How to prepare your CV for international job applications. Different countries have different CV standards and Workium helps you get it right.
CV Format and Requirements
A well-prepared CV is essential for your job matching and visa application. Different countries and industries have different standards, and presenting your experience correctly can make the difference between getting an interview and being overlooked.
General CV Guidelines
Length: 1-2 pages (UK standard) or 2-3 pages (European standard)
Format: PDF preferred (preserves formatting across devices)
Language: English unless the destination country specifically requires the local language
Font: Professional, readable fonts like Calibri, Arial, or Garamond in 10-12pt
Layout: Clean, consistent formatting with clear section headings
Include: Full name, contact details (email and phone), education, work experience, skills, languages
UK CV Format
The UK has specific CV conventions that differ from many other countries:
Personal statement (2-3 sentences summarising your profile and career goals) at the top
Work experience in reverse chronological order with bullet points for responsibilities and achievements
Education and qualifications
Key skills and competencies relevant to the target role
References available upon request (do not include referee details on the CV)
DO NOT include: photo, date of birth, marital status, nationality, religion, or gender
DO include: right to work statement if applicable
European (Europass) CV Format
The Europass format is widely accepted across EU countries:
Professional photo included (headshot in business attire)
Personal information section including nationality and date of birth
Work experience with detailed responsibilities and achievements
Education and training with grades/classifications
Language skills with self-assessment grid (A1-C2 for each skill)
Digital and technical skills
Available as a standardised template at europass.cedefop.europa.eu
Workium CV Enhancement
For UK applications, Workium includes professional CV enhancement as part of the Skilled Worker package:
Complete rewrite to UK employer standards
Highlight relevant experience for your target occupation
Keyword optimisation for applicant tracking systems (ATS)
Professional formatting and structure
Multiple rounds of revision until you are satisfied
Tips for Success
1Tailor your CV to the specific job role and country
2Highlight relevant experience and transferable skills
3Include language certifications with levels (IELTS score, CEFR level)
4Quantify achievements where possible (increased sales by 30%, managed team of 15)
5Use action verbs (managed, developed, implemented, achieved)
6Proofread carefully for spelling and grammar errors
7Ask a native speaker to review if possible
8Keep formatting consistent throughout
9Save as PDF to preserve formatting
10Name the file professionally (FirstName_LastName_CV.pdf)
Did this answer your question?
