Guide To The International Resume

One World, Many Resume Standards

What makes a perfect resume in the United States might disqualify you in Germany. What’s expected in Japan would seem bizarre in Australia. If you’re applying for international positions—or moving abroad—understanding these differences is essential.

Resume conventions aren’t universal. They reflect cultural norms, legal requirements, and hiring traditions that vary dramatically across borders. Photo requirements, personal information expectations, length norms, and format preferences all change depending on where you’re applying.

This comprehensive guide covers:

• The fundamental differences between resumes and CVs
• Region-by-region format expectations
• Country-specific requirements and norms
• Personal information and photo conventions
• Language and translation considerations
• How to adapt your existing resume for different markets

Whether you’re pursuing international opportunities, relocating abroad, or applying to global companies, understanding these differences helps you present yourself effectively.

Resume vs. CV: The Global Terminology

Before diving into regional differences, let’s clarify the terminology confusion.

The American Definition

In the United States:

• Resume: 1-2 page career summary for most jobs
• CV (Curriculum Vitae): Detailed academic document for research, academic, or medical positions

Americans use “resume” for nearly all job applications.

The International Definition

In most of the world:

• CV: The standard career document for job applications
• Resume: Often used interchangeably with CV, or specifically for shorter versions

When a European employer asks for your CV, they want what Americans call a resume.

The Practical Implication

When applying internationally:

• Read the job posting carefully
• “CV” usually means your standard career document
• Research regional norms for specific expectations
• When in doubt, ask or research the company’s country

Regional Overview

Resume expectations cluster by region, though individual countries have variations.

North America

United States:

• Length: 1-2 pages (more only for senior executives or academia)
• Personal info: Name, contact info, LinkedIn only
• Photo: Never include
• Personal details: No age, birthdate, marital status, nationality
• Format: Achievement-focused, bullet points, clean design

Canada:

• Very similar to US standards
• Bilingual resumes common in Quebec (French/English)
• Some industries expect slightly longer documents
• Personal information rules same as US

Western Europe

United Kingdom:

• Called “CV” but similar to US resume
• Length: 2 pages typical
• Photo: Generally not included
• Personal details: Not required, often omitted
• Format: Achievement-focused, similar to US style

Germany:

• Called “Lebenslauf”
• Length: 1-2 pages with detailed sections
• Photo: Traditional, though becoming optional
• Personal details: Date of birth, nationality often included
• Format: Reverse chronological, formal, detailed

France:

• Length: 1-2 pages
• Photo: Traditionally expected, becoming less common
• Personal details: Often included (age, nationality)
• Format: Clean, formal, sometimes with personal section
• Language: French typically required for French positions

Netherlands:

• Length: 1-2 pages
• Photo: Often included
• Personal details: Moderate, varies by industry
• Format: Direct, achievement-focused
• Language: English often acceptable, especially in international companies

Northern Europe

Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland:

• Length: 1-2 pages
• Photo: Generally not expected
• Personal details: Minimal due to discrimination laws
• Format: Clean, professional, equality-focused
• Language: English widely accepted in international contexts

Southern Europe

Spain:

• Length: 1-2 pages
• Photo: Often expected
• Personal details: Common (age, nationality, ID number)
• Format: Reverse chronological, formal
• Language: Spanish typically required

Italy:

• Length: 1-2 pages
• Photo: Traditionally expected
• Personal details: Often comprehensive
• Format: European CV format common
• Language: Italian usually required for local positions

Asia-Pacific

Japan:

• Called “履歴書” (rirekisho) for standard format
• Length: Specific form formats common
• Photo: Always required
• Personal details: Extensive (age, gender, family status)
• Format: Highly structured, often handwritten traditionally
• Language: Japanese required for most positions

China:

• Length: 1-2 pages
• Photo: Expected
• Personal details: Comprehensive
• Format: Reverse chronological, detailed
• Language: Chinese typically required; English for international roles

South Korea:

• Length: 1-2 pages
• Photo: Expected
• Personal details: Comprehensive (age, family, military service)
• Format: Structured, formal
• Language: Korean required; English for international companies

Australia/New Zealand:

• Similar to UK standards
• Length: 2-3 pages acceptable
• Photo: Not included
• Personal details: Minimal
• Format: Achievement-focused, professional
• Language: English

India:

• Length: 2-4 pages often acceptable
• Photo: Often included
• Personal details: Common (date of birth, sometimes more)
• Format: Detailed, comprehensive
• Language: English standard for professional positions

Middle East

UAE, Saudi Arabia, Gulf States:

• Length: 1-2 pages
• Photo: Often expected
• Personal details: Comprehensive (nationality particularly important)
• Format: Professional, detailed
• Visa status: Often relevant to include
• Language: English and/or Arabic depending on position

Country Deep-Dives

Let’s examine specific requirements for popular destination countries.

United States

The US has perhaps the strictest anti-discrimination norms in resume requirements.

