The Institute has consulted a number of embassies for advice on tailoring CVs to conform to the practice in their countries. The notes below are based on the advice received.

Throughout the world there are many different ways in which CVs are presented as well as how interviews are carried out. Here’s a quick guide to what you can expect and how to aim your CV at a particular country.

Austria

CVs in Austria follow in general the German format (See Germany). As for interviews it is best to arrive at least 15 minutes before. It is also a good idea to make sure you are dressed formally, women are advised to wear skirts (not too short!) and men a formal suit, as good appearance and having good manners at the interview is viewed as important.

Belgium

Language plays an important role in this country. Writing your application letter and CV in French however, will not gain you any bonus points by a Flemish company! Therefore, it would be best to write it in English, unless you speak Flemish.

Czech Republic

CVs usually take a chronological format, the idea of a functional CV structured to a particular job is relatively new but foreign companies do like a CV presented in this format. With regard to your education you should chronologically mention all qualifications and diplomas obtained. Specify exactly what (the subject), when and where (give the name of the University) you studied.

Denmark

Start your application letter not with ‘Dear Mr/Ms X’, but write at the beginning ‘for the attention of Mr/Ms X’. You can also put ‘Reference: personnel manager of XXX’ to ensure your letter lands on the right person’s desk.

Finland

The importance Finns attach to interpersonal relations is reflected during the interview. Social skills, communication skills and teamwork abilities are the skills most in demand. Whether or not you fit into the team is more important than your technical competencies.

France

French companies will expect you to send a hand-written covering letter (the only exceptions are to be found in some parts of the IT sector), as they are very keen on graphology and use it as part of the selection process (approximately 80% of French employers use it!). It is mainly used to observe the candidate’s general education. Specific characteristics might however, figure as subject of discussion for the further selection procedure. French companies also expect you to list personal interests and any languages you have. A standard CV layout is acceptable but you might be asked to include a photograph.

Germany

German companies on the other hand, expect you to include a photograph (remember to put your details on the back of the picture) with your CV as standard. German CVs differ vastly from British ones because applicants are expected to include information, which in the UK you would not be asked for until you were offered the position. You present your CV in a binder and include copies of all your education certificates and any references from former employers. German companies do not wish to know about your personal interests, but German applicants often include their parents’ details and occupations. German CVs follow a strict chronological order starting with employment details and ending with education. Your CV should be signed below on the right, next to the place and date in the left-hand corner.

Greece

Networking in a foreign country might sound difficult, but in Greece it will certainly prove its worth and you will probably realise that it is not as difficult as it seemed. Within a short period of time you will most likely become part of their ‘network of recommendations’.

Hungary

Although job advertisements appear in the national and local press, personal contacts are the most important way to find a job. Use any contacts you may have; friends, family, former professors, anybody that might be helpful in getting the necessary contacts established with Hungary. Because of the importance of personal contacts you might want to consider an apprenticeship or a period of study in Hungary in advance before starting your job hunt.

Iceland

Job hunting in Iceland is very similar to Hungary. Personal recommendation is important. An outgoing nature is a considerable plus.

Italy

It’s a good idea to ensure you are dressed fashionably for a job interview. Men should wear a smart fashionable tie while women are advised to make sure their handbag matches their shoes. This is not because Italians are fashion victims, but for Italians the way a person is dressed indicates many other things, not in the least whether or not the person is a serious candidate for the job. They also place a lot of emphasis on trust as well having good manners. Italy is also strong on networking as much of its economy is built on the small to medium family-owned company. The Italians are also more forgiving if you do not know the language but are willing to learn.

Luxembourg

Due to the large influx of foreign workers there are no strict national rules for CVs in Luxembourg.

The Netherlands

Speculative applications are common however; it’s customary to telephone in advance.

