Adapt your CV for the country and employer

CV and résumé conventions vary by country, industry, and employer. Before sending an application abroad, use the vacancy and trusted local career guidance to check what the employer expects.

Check the application instructions first

Follow the requested file type, language, page guidance, and naming instructions. If the employer provides a form or asks for specific sections, use that format instead of relying on a general template.

Review content and terminology

• Use the local spelling and terms that fit the role.
• Explain qualifications or job titles that may not be familiar to the reader.
• Use clear dates and include a country code with your phone number when useful.
• Check whether a photo, personal details, or a particular page length are requested or customary; do not assume the same convention applies everywhere.
• State language proficiency accurately and distinguish fluent communication from basic familiarity.

Check privacy and accuracy

Include personal details only when appropriate for the destination and application. Keep claims accurate, review links, and check the final PDF before sending.