Europe offers some of the world's most exciting career opportunities, from the financial centers of London and Geneva to the innovative tech scenes in Dublin and Stockholm.
But landing a dream job across the continent requires more than just having the right qualifications. You need a CV that meets European hiring standards.
But what even is a European CV format? Each country on the continent has its own set of expectations and cultural nuances. How are you supposed to standardize your qualifications?
No worries, we've got you covered. We're going to show you:
- What Is the European CV Format?
- Why Does the CV Format Matter?
- 9 Steps to Format a European CV
- 7 Pre-Formatted European CV Templates
…and much more!
Let's get started.
Want to format a job-winning European CV? Use our professional CV maker to perfect your application in minutes!
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What Is the European CV Format?
The European CV format is the standard way to organize and present your professional information when applying for jobs across Europe. It's essentially a collection of shared traits that the CVs of different European countries have in common.
There are some variations between the European CV format across different countries, but the core structure is consistent. European CVs follow a reverse-chronological order and include personal details, such as your nationality, date of birth, and often, a professional headshot at the top of your CV.
The European CV format always includes:
European CV Structure
- Contact Information
- CV Summary or Objective
- Work Experience
- Education History
- Hard and Soft Skills
- Language Proficiency
If you’re looking for a job in Europe, you might also see the term “resume” used in job postings. That’s because in Europe, a CV and a resume refer to the same one- to two-page document that summarizes your experience and qualifications.
That being said, European employers tend to prefer the term CV (short for Curriculum Vitae). For the sake of clarity, we will only use “CV” throughout the rest of this article.
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Quick Tip
New to formatting CVs? Check out our detailed beginner’s guide to writing a CV!
Why Is the CV Format Important?
Your CV format decides whether employers will read your application at all or outright reject it.
A well-formatted CV performs better with applicant tracking systems (ATS), which most European companies use to do the first round of screening. You need standard section headings and formatting to get past the ATS, so using the expected European CV format is a must.
Research also shows that hiring managers spend less than ten seconds scanning each CV they get, so you need to grab their attention immediately. European hiring managers expect to see specific sections in a particular order, so when your CV follows this format, it's easier for them to evaluate your qualifications at a glance.
Besides, if you’re applying for a job somewhere in Europe, you need to show employers you understand local business practices. When you use the proper CV format, it indicates you’re prepared for the European job market and that you’re not just applying to random jobs.
What Is the Europass CV Format?
Europass is an online tool created by the European Union to help job seekers explain their qualifications across different countries. It was designed to make it easier for people to apply for jobs across different EU countries by providing a consistent template that all European employers can recognize.
The Europass follows a single-column structure, including different sections depending on your needs. It has a distinctive blue and white design and follows a very structured format that doesn't allow for much customization.
But while Europass is the most common template that follows the European CV format, it’s far from the only one. Most employers in the private sector actually prefer flexible, modern CV templates that allow for more customization and visual appeal.
However, Europass can still be useful for certain situations, especially when you’re applying to EU institutions or for academic positions.
9 Steps to Format a European CV
You know what a European CV format is, so now it’s time to put it to the test.
We’ve split the process into nine easy-to-follow steps, starting with:
#1. Use Reverse-Chronological Order
The only structure you should consider for a European CV format is the reverse-chronological CV format.
This is by far the most popular structure worldwide, and it’s the norm in Europe. While there are usually more formats to choose from, the reverse-chronological is a European gold standard.
Hiring managers expect to see it, and for good reason. It’s the best format to highlight your most recent work experience and achievements, which is precisely what they want to know first.
Let’s see how the reverse-chronological CV format looks in practice:
#2. Adjust the Layout and Design
Once you’ve sorted out the structure, it’s time to focus on your CV’s layout and design.
Before the hiring manager reads your CV, they’re going to look at it. And if they see a messy, unreadable document, they might just toss it onto the “reject” pile without a second glance.
So, you need to format your European CV to pique their interest. Start by:
- Adjusting the margins. Your CV’s margins should be one inch on all sides so the page looks neat, not stretched out or empty.
- Choose the right font. The font should be easy to read and appropriately sized. Stick to 11-12 pts for the body and 14-16 pts for any CV headings and titles so the hiring manager doesn’t have to squint to read your content.
- Set the line spacing. Aim for 1.0 to 1.15 between text to keep your content neat on the page. Any more and your CV will look awkwardly stretched out, but if it’s less, it’ll look too crammed.