Norway

Scandinavian cultures, especially the Norwegians would frown on a self-centred CV, which seeks to sell the individual. Norwegians expect you to be more reticent and not to overplay your achievements. Your CV should start with your personal details, including name, address, date of birth (note that the day, the month and the year are written densely together, without blank spaces or dots in between), your telephone number (with international access code) and your status.

Poland

It’s a good idea to read the ‘Job’ supplement in the Monday issue of the national newspaper ‘Gazeta Wyborcza’. Most of the advertisements are in English with approximately 400 vacancies listed each week.

Portugal

Mention on your CV whether or not you hold a driving license.

Romania

Degree relevance is important in Romania. It is thought that the degree you take will be the future basis of your career, i.e. economics students become economists and language students become teachers.

Russia

CVs are normally hand-written and very detailed. Russian employers expect a biography in full sentences, explaining everything you have done.

Spain

Avoid raising the question of what you are going to earn in the first couple of application interviews. Wait until the company offers the job before you evoke this (not unimportant) issue. Like the Italians the Spanish are also more forgiving if you do not know the language but, are willing to learn, they also place a lot of emphasis on trust as well as dressing well and having good manners.

Sweden

During a public sector job interview usually a trade union representative, working within the particular organisation, is present to ensure everything goes according to the rules.

Switzerland

Speculative applications and networking are usually successful in Switzerland. If you are applying to an advertisement, telephone in advance to introduce yourself, to ask some relevant questions (prepare the questions in advance; you never get a second chance to make a first impression!) and to show your interest in the company and the job. Make sure your application arrives the next day after your phone call to illustrate your punctuality, a quality highly appreciated by Swiss recruiters.

United Kingdom

You should include:  Name, address, telephone and email address at top of page followed by personal details - marital status, date of birth and driving licence and health; a brief resume of 12-20 words on how you see yourself; your employment history in reverse chronological order - Dates, company, place, your title. Describe experience in terms of achievements – not just job duties. Give ‘highlights’, not a complete detailed account of every task. Quantify the scope of job, e.g. responsible for how many people, how much of a budget, etc. Emphasise achievements; e.g. cost savings, initiatives and major project responsibilities. Include details of any unusual features of job, e.g. a newly created job, a different cultural environment, etc.

Education: besides your academic background include details of continuing professional development (CPD) activities; short courses attended and IT skills.

Prepare the CV using a word processor and confine it to two A4 pages. This gives you the opportunity to tailor the CV for a specific job application.

USA

Instead of a 'CV' write a 'resume' using ‘power words' that show accomplishment and action. Much of what you would put in an UK CV is illegal in the US. The rule is to exclude anything that might give prospective employers a chance to discriminate against you for example, personal details such as age, sex, marital status, whether you hold a current driving licence. Never include a photograph. Including personal interests is up to you. Bear in mind that looking for a job in the US is much like selling a product. Accordingly you should present your qualifications, experience and achievements in a manner that is sharp and focussed. The aim of a US CV is to show you can do the job. If your CV is successful then you may get a phone call from the company as part of the screening process. One plus with American companies is that in general they do not use psychometric testing.

General Comments

Although the UK is part of Europe, in general it follows US business philosophy, which does not always go down too well with European countries. European employers tend to have a lower regard for UK graduates because of the British poor language skills. So, if you are proficient in a particular language it’s a good idea to highlight this as well as any experience you have of working overseas, even if was a summer holiday job or voluntary work.

The general rule of thumb for a CV aimed at a company other than in your native country is that it should be one to two pages in length with education generally at the end. However, if you are a recent graduate this is a strength so enter your academic attainments at the top and don’t forget to include any languages you have and work experience overseas.

To work in some countries you may require a work permit or visa. If you are successful the company should be able to gain the relevant permits for you. However, for detailed information on what is likely to be required it would be best to contact the relevant Embassy.

Tips:

• Read international press
• Check our foreign companies through the Internet
• Improve any foreign languages you have
• Look at the other recruitment and career pages on this site

 Compiled from information received from the each country’s embassy.