How Do I Write a Global Resume or CV?

Applying for jobs across borders means adjusting your resume or curriculum vitae (CV) to meet different cultural and professional expectations. While a standard U.S. resume tends to be short and focused, a global resume or CV may require details that would normally be left off in the U.S., such as a photo, date of birth, or even marital status, depending on the country.

You might be applying for a teaching job in South Korea, an engineering role in Germany, or a research position in Canada. Each of these destinations comes with its own resume format, tone, and conventions. Some countries prefer a longer, more detailed CV, while others favor a shorter, targeted resume. In some places, you may need to translate your materials or follow strict formatting rules.

Knowing what employers in different countries expect can make creating a document that stands out easier. By formatting your resume in a way a foreign employer is used to seeing, you remove a hurdle in communication. Just like speaking to someone in their own language or familiar style, it makes your professional experience easier to understand. In this article, we’ll walk through what a global resume or CV is and how it differs from a standard U.S. resume. We will also offer tips and a sample to help you write your own.

In this guide, we will answer the following questions:

What Is a Global Resume or CV?

An international resume is a professional document tailored to meet the specific criteria of the country where you’re applying for a job. Crafting an international resume involves understanding local norms and job market trends. For instance, in Spain, non-citizens are generally expected to include their Foreigner Identification Number (NIE) in their resumes. These details are not typically found in resumes from other countries. Meanwhile, in Japan, some jobs expect parts of the resume to be handwritten, reflecting the cultural value placed on effort, formality, and personal presentation.

Beyond these examples, there are also broader differences in resume structure. For example, in many European countries, a CV tends to be more detailed, often including sections like personal interests or hobbies. In contrast, in the U.S., a resume is usually more concise and focused strictly on qualifications.

Researching the specific country or region where you’re applying is crucial for tailoring your resume to the commonalities of that particular job market. By customizing your resume to align with local standards, you can better impress your target audience and increase your chances of standing out to potential employers. This approach shows that you’ve put thought into your application and are aware of the cultural and professional norms in the region, which can make a positive impact during the hiring process.

Once you’ve identified your target audience, the next step is to decide which skills to highlight to make a strong impression.

What Skills Should You Highlight on a Global Resume?

When crafting a global resume, it’s important to showcase both cross-cultural and technical skills to prove your ability to succeed in diverse work environments. Employers around the world look for candidates who can adapt to new cultural contexts while also demonstrating expertise in their specific field. Here are some key skills to highlight on your global resume:

How Should I Write Cross-Cultural Skills on My Resume?

• Language Proficiency: Proving your ability to speak multiple languages can be a huge asset, especially in countries where communication across cultures is essential. Make sure to list languages you speak fluently, or even conversationally, and specify your proficiency level (e.g., fluent, intermediate, or basic).

• International Experience: Highlight any experience working with global teams or clients. This shows your ability to navigate different work cultures and manage relationships with people from diverse backgrounds.

• Cultural Sensitivity: This refers to your awareness of and ability to respect cultural differences, which can be crucial in international workplaces.

• Adaptability: Show your ability to adjust to new environments, whether through relocation or participating in cross-cultural projects.

How Should I Write Technical Skills on My Resume?

• Industry-Specific Software: Include any tools, platforms, or programs that are commonly used in your field. These might include design software, communication tools, data analysis programs, teaching platforms, or project management systems. For example, you might list Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Teams, Google Classroom, QuickBooks, or Notion.

• Project Management Tools: Many international companies use project management software like Asana, Trello, or Jira. Demonstrating your proficiency in these tools can make you stand out.

• Technical Certifications: Include any certifications that validate your expertise, such as programming languages, network management, or design certifications.

• Data Analysis and IT Skills: Skills like data analysis, programming languages, and database management can be key to impressing employers for roles in tech, finance, or marketing.

By clearly highlighting both your cross-cultural and technical competencies, you show prospective employers that you’re skilled in your profession and able to contribute to a diverse, international workforce.

How Long Should Your Resume Be in Different Countries?

