CV FORMATS: HOW TO WRITE A RESUME IN DIFFERENT EUROPEAN COUNTRIES
Are you applying for a job and have to do a CV (Curriculum Vitae or Resume) in different European countries? If your answer is yes, then this article will be handy for you. We are going to give some examples of formats that can be used according to country.
Some candidates have difficulties writing their CVs because some specific things should not be included in the resume from one country to another. It may seem like a huge task and a difficult challenge, but it is not hard to know what to include and what to leave out. Most of these differences are small as they relate only to the information found on the list of experiences, such as dates, companies, and titles of the jobs.
So, follow the recommendations for each country you want to work in:
France
In France, you should put your address and contact details in the top right corner. Then, write a summary (maximum 3 lines) highlighting your primary qualifications and critical skills areas. The body of your CV should be structured as follows: 1st section for personal data; 2nd section for education; 3rd section for the experience; 4th section for additional information such as languages, publications or other competencies.
Proofreading is essential to ensure quality work even if it seems obvious, but still, not everyone does this step. One of the most common mistakes made by applicants is typos that can be avoided if you double-check everything before sending it out to avoid misunderstandings with employers.
But keep in mind that it has to be easy for them to read and understand if you send your CV to an employer. Different formats are acceptable as long as the information is straightforward and can be understood easily.
It is worth noting that in France, the Education section is usually at the top of your CV rather than be placed under Experience (as it might happen in other countries) because that's how French people are used to seeing this information in their resumes.
Germany
For Germany, start by setting out all contact details at the top right corner, followed by a summary about yourself, highlighting two or three critical skills: language proficiency and professional experience. Next, write a short introduction stating where you heard about the position, essential skills and education. Then, provide a list of your previous work experience in reverse chronological order (most recent first).
The most important thing to keep in mind when writing a CV for Germany is that it has to be separate from your cover letter. You should mention any additional information such as language proficiency or scholarships in the experience section rather than at the end of your resume.
It is worth noting that some employers expect German CVs to be structured differently from other countries' ones, but there is no one standard rule for all companies. Most prefer basic chronological format, whereas others may want it with certain sections highlighted, such as languages or education, which are essential features on resumes because they attract attention immediately since they are primordial to be hired.
A good tip is that you should not write the letter in the first person (I, me) because it takes up space and unnecessary focus from your skills and abilities.
Netherlands
The Netherlands has a very different culture when it comes to writing CVs. For this country, you can use two formats: chronological or functional. The second option allows employers to know how well candidates have resolved problems during their previous jobs by highlighting key achievements of each experience section instead of focusing on the job description exclusively, which is standard on regular resumes.
If you choose to follow the chronological format, one or two things to consider: set out contact details at the top right corner; priority goes to personal summary (maximum 1 or 2 lines) followed by education and experience (separated with a dash for each section).
If you opt for the functional one, it's best to put contact details on the top right section; next comes a personal summary, then at least two significant achievements in chronological order. Other information should be presented according to relevance: education, languages skills, etc.
One more possibly important thing about writing a CV in this country is that you could include personal data such as age, marital status, or nationality, making CVs even less formal than we are used to seeing them elsewhere. But remember not to make your resume look like a full autobiography because employers don't want to know all the details of your life. Keep it solely professional!
Switzerland
Because many international companies are based in this country, Swiss CVs look different from other European ones. The most popular format is known as "Chrono-functional", which includes three sections: personal data, work history (with key responsibilities), education and language skills (optional).
If it's a bilingual position, you should mention both languages with relevant information first, such as level of proficiency or how long have you been using them daily, so employers can decide whether they want to hire someone whose native language is not English/French. You could add a section dedicated to hobbies and interests but make sure all of them are linked to the job you are applying for.
Hungary
Your CV written in Hungarian should include many sections that help recruiters understand who you are and what you have achieved so far. Whether it's chronological or not, the first section is always an introduction giving information about your data such as name, address, email address and phone number. Then we get into education which must be put before experience but keep in mind that if you attended full-time courses, you should say when was it (from-to) then provide more detailed information. In contrast, part time studies can be summed up like this: from 2000 until 2003, I studied for one year at the Institute of Business Management XYZ University, where I graduated with honours.