- Use bullet points. Paragraphs aren’t easy to skim, so use bullet points to organize the bulk of your information. Your CV will look better, and the hiring manager won’t have any trouble giving it a quick read.
- Stick to one page. Keep your application short and sweet. Hiring managers go through hundreds of CVs every day, so you should keep your content concise enough for one page.
- Submit the correct format. Save your CV as a PDF to keep your formatting intact across any software or device the hiring manager might use to open it. Only use a different file format if the job posting specifically asks you to.
- Print the European A4 size. If you need to print your CV, format it for an A4-size page instead of the US letter size (8.5 x 11 inches) or other dimensions.
Or Use a Pre-Formatted CV Template!
Formatting a European CV on your own isn’t easy.
You need to adjust the page margins, choose an appropriate font, and set the line spacing, all while trying to keep everything on one page.
But what if you could skip the hassle?
Use one of our pre-formatted CV templates and finish your job application in minutes.
We designed each of our templates along with international hiring professionals to make sure your CV is ATS-friendly, professional, gorgeous, and ready for the European job market.
Just compare one of our CV templates with a standard text editor template:
#3. Structure Your Contact Information
At the top of every European CV is the contact information section.
Depending on the country where you’re applying for a job, you might have to disclose a different amount of personal information.
Usually, the essential stuff is:
- Full Name. (E.g., Bruno Torez)
- Job Title. Match this to the role you’re aiming for (e.g., Long-Haul Truck Driver).
- Phone Number. Include the dial code of your country of residence, especially if you’re applying from outside of your target country. (E.g., for North America, that’s +1.)
- Email Address. Add a professional email, preferably something that combines your first and last name. (e.g. torez.bruno-jose@novoresume.com, not torezdaboss@hotmail.com).
- Additional Links. Any links to relevant profiles are good to have, whether it’s your GitHub or an updated LinkedIn.
- Location. If you’re in your target country, include the full postal address in case they want to send you any documents later. But if you want a remote job or a full relocation package, mention it on your CV.
- Professional Photo. While this varies from country to country, European hiring managers generally expect to see a professional headshot, especially for jobs that require interacting with customers face-to-face. (E.g., barista, server, etc.)
- Nationality or Visa Status. This part can be very important if you’re not a citizen of the country you’re applying to work in. Employers need to know if you can work with them or if they need to help you get a visa.
As detailed as this section might be, it’s not fixed. In some countries, photos are losing popularity, while in others, extra details like date of birth and marital status are still the norm.
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Quick Tip
If you’re applying for a job in Europe, try to add a version of your LinkedIn profile in that country’s national language. Just go to your profile page and click “add profile in another language,” then translate all your information into that language. We recommend using the help of a native speaker or a professional translator.
#4. Write a CV Headline
Next, you need to work on your CV headline. While it is optional in a European CV format, we always recommend you include it.
Hiring managers go through hundreds of applications per job opening, and your CV only has an average of six seconds to impress them.
The best way to do that is by including a short and to-the-point paragraph in your CV header. If you can capture their attention in three to four sentences, you’re in!
There are two ways you can approach the CV headline:
- CV summary. A summary of your years of experience, relevant skills, and an impressive work achievement or two. We recommend this if you already have some relevant work experience, including internships.
- CV objective. An overview of your qualifications, skills, and career goals, and how they align with this employer’s needs. It’s perfect if you don’t have any work experience or you’re trying to change careers in a new field.
Let’s look at some examples!
European Format CV Summary Example
Pharmacist with 5+ years of experience in clinical settings, pharmaceutical sales, and patient care. Successfully reduced medication errors by 20% through process improvements at Reykjavik Health Pharmacy. Proficient in drug formulation, patient counseling, and regulatory compliance. Currently relocating from Iceland to Norway and seeking to bring expertise in pharmaceutical care to a forward-thinking healthcare team.
European Format CV Objective Example
Autoengineering student from the University of Cyprus, eager to apply academic knowledge in vehicle design and automotive systems. Hands-on experience in automotive CAD design and engine diagnostics through university projects, with a focus on sustainability and efficiency. Seeking an opportunity to contribute fresh ideas and enthusiasm to a dynamic engineering team in the automotive industry.
#5. Expand on Your Work Experience
The core of your European CV is the work experience section, so you need to format it properly.
That includes:
- Reverse-chronological order. Begin with your latest job and go backward. Just don’t list very old or irrelevant positions, like jobs you had as a teenager.
- Job title. Describe your previous roles with the actual job title instead of buzzwords or quirky titles. “Customer Support Representative” is okay, but “Customer Happiness Guru” is not.