Required:

• Name
• Email and phone
• Location (city/state sufficient)

Optional but recommended:

• LinkedIn URL
• Professional website/portfolio

Never include:

• Photo
• Date of birth or age
• Marital/family status
• Gender
• Nationality/citizenship (unless specifically required)
• Religion
• Social security number

Format expectations:

• 1 page for early career, 2 pages for experienced professionals
• Bullet points with quantified achievements
• Clean, professional design
• ATS-compatible formatting

United Kingdom

UK conventions have evolved toward US standards but retain some differences.

Standard inclusions:

• Name and contact information
• Professional summary
• Work experience (achievement-focused)
• Education
• Skills

Generally excluded:

• Photo
• Date of birth
• Nationality
• Marital status

Format expectations:

• 2 pages typical (can extend for senior roles)
• Achievement-focused content
• Professional British English
• Clean, traditional design

Germany

German resume expectations are more formal and detailed.

Often included:

• Professional photo (passport style, professional attire)
• Date and place of birth
• Nationality
• Marital status (becoming less common)

Required sections:

• Personal information (Persönliche Daten)
• Education (Ausbildung)
• Work experience (Berufserfahrung)
• Skills (Kenntnisse)
• Interests (optional)

Format expectations:

• Signature at the bottom with date
• Chronological order (can be reverse chronological)
• Detailed, comprehensive descriptions
• Formal tone

Photo guidelines:

• Professional photographer recommended
• Business attire
• Neutral background
• Recent (within past year)
• Passport style but can smile

France

French CV conventions blend European formality with some local preferences.

Standard inclusions:

• Photo (though becoming less mandatory)
• Age or date of birth
• Nationality
• Marital status (becoming optional)
• Languages with proficiency levels

Format expectations:

• 1 page preferred for junior, 2 pages for senior
• Clear section organization
• Formal, professional tone
• French language for French positions

Cultural notes:

• Grandes écoles (elite universities) prominently featured
• Military service may be noted
• Personal interests section common

Japan

Japanese resume conventions are highly specific and culturally significant.

The standard Rirekisho:

• Specific form available at convenience stores
• Handwritten traditionally (though typed becoming acceptable)
• Photo attached (3cm × 4cm, formal)
• Comprehensive personal information

Information included:

• Name in kanji and furigana
• Date of birth and age
• Address with postal code
• Phone and email
• Complete education history (from high school)
• Complete work history
• Licenses and certifications
• Personal interests and strengths
• Health status
• Commute time

Cultural expectations:

• Neat presentation valued highly
• Gaps in employment need explanation
• Job-hopping viewed negatively
• Loyalty and stability emphasized

For foreigners:

• Japanese language ability crucial
• Visa status relevant
• May use modified formats for international companies

Australia

Australian CVs follow British-influenced conventions with some local variation.

Standard inclusions:

• Name and contact information
• Professional summary
• Work experience
• Education
• Skills and certifications
• Referees (often listed directly, not just “available upon request”)

Generally excluded:

• Photo
• Date of birth
• Nationality (though visa status may be relevant)
• Marital status

Format expectations:

• 2-3 pages acceptable
• Achievement-focused bullet points
• Professional but can be slightly less formal than US
• Clear section headers

Local notes:

• “Referees” section with names and contact details common
• Working holiday visa status may be relevant
• State-specific licensing should be noted where applicable

China

Chinese resume expectations blend traditional elements with modern professional standards.

Standard inclusions:

• Photo (passport style, professional)
• Date of birth
• Gender
• Marital status
• Hukou (household registration) location
• ID number (for domestic applications)
• Political status (for government/state-owned enterprise positions)

Format expectations:

• Detailed education including academic achievements
• Comprehensive work history
• Skills and certifications
• Self-evaluation section common
• Chinese language required for most positions

For international companies in China:

• May accept more Western-style formats
• English resumes often acceptable
• Photo and personal details still often expected

The Photo Question

Photo requirements vary dramatically and carry legal and cultural implications.

Where Photos Are Expected

Typically required or strongly preferred:

• Germany, Austria, Switzerland (German-speaking)
• France (traditionally, becoming less strict)
• Spain, Italy, Portugal
• Japan, South Korea, China
• Middle East
• Latin America (varies by country)

Photo specifications:

• Professional quality
• Business attire
• Neutral background
• Passport-style or corporate headshot
• Recent (within past 1-2 years)
• Appropriate for local standards

Where Photos Are Discouraged

Generally not included:

• United States
• United Kingdom
• Canada
• Australia
• Scandinavian countries
• Ireland

Reasoning:

• Anti-discrimination laws
• Unconscious bias concerns
• Professional focus on qualifications

Navigating Photo Decisions

When applying to countries expecting photos:

• Include a professional photo
• Follow local conventions for style
• Ensure quality reflects professionalism
• Consider cultural expectations (conservative dress, etc.)

When applying to countries discouraging photos:

• Do not include photos
• Focus on qualifications and achievements
• Your LinkedIn profile can have a photo separately

When uncertain:

• Research the specific company
• Check if the application system requests a photo
• When in doubt, follow country norms

Personal Information Considerations

What personal details to include depends entirely on destination country.