Wherever you’re applying, the expected length for a resume or CV is usually one to two pages. While some countries, like Italy or Germany, favored longer documents in the past, the preference for concise documents has become more consistent globally in recent years.

Though a CV may be longer than a resume and include additional documents or supporting materials, the main portion should still be one to two pages. You may be excited to share information, but avoid reducing your font to make extra space, which can make your information harder to read. It’s better to be concise but complete, sharing enough to show your strengths without going overboard.

Should You List Personal Information?

The inclusion of personal details varies by country. In some East Asian countries, it’s common to include sensitive personal information such as gender, age, marital status, religion, and health. However, in many parts of Europe and North America, providing such personal information on a resume is discouraged, with some countries even deeming it illegal to request it to prevent potential discrimination.

What Tone Should You Use?

Resume tone can reflect cultural values. In many Western countries, it’s common to highlight personal accomplishments with confident language, such as ‘led a team of five’ or ‘boosted sales by 40%.’ In contrast, resumes from some Eastern countries may take a more reserved approach, often emphasizing teamwork and modesty when describing successes. For example, instead of claiming full credit, a candidate might write, ‘contributed to a successful product launch as part of a team.’ As you explore resume styles from different regions, notice how achievements are presented and adjust your tone to match local conventions.

What Are the Key Steps to Write an International Resume?

Here are some widely accepted practices to guide you as you prepare:

1. Learn the local format

As we’ve noted above, resume styles are different everywhere, so start by searching for examples from the specific place you’re applying to. In Germany or France, for instance, it’s common to include a professional headshot, while in the U.S. or UK, photos are generally discouraged.

You’ll also want to check whether the country uses the term ‘CV’ to mean something more detailed than a standard resume, especially for academic or research roles.

2. Add a header

Start by placing your full name at the top of the resume in a prominent, large font. Beneath your name, list your current address along with the country where you reside, your phone number, including the international dialing code, and your email address. In some countries, it is also common to include additional personal details such as gender, date of birth, and nationality in this section, although this varies by location.

3. Include a professional summary

Start your resume’s main section with a summary highlighting your key qualifications and skills relevant to the job you’re seeking. This brief introduction serves as an overview of what you bring to the position, giving employers a quick sense of your strengths.

If relevant, mention your work authorization or visa status here (e.g., “Authorized to work in [Country] on [Type of Visa]”). This ensures potential employers are immediately aware of your eligibility to work without the need for follow-up questions.

4. Outline your education

Detail your educational background, starting with the most recent qualifications. If you’re early in your career and have less formal education, some countries may expect you to include high school education along with higher education. To ensure your resume meets local standards, it’s best to check the specific requirements of the country or employer.

For each entry, provide your field of study, institution name, location, and graduation year. If relevant, you may also want to mention any coursework that aligns with the industry you’re pursuing.

5. Highlight your professional experience

Create a section that outlines your career experience, focusing on roles within your industry. For each position, provide your job title, the name of your employer, the location, and the dates you were employed. Be sure to describe your key responsibilities and notable achievements in each role.

6. Add Language Skills

When listing language skills on your resume, consider where the job is based and whether it references a specific proficiency scale like ILR (a U.S. government scale), ACTFL (used in American education), or CEFR (the European standard). If a particular scale is mentioned, use that to assess and describe your level honestly. If not, give clear examples of how you’ve used the language in professional settings, such as speaking with clients or writing reports.

If you haven’t used a second language in your work, it’s fine to simply state your ability in the skills section, like “Mandarin (Proficient)” or “Fluent in Spanish. For more details, you can check out our guide: “How To Include Language Skills on Your Resume/CV.”

7. Highlight Additional or Extracurricular Experience

This can be a great opportunity to show skills or experiences that make you a stronger candidate, but don’t quite fit into other resume sections. You might mention volunteer work, community involvement, or extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership, teamwork, or creativity. Include your role, the organization’s name, and the dates you participated.