- Company name and location. If the employer isn’t easy to look up online, such as a small local business, you can briefly describe them.
- Dates of employment. The mm/yyyy date format is detailed enough, but use it consistently.
- Responsibilities and achievements. List between four and six bullet points to describe your most recent roles, and up to two or three for older ones.
But that’s just the formatting. If you want to make your work experience POP and impress the hiring manager, you need to:
- Avoid buzzwords. European employers like factual, to-the-point explanations of what you did and how, so don’t try to use overly flashy language.
- Include detailed job descriptions. European CV formatting is detailed, which means you should list both core responsibilities and notable accomplishments so they get a well-rounded idea of your work.
- Add quantifiable achievements. Numbers tell a better story than words. Rely on metrics like "Onboarded 16 employees over six months" or "Decreased costs by 37%" to show the hiring manager what results you can bring to the table.
- Be straightforward. Sprinkle in some action verbs to make your CV more dynamic, but don’t overdo it with complicated words – your text should be clear and easy to follow.
- Mention any internships. If you don’t have any work experience, you can expand this section with internships, apprenticeships, or any relevant part-time positions.
Here’s an example of this section in action:
European CV Format Work Experience Example
Logistics CoordinatorTransport Solutions GreeceAthens, Greece03/2021 – Present- Managed the coordination of daily transportation operations for a fleet of 50+ vehicles across Greece.
- Conducted training for new staff on the use of logistics software, improving team productivity, and reducing errors.
- Streamlined inventory management systems, leading to a 20% reduction in delivery delays and a 15% increase in customer satisfaction.
- Implemented route optimization strategies, cutting transportation costs by 10% while maintaining on-time delivery performance.
- Led cross-functional teams for seamless collaboration between logistics, sales, and customer service.
#6. Mention Relevant Skills
You should always have a section dedicated to your relevant skills, so the hiring manager knows what you can do and what they’ll have to teach you on the job.
In the European CV format, these can be divided into:
- Soft skills. These consist of traits and characteristics you develop in both your personal and professional life. They affect how you work and can include things like teamwork, organizational skills, time management, and more.
- Hard skills. Also known as technical skills, these are abilities that come from experience, training, or education.
- Computer skills. While these are typically considered hard skills, it’s common for European CV formats to separate them into an independent category for “digital competencies” or something along those lines.
Make sure you keep this section as relevant as possible. That means only listing the skills the position needs you to have.
If you’re applying to be an electrical engineer, your knowledge of circuit design and power systems is probably a lot more important than your proficiency with Google Calendar. Start by analyzing the job description thoroughly to find out which of your skills match what the employer is looking for, and add them to your CV.
You can even tailor your CV with artificial intelligence to make this faster. Paste the job ad into a chat with your preferred AI assistant and ask it to highlight what skills the employer wants most.
But don’t ignore one skill category over another. Your job application should include a diverse array of skills to show you’re a well-rounded candidate.
Let’s look at an example from a Java developer’s CV:
#7. Explain Your Education
A distinctive feature of the European CV format is that the education section is more than a passing thought.
While you can get away with listing only your highest degree across North America, European employers expect a much more detailed education section.
There’s a lot more emphasis on academic credentials in some European countries, such as in France, so you need to be prepared.
Your education section shows if you have the necessary foundational knowledge for the field you’re aiming for, so it can be just as important as hands-on experience. Some management positions might only be available to applicants with a specific university degree.
Here's how you should structure this section:
- Program Name. E.g.: B.A. in Civil Engineering
- University Name. E.g.: University of Tirana
- Location. E.g.: Tirana, Albania
- Years Attended. E.g.: 09/2017 - 06/2021
- Details. E.g.: Minor in Sustainable Infrastructure
We also recommend listing your degree equivalents or using the European Qualification Framework (EQF) so European hiring managers can understand your qualifications better.
The EQF is a system for comparing qualifications across different European countries, so it’s easier for employers to understand your educational background, regardless of where you got your degree. It divides qualifications into eight levels, from basic skills to advanced research qualifications, and each level reflects a specific degree of knowledge, skills, and competencies.
Here’s an example:
US to EQF Education Equivalents
- High School Diploma = EQF Level 3
- Associate's Degree = EQF Level 4
- Bachelor's Degree = EQF Level 6
- Master's Degree = EQF Level 7
- PhD = EQF Level 8
Consider adding relevant coursework and thesis topics, too. For some positions, your CV can gain a competitive advantage by including classes or projects related to the role you’re applying for. If your thesis or academic project shows your expertise in the area, include it.
