, if you are applying for a role China, the emphasis in your CV should be on your qualifications, not your skills and experience.

As all countries have different qualifications, it may also be useful to provide the equivalent local qualification so that the person reading your CV can easily understand your level of educational attainment. In some countries, you will also be required to submit original copies of transcripts as part of your application.

In many countries your ability to obtain a work visa will be related to your qualifications, so you should allow the hiring manager to understand that the relevant visa requirements are fulfilled.

Personal hobbies and interests

Personal interests are another opportunity to promote your suitability for the job. Maybe you are involved in a relevant professional association or voluntary group in your free time? You may also have hobbies that highlight your interest in the culture of the country where you are applying.  For example, surfing if you are moving to Australia or sushi-making if you are applying for a role in Japan.

Including generic hobbies unrelated to the role or country to which you are applying, such as fishing or reading, is down to personal preference. In some countries, Germany being an example, employers often consider personal interests to be unnecessary. If you decide to include general hobbies and interests, then keep them to a minimum.

Tone

The tone in which your CV needs to be written alters from country to country. In North America, your employer will want clear demonstration of your ambition, strengths and achievements and how you have succeeded and generated results – don’t hold back!. In the UK the CV is very much used as a marketing tool which is used to “sell yourself” to a potential employer. It is therefore recommended to use words such as ‘contributed, negotiated and demonstrated’ to highlight your past experience.  Both the UK and North America contrast with China where your tone should be far more modest and you should avoid bragging.

Format

You should also pay particular attention as to whether or not your CV should be written in chronological or reverse-chronological order. Most countries have specific preferences about which format is acceptable. However, if no specific guidance is given, I recommend that your CV is written in reverse-chronological order.

Be aware that stationary and paper sizes differ from country to country. For example in North America, the standard is 8½ x 11 inches whereas the European A-4 standard is 210 x 297 mm. When you are submitting your resume/CV via e-mail, go to “page setup” on your computer and reformat your document to the recipient’s standard. Saving as a PDF file can ensure the formatting of your resume won’t be disrupted.

Language

If you are applying for a role at a multinational company, many will expect you to speak both the language of the country where you are applying and their common business language. The common business language is likely to be English or the language spoken at their corporate headquarters. It is recommended that you draft your CV in both languages and be prepared for your interview to be conducted in both languages.

Submitting your CV

As internet and technology accessibility varies from country to country, be sure to prepare your CV in a widely recognised programme such as Microsoft Word and send it as an attachment to an email. Also, in some countries such as Germany, employers may require a hard-copy CV, but in most cases a soft-copy CV is fine.

In addition, in many countries job applications are submitted online. Find out how to build and develop your personal brand online.

I hope you have found this information helpful and that it will help you adapt your CV to the country you are applying to. I also recommend doing your own homework – find out what is appropriate in both the corporate and country culture and for the person making the hiring decision. In addition, you will find it helpful to review as many examples as possible. For more information and guidance, please contact your local Hays office.

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