CV format changes by country in four ways: whether a photo is expected, which personal details belong, how long the CV should be and whether you list references. The core sections stay the same everywhere: contact details, profile, experience, education and skills. Check the country guide below, then follow the specific job posting.
These are common practices, not laws. When an employer's instructions differ, follow the employer.
CV format by country at a glance
| Country | Photo | Length | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Arab Emirates | Often included | 1–2 pages | Dubai and UAE CV format |
| Saudi Arabia | Often included | 1–2 pages | Saudi Arabia CV format |
| Philippines | Often included | 1–2 pages | Philippine resume format |
| Malaysia | Often included | 1–2 pages | Malaysian resume format |
| New Zealand | No | 2–3 pages | New Zealand CV format |
| Australia | No | 2–3 pages | Australian resume format |
| Chile | Varies | 1–2 pages | Formato de CV en Chile |
| Colombia | Varies | 1–2 pages | Hoja de vida en Colombia |
| United States, Canada | No | 1–2 pages | How to write a CV |
What changes from country to country
- Photo: common in the Gulf and much of Asia, usually left off in the US, UK, Australia and New Zealand. See should you add a resume photo.
- Personal details: some markets still expect nationality or visa status; others discourage age and marital status.
- Length: one to two pages in most places, two to three in Australia and New Zealand.
- References: commonly listed in Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines; "available on request" elsewhere.
- Language: write in the language of the posting; see how to write a CV in English.
What stays the same everywhere
Core CV sections (fictional)
[Your Name] — [Target role] · [Phone] · [Email] · [City, Country]
PROFILE: two or three lines
EXPERIENCE: newest first, with results
EDUCATION: qualification, institution, year
SKILLS: matched to the posting
- Is there an international CV format?
- No single format is accepted everywhere. The Europass CV is widely used in Europe; elsewhere a clear reverse-chronological CV adapted to local expectations works best.
- Should I include my nationality on a CV?
- Only where employers commonly expect it, such as some Gulf roles, or when the posting asks. Otherwise state your work rights instead.
Start with how to write a CV, then choose a layout from the resume templates.
