CV format by country: examples and tips
A good CV looks a little different in every country. The length, the paper size, whether to add a photo and which personal details to include all change. Pick a region or a country to see an example and local tips.
By region
Europe1–2 pages in most countries · Depends on the country (see the table)
Asia1–2 pages in most countries · Common in Japan, Korea and China; optional elsewhere
Middle East & North Africa2 pages · Optional. Common, but not required
Africa2 pages (up to 3 for senior roles) · Usually left out; optional in French-speaking countries
Latin America1–2 pages · Optional; still common in some countries
By country
United States1 page; 2 pages if you have many years of experience · Leave it out
United KingdomUp to 2 pages · Leave it out (except for acting or modelling)
Canada1–2 pages · Leave it out
Australia2–3 pages · Leave it out
Germany1–2 pages · Optional. Still common, but not required
UAE2 pages · Optional. Common, but not required
Saudi Arabia2 pages · Optional. Common, but not required
Bahrain2 pages · Optional. Common, but not required
Qatar2 pages · Optional. Common, but not required
India1 page for freshers; 2 pages with experience · Not needed for most private-sector jobs
Pakistan1–2 pages (2 with experience) · Optional
Philippines1–2 pages · Often asked for local jobs; leave it out for US, UK or Australian employers
Egypt1–2 pages · Optional
What is the same everywhere
- One column, read from top to bottom, with real text (not an image).
- Standard headings: Summary, Experience, Education, Skills.
- Newest job first, with dates written the same way each time.
- Achievements with numbers where they are true, not just duties.
- The job post’s key words, where they honestly describe you.
Common questions
Should I put a photo on my CV?
It depends on the country. Leave it out in the US, the UK, Canada and Australia. In Germany and the Gulf a photo is common but optional.
How long should a CV be?
One page in the US and for freshers in India, up to two pages in the UK, Canada, Germany and the Gulf, and two to three pages in Australia.
What is the difference between a CV and a resume?
In the US and Canada a resume is the short document for job applications and a CV is a long academic one. In most other countries, “CV” simply means the document you apply with.
Customs change between employers and industries. When a job post asks for something specific, follow the job post.
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