Information Categories

Almost always included everywhere:

• Name
• Email address
• Phone number
• City/country location

Common in many countries but not US/UK:

• Date of birth
• Nationality
• Photo

Common in some countries:

• Marital status
• Number of children
• Gender
• Military service
• Health status
• Religion (in some countries/contexts)

Rarely included anywhere now:

• Social security/ID numbers (except where specifically required)
• Full home address
• Salary history

Privacy and Discrimination Considerations

Understanding the tension:

• Some countries require detailed personal information
• Others prohibit requesting it
• Both approaches aim to serve candidate and employer interests
• Cultural norms shape what feels appropriate

Your choice:

• Follow destination country conventions
• You’re not required to lie, but can omit where optional
• Research what’s legally required versus customary
• Consider your comfort level with sharing information

Language Considerations

Language requirements significantly impact international applications.

When to Translate

Create native-language versions when:

• Applying for local positions in non-English countries
• The job posting is in the local language
• The company operates primarily in local language
• Government or public sector positions

Use English versions when:

• Applying to international companies
• The job posting is in English
• The role involves international work
• English is a primary working language

Translation Quality

For professional translations:

• Use native speakers of the target language
• Ensure understanding of business/professional terminology
• Verify accuracy of job titles and technical terms
• Consider cultural appropriateness, not just word accuracy

Avoid:

• Machine translation without human review
• Direct word-for-word translation
• Ignoring idiomatic expressions
• Translated job titles that don’t match local conventions

Multiple Language Versions

If actively searching in multiple countries:

• Maintain a master English version
• Create translations for target markets
• Update all versions simultaneously
• Adjust content for cultural expectations, not just language

Adapting Your Existing Resume

If you have a US-style resume, here’s how to adapt it.

Adding Required Elements

For countries expecting photos:

1. Get a professional photo taken
2. Follow local conventions for style
3. Add to top corner (right is common)
4. Ensure it looks like it belongs with the document

For countries expecting personal details:

1. Research exactly what’s expected
2. Add a personal information section
3. Place at top of document or in sidebar
4. Include only what’s customary

Adjusting Format

For more formal markets:

• Consider adding a signature line
• Use full dates (day/month/year format as appropriate)
• Include complete education details
• Add interests/personal section if expected

For longer-format expectations:

• Expand job descriptions
• Include more historical positions
• Add additional sections
• Don’t artificially constrain to one page

Regional Terminology

Job titles:

• Research equivalent titles in target market
• Some titles don’t translate directly
• Use recognizable international equivalents when possible

Education:

• Include degree equivalencies when helpful
• Note international accreditation
• Explain unfamiliar credentials

Building a strong online professional presence helps international applications. A portfolio on 0portfolio.com can showcase your work visually, transcending language barriers and demonstrating capabilities that don’t depend on resume format conventions.

Common Mistakes in International Resumes

Avoid these errors when applying across borders.

Assuming Universal Standards

The mistake: Using your home country’s format everywhere.

The fix: Research and adapt for each target market.

Ignoring Photo Conventions

The mistake: Including a photo where inappropriate, or excluding where expected.

The fix: Follow destination country norms specifically.

Poor Translations

The mistake: Machine translations or non-native speaker review.

The fix: Professional translation by native speakers familiar with business language.

Wrong Date Formats

The mistake: Using MM/DD/YYYY in countries using DD/MM/YYYY.

The fix: Use unambiguous formats (15 January 2025) or research local conventions.

Inappropriate Length

The mistake: Submitting one page when two to three expected, or vice versa.

The fix: Research length expectations and adjust accordingly.

Missing Expected Information

The mistake: Omitting personal details expected in target country.

The fix: Include what’s customary while respecting your comfort level.

Resources for International Job Searching

Research Tools

Company research:

• Glassdoor international sites
• LinkedIn (check company locations)
• Local job boards in target countries
• Industry-specific international resources

Country-specific information:

• Embassy and consulate websites
• Expat forums and communities
• Professional associations with international chapters
• International career coaching services

Professional Support

When to seek help:

• Complex visa/work permit situations
• Major career relocations
• Senior executive positions
• Uncertainty about local conventions

Resources:

• International recruitment agencies
• Career coaches specializing in relocation
• Expat networks and communities
• Country-specific career services

Your International Resume Strategy

Approaching international job applications successfully requires preparation and adaptation.

Action steps:

1. Identify your target markets: Which countries or regions are you pursuing?

2. Research thoroughly: Learn specific requirements for each target market.

3. Prepare required materials: Photos, translations, additional documents.

4. Adapt strategically: Modify your resume for each market while maintaining authenticity.

5. Get expert review: Have someone familiar with the target market review your materials.

6. Stay flexible: Be prepared to adjust based on specific employer requests.

Remember:

The goal isn’t to become someone else—it’s to present your genuine qualifications in formats that make sense to employers in your target markets. Cultural adaptation shows respect and professionalism while ensuring your strengths are communicated effectively.

Your experience and skills transcend borders. Now make sure your resume does too.