8. Translate When Needed

Depending on the country you’re applying in, you may need to translate your resume into the local language. Always check the job posting or local hiring standards to see if a translation is expected.

In addition to your resume, you may also need certified translations of documents such as birth certificates, diplomas, or professional licenses. Be sure to check with the consulate or official agency for specific guidelines.

If you need help translating any of these documents, feel free to contact us. Order certified translations through our online store.

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9. Ask a Native Speaker to Review Your Resume

If you know someone who is a native speaker of the language in which your resume or CV is written, ask them to look it over. Even if everything is grammatically correct, some words may feel out of place. For instance, someone writing in English might say ‘making a report,’ but this sounds less natural. ‘Writing’ or ‘preparing’ a report would be the more typical way of describing the task. A native speaker can help you adjust the wording so your resume feels more fluent and culturally appropriate.

Now that you’ve gathered and refined all the necessary details for your resume, it’s time to determine the right format.

What Is the Best International Resume Format?

No matter where you’re applying, the structure of your resume plays a big role in how easily a hiring manager can understand your experience. Most employers expect a familiar format that clearly shows what you’ve done, where you’ve worked, and how your skills match the job. Below are three common styles used around the world, each with its own advantages depending on your background.

1. Chronological Resume (also called “Reverse chronological”)

This is the most widely used and expected format. It lists your work experience in reverse chronological order, which means your most recent job appears first, followed by earlier positions. This helps employers quickly see your current role, how recently you’ve used certain skills, and how your career has progressed over time.

This format works well if you have consistent work experience and are staying in the same field. However, if you’re changing careers or have gaps in your employment history, it may not show your strengths as effectively.

2. Functional Resume

A functional resume focuses on your skills rather than when or where you used them. You group your abilities into categories (like “Project Management” or “Customer Service”) and give examples of how you’ve used those skills, with less attention to job title or timeline.

This can be useful if you have limited work experience, are switching fields, or want to highlight transferable skills. That said, some employers find this format harder to interpret since it doesn’t clearly show your work history or how long you’ve used specific tools or technologies.

3. Combination Resume

As the name suggests, this format blends both chronological and functional elements. It usually starts with a short section highlighting your key skills and accomplishments, followed by a reverse chronological list of your job experience.

This format gives you flexibility. It is great if you want to feature your strengths while still showing a solid work history. It can be a little longer than the others, so it works best when you showcase a mix of experience and skills you really want to spotlight.

Template for Combination Resume

Below we’ll include a template for a combination resume that you can use as a starting point. You can adjust it to best highlight your unique skills, accomplishments, and career trajectory. This format gives you the flexibility to showcase both your strengths and your work experience, making it easier for employers to see how you can contribute to their team. Feel free to tailor the sections to fit your background and the specific job you’re applying for.

Example of Combination Resume

The resume below shows how a combination format might look for someone applying to a teaching position in Spain. It includes a mix of vital skills, relevant experience, and education, all organized in a way that highlights both strengths and work history. Depending on your background, a format like this could be a good way to present your qualifications for international roles.

Closing Thoughts

Crafting a resume or CV for the global stage isn’t just about communicating your experience; it’s about adapting your skills and qualifications to stand out in different countries and job markets. With the right format, attention to detail, and understanding of what your target audience values, you can make a strong impression, no matter where you’re applying.

Whether applying in Germany, South Korea, or Spain, a successful global resume shows your expertise and ability to adapt to different countries’ expectations. Tailoring your resume to each market could open doors to international job opportunities, and if done well, demonstrates you’re serious about contributing in a global context. So, take the time to research, adjust your structure, and present yourself in the best possible light for each unique job market.

Stay tuned for our next article where we’ll explore another important part of the expat experience, which is how Americans working abroad can handle taxes and financial planning. We’ll cover how to make the most of tax benefits like the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion, navigate reporting requirements such as FBAR, and provide the info you need for managing foreign bank accounts. Stay tuned for tips to keep your financial situation as smooth as your international resume!

Author: Aaron Randolph | LinkedIn