cv working abroad

Resume vs. CV: key differences

In the United States and Canada, the document you send is called a “resume”. It is brief,

usually one page long, and focused on achievements and measurable results. It gets straight to the point.

The “CV” (Curriculum Vitae) in those countries is reserved for academics and scientists. It is a long, comprehensive document that includes publications, conferences and research. If you apply to a private company in the US and send a five-page CV, you are making

a mistake.

In Europe, the UK, Latin America and most of the world, “CV” is the standard term and the document is usually longer than the American resume, typically two pages.

Understanding this difference is the first step. Find out which format is used in the country where you want to work.

Regional differences

United States: One-page resume, focused on quantifiable results. Do not include a photo, age, marital status, or any personal details beyond contact information. It is illegal for

companies to discriminate on these grounds, so they do not even want to see them. GPA

only if it is impressive and you are a recent graduate. Tailor your application extensively for each vacancy. Direct style, action verbs, bullet points. No long paragraphs.

United Kingdom: Two-page CV. Similar to the US in avoiding sensitive personal details

(age, photo, marital status). But it can be slightly more narrative. A little more context is accepted in descriptions. More formal language than in the US. References available on request, but do not include contact details directly.

Continental Europe: Varies considerably, but many countries use the Europass format or

similar. It is more common to include a photo and date of birth. The CV may be more structured and formal. Germany and the Nordic countries place great value on precision and detail. France appreciates good visual design. In some countries, a more philosophical ‘motivation letter’ (not a cover letter) is expected explaining why you want to work there.

Australia and New Zealand: Similar to the UK. Two-page CV without sensitive personal details. Strong focus on achievements and cultural fit. International experience and

adaptability are valued.

Asia: Highly variable. In Japan, the ‘rirekisho’ is sometimes used, a standardised format with

a photo. In China and other Asian countries, it is common to include a photo, age, and even marital status. The style may be more formal and detailed.

Latin America: CVs traditionally include a photo, age, and sometimes even more

personal details. This is shifting towards more Anglo-Saxon formats in

multinational companies. Generally two pages. It is important to include languages and willingness to travel or relocate if applicable.

Language matters

If you’re applying for a role that requires English, your CV must be in flawless English. Machine translation won’t do.

Invest in having a native speaker proofread your document or use professional proofreading services.

Every grammatical error undermines your credibility. If you claim to speak advanced English but your CV is riddled with errors, there’s a contradiction.

For non-English-speaking countries where English is the working language (the Netherlands, the Nordic countries, many companies in Germany), a CV in English is generally expected. But check each case individually.

If the role does not specifically require English and the country has a different language, consider sending a CV in the local language as well as English, or just in the local language if your proficiency allows it. This demonstrates a serious commitment to relocating there.

Equivalences of qualifications and education

Academic qualifications do not translate directly. A Spanish ‘Grado’ is not exactly an

American ‘Bachelor’s degree’, even if they are equivalent. Research how to present your qualifications.

Often the solution is to state the qualification in your own language and include the international equivalent in brackets: ‘Grado en Ingeniería Informática (equivalent to Bachelor of Science in Computer Science)’

If your studies were under a different system (Bologna, American, British), explain

briefly to provide context. Especially if you studied at a university that is less well-known

internationally.

Professional certifications may carry more or less weight depending on the country. PMP is

recognised globally. Other local certifications may mean nothing outside your country.

International work experience

If you have already worked in several countries, this is a huge advantage. It demonstrates adaptability, multicultural competence, and likely language proficiency.

Present this experience in a way that makes the context clear. Not everyone is familiar

with every company. If you worked for a “well-known company in Spain” but are applying to

the US where nobody knows it, add context: “Well-known Company (leading Spanish retail

chain with 200 stores)”

Mention which language(s) you worked in. Demonstrate your ability to function professionally

in that language.

Personal details: what to include

As a general rule in 2025, less is more. Only include what is legally acceptable and

professionally relevant in the destination country.

Universal basic details: name, telephone number (with international dialling code), professional email, city (not full address).

LinkedIn and portfolio/personal website if relevant.

Photo: research the country. In the US, UK, Australia: no. In continental Europe, Latin America, Asia: generally yes, but increasingly modern companies prefer no photo to avoid

bias.

