A CV that
worked for years in your own country may not have the effect you expect abroad.
Because CV formats, expectations, and even what's considered appropriate vary
from country to country. The good news: with a few basic adaptations, you can
make your CV and LinkedIn appeal to an international eye.
The Photo and Personal Info Difference
In some
countries, adding a photo, date of birth, and marital status to a CV is seen as
normal, while in others (especially the US, UK) this information isn't wanted
out of discrimination concerns — and can even lead to your CV being screened
out. Knowing your destination country's norm is a precondition for passing the
first screening.
Tell Achievements With Numbers
In
international CVs, phrases like 'I was responsible for' come across as weak.
Instead, concrete results: 'increased sales by X%', 'managed a team of Y', 'set
up the Z process.' Employers want to see the impact you created, not a job
description. Numbers set you apart from other candidates.
LinkedIn: Your Silent CV
Most employers
abroad look at your LinkedIn profile before an application. So your profile
should be consistent with your CV and up to date. A good headline, a clear
summary, and a profile written in the target language make a real difference.
Optimise your profile so employers actively searching can find you.
Adapt to the Target Language and Culture
Just
translating your CV isn't enough — you need to adapt it to the business
language of the target culture. Some cultures appreciate direct, assertive
language, while others prefer a more modest tone. This fine-tuning makes your
CV feel 'local,' not 'foreign.'
A Quick Checklist for Your CV
Before sending,
check: Did I follow the target country's photo/personal info norm? Did I state
my achievements with concrete numbers? Does my CV stay within one/two pages
(preferred in most countries)? Is it written in the target language and that
language's business tone? Are there spelling/grammar errors (the most
noticeable thing in a foreign-language CV)? Is my LinkedIn profile consistent
with my CV? If you can answer 'yes' to these, your CV is ready to pass the
first screening.
The Most Common Mistake
The most common
mistake I see in international applications: sending the same generic CV
everywhere. Adapting your CV to each position and country takes time but makes
a difference — employers easily tell a CV prepared for the specific posting
from a generic template. The second frequent mistake is describing achievements
without numbers and abstractly; 'I'm a team player' is far weaker than 'on
project X, with a team of Y, I achieved this result.'
If you'd like
to adapt your CV and LinkedIn profile to your target country's standards, we
can review them together and build their strongest version. The first
impression often begins with your CV — getting it right opens the door.