Apart from that, you should include your extra-curricular activities, office work experience, publications (if any), and language skills. For Hungarian CVs, it's vital to write a cover letter similar to our employment letters where the candidate has to explain why they are a good fit for that position; highlight their strengths, and link them to job requirements while addressing the position employer directly in the second person.
United Kingdom
Information about who you are and what skills you bring comes right after your data: title, address and phone number. You should also mention your email address and then provide details of education: academic degree or qualification obtained, course level and institution. The same applies to all other sections, such as previous job experience, where you should only provide essential information about crucial responsibilities.
For UK citizens, it's best to follow a chronological order because employers tend to hire someone who shows progression in their resume, not someone with many different and unrelated jobs, so build consistency when writing your CV in British format! As for CVs written by foreigners, they have more freedom to decide which one suits them better depending on what type of position they are applying for (academic vs professional).
Spain
This is probably the European country where CVs are the most personalised. You should include all details of personal data such as name, address and phone number. Still, you have more freedom when choosing how many sections are best for you: chronological or functional, followed by a list of references.
Suppose you are applying for an academic position, then in your curriculum vitae. In that case, there must be two sections: the first part being about education with information that UK applications would provide only at the end while the second part including professional experiences; another option is breaking up your CV into separate components such as "academic experiences", "professional experience" and "personal data". Each section must have headers separated by lines which are not valid for other countries where headers can be small font size.
If you are applying for a non-academic position (in the hospital, commerce, etc.), the same rule applies.
Italy
In the Italian language, CV is called "la Busta", which means envelope hence the name. This is one of the most common formats, if not THE most popular because the recruiter gets all information about you in one page or less. At the same time, there will be long sections dedicated to education in other countries' CVs: from kindergarten to a university degree with grades included, whereas some recruiters think that this doesn't matter at all.
Ensure your details are right on top, followed by educational background and work experience, without forgetting any mention of extra-curricular activities, languages skills and publication (if any).
Bulgaria
If I had to choose between Spanish and Bulgarian CV formats, I would go for the second because this country offers another approach: you have to include your data on top, then go on with your education and work experience. The education section contains names of schools, departments, titles of the courses you and grades included. For previous job experience, you have to include company names in full, position held (supervisor/assist, ant) and functions.
Anyway, this approach is typical only for applicants at a professional level; if you're applying for an academic position, I recommend following European patterns – Bulgaria is part of Europe!
Poland
Here's another example that stands in line with Spanish applications: include all personal details, then go on with education, followed by the work experience section to be as comprehensive as possible. If you've got any publications or achievements, make sure they follow a piece about previous job experience.
However, there's one thing to remember: when writing your CV in Polish, you don't have to mention the exact date for every position held, although I found out that not many people follow this rule even recruiters do it. Hence, if you are a foreigner, include the year of experience gained at each company or institution (e.g., 2003-2006).
In summary, regardless of where you live or are applying for needs of employers are similar everywhere: information about your employment history with dates, positions held, duties performed etc.; education which can be divided into different sections; references' list.
Someone may say that these countries differ from the others as far as their culture is concerned, but I'd rather say that they are diverse but want to look like their neighbours not to be outshone.
Conclusion
There is no right and wrong CV format. Its purpose is to get you the interview. But a suitable design will make it easier for the employer or recruiter to find what they are looking for. Formatting your Resume with clear headings makes all sections easy to read and follow instead of having them jumbled together in one un-formatted paragraph.
This can help when applying for hundreds of jobs online - if you have important keywords in each section, it can increase your chances of being found by a potential employer. If you choose an internationally accepted formatting style, then go for the one that most closely matches how your country would like its CVs formatted. When writing your CV, start by thinking about the kind of job you are applying for and the industry, then look at different sample CVs corresponding to this type of job.
Look at how they have been written and find standard formatting techniques such as keywords, headings etc. In your CV, remember that it should grab your potential employer's attention from the very first page - make sure it is comprehensive yet concise (keep an eye on word count) with a layout that will highlight your strengths.
If you need help with your CV and Cover Letter, do not hesitate to contact us on Faruse - [email protected].
We will be happy to assist you in the preparation of your professionally written and formatted CV!
Searching for a job is hard, but do not give up! There are many more tips listed on our website which should help you make the most out of your quest for employment.
Remember that even if it takes time and effort to find a job, once you get a job, it makes all the difference in your life - it gives you money, respect and security...never settle for less than what you want.
Good luck with your CV!
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