Age, date of birth, marital status, children: do not include these in Anglo-Saxon countries. In others, do your research. The global trend is to omit this information.

Work permit: if you have one, state this clearly. ‘Eligible to work in [country]’ or ‘Valid work visa until [date]’. If you don’t have one but are willing to apply for it, you can mention this: “Willing to relocate and obtain necessary work authorisation”.

Cover letter or motivation letter

For most international applications, a good cover letter in English is essential. Explain why you want to work in that country, what attracts you to that specific company, and how your experience is relevant.

Some European countries prefer a more in-depth “motivation letter”, explaining your

values, professional philosophy, and why you are passionate about that field. Research cultural expectations.

The letter is also an opportunity to address the elephant in the room: why a foreigner should be hired over a local. Highlight what you bring that is unique, your international perspective, and specific experience that is in short supply there.

Format and design

Avoid overly elaborate designs if you’re unsure of cultural expectations. A clean,

professional, easy-to-read CV works in almost any country.

If you’re looking for work in the creative sector and want to use a modern visual CV, ensure it

is appropriate for that market. What works in Barcelona may not work in Tokyo.

Save as a PDF with a clear filename including your name: ‘JohnSmith_CV.pdf’ or

‘JohnSmith_Resume.pdf’ as appropriate.

Ensure your CV looks good both on screen and when printed. Some countries

still print documents for review.

Skills to highlight

Languages are critical. Be specific about your level. Use international reference frameworks

(Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, TOEFL/IELTS scores if you have them).

Multicultural experience, having worked in international teams, ability to adapt to different work cultures. All of this is valuable when looking for work abroad.

If you have experience working remotely with distributed teams, mention it. Many

international companies value this skill.

Legal aspects and visas

Be transparent about your visa or work permit status. If you need sponsorship,

companies need to know this from the outset.

Some countries have more complicated processes than others. Research requirements before applying en masse. Focus your efforts on countries where it is realistic to obtain a permit.

Mention if you are entitled to work due to other circumstances: citizenship of another country, a partner’s visa, bilateral agreements (such as Working Holiday visas).

Europass: useful or not?

Europass is a standardised format promoted across Europe. It has advantages: clear structure, easy to complete, officially recognised.

But it has disadvantages: visually unappealing, very rigid, makes it hard to stand out. Many

recruiters find Europass CVs boring.

Use it if you’re applying to European public institutions where it may be a requirement. For the private sector, consider more flexible formats.

Professional translation vs. machine translation

Do not use Google Translate for your CV. Machine translations make mistakes, use

unusual words, and lose nuances.

Invest in professional translation or, better still, in someone who can write your CV directly in the target language, familiar with the conventions of that market.

If your language proficiency is sufficient, write it yourself and ask a native speaker to proofread it. It is more authentic than a professional translation of something written in another language.

Preparation beyond the CV

Ensure your LinkedIn profile is up to date and in English (or the relevant language).

International recruiters always check it.

Arrange references who can speak English or the relevant language. It is no use providing references who cannot communicate with the recruiter.

Have an online portfolio accessible internationally if your profession requires it. Research salaries and expectations in the country. Knowing what to ask for when they ask about salary expectations is critical.

One-page CV vs. long CV: which to use

This varies radically depending on the country. In the US, one page is standard for most

professionals. In Europe, two pages is normal. In some academic or scientific contexts, CVs of 10+ pages are expected.

Research the norms of the specific country and sector. Adapt the length to those expectations.

Networking and contacts

The perfect CV helps, but many international jobs are secured through networking. Use LinkedIn, contact compatriots working in that country, attend virtual events in your industry.

Sometimes your CV goes further if it is referred by someone internally than if you send it as a cold application via a job portal.

Preparing a CV to work abroad requires research, cultural adaptation and attention to detail. There is no universal format that works in every country. What gets you interviews in Madrid might disqualify you in San Francisco. Research the expectations of the country where you want to work, adapt your document to those standards, present your experience in a way that reflects the international context, and demonstrate that you take the opportunity to work there seriously. With the right preparation, your experience and skills can be effectively translated to any job market. The key is to understand that your CV is only the first step in demonstrating your ability to adapt and thrive in an international environment.