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Quick Tip
Mention your high school education, too, if it’s impressive. For example, if you attended a prestigious secondary school or did something notable during your studies, such as earning specific honors or awards, some European employers will find it relevant.
#8. Include Language Proficiency
While listing languages would typically be considered optional, it’s so common for the European CV format to include them that it’s a red flag if you skip them.
Language skills are essential for most European job applications, especially when you’re applying to international companies or for roles that involve cross-border collaboration. European employers expect to see this dedicated language section on your CV, and for good reason – multilingualism is highly valued across the entire continent.
So, list all the languages you speak, including your native language, and indicate your proficiency level. You can use the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), which is a standardized system that uses levels from A1 (beginner) to C2 (mastery).
Most employers recognize and understand the CEFR, but you can also describe your proficiency in your own words, such as “intermediate” or “full professional proficiency.”
For each language, you can either choose a single level to summarize your skills or specify your level in different skills if they vary significantly. For example:
Spanish Language Skills Example
- Listening – B2
- Reading – C1
- Speaking – B1
- Writing – B1
Also, be sure to include any official language certifications you've earned, such as IELTS, DELF, or TestDaF. These certifications provide concrete proof of your level of language proficiency, and they can give you an advantage over other candidates.
You can place your language section near the end of your CV, typically after your main skills section but before any additional sections like hobbies and interests. Even basic language knowledge can be valuable, so don't hesitate to include A1 or A2 levels.
#9. Consider Optional Sections
We’ve covered all the crucial CV sections so far. But you might have some leftover space, in which case you should consider including some extra sections, such as:
- Volunteer experience. European employers appreciate civic engagement and proactivity, and volunteer work shows your commitment to community involvement. It’s also a great way to demonstrate transferable skills you can apply to the target role.
- Certifications. Professional certifications always add credibility to your application. Just include the name of the certification or award, when it was received, and what organization issued it.
- Awards. Your CV is a good place to show off a little, so include any awards or recognitions from your field. List the name of the award, what it was for, the issuing organization, and what date it was received.
- Projects. If they’re relevant for the job, list complex academic or passion projects you’ve poured time and effort into. They can show off your skills, experience, and dedication to your field.
- Publications. Any published articles, research papers, or contributions to your field are the perfect way to show your expertise. Be sure to include a link so the hiring manager can read them, too.
- Hobbies and interests. While it’s sometimes debated whether you should include them, if you have space, you can list a few activities that reflect positively on your character or expertise. Team sports can show teamwork skills, writing shows creativity, and cultural activities can demonstrate your appreciation for foreign cultures.
If it comes down to you and a candidate with similar qualifications and experience, maybe your impressive personal projects or impressive awards will be the first deciding factor. European employers prefer well-rounded candidates to someone who just barely covers the job requirements.
Here’s an example of how these sections look for a sales executive:
8 Tips to Format a European CV
Formatting a European CV doesn’t have to be difficult. As long as you polish your application, you’ll get noticed by hiring managers and breeze through applicant tracking systems.
Just follow these essential CV tips:
- Update your contact information. Make sure your phone number includes the correct country code in front so the hiring manager can contact you.
- Analyze the job posting. Study the job description for any role-specific requirements and find out where the company is based. This helps you understand what information to emphasize and what personal details to include.
- Choose the best European CV template. Use a professional, ATS-friendly template that allows for easy customization and sticks to European standards. Try our CV builder to finish your application in minutes!
- Structure your sections in the correct order. Start with your contact information, followed by a CV summary or objective, then list your work experience, education, skills, and any additional relevant sections. This way, European hiring managers can find the information they need quickly.
- Use the European date format. Always write dates as dd/mm/yyyy or simply mm/yyyy.
- Tailor it to specific European countries. Adjust your CV’s format based on the country you're targeting. For example, some countries expect you to include a photo, while others don't, so you need to do some research on local CV norms.
- Optimize for the ATS. Always use standard section headings, simple formatting, and relevant keywords from the job ad so your CV passes through the ATS. Avoid graphics, tables, or quirky fonts that could cause formatting issues.
- Name your file appropriately. Be professional and use a combination of your first and last names and the word "CV" so the hiring manager can easily find your application documents.
7 Pre-Formatted European CV Templates
You know how to format a European CV; now let’s see what it looks like in practice. Here are seven tried-and-tested templates that follow the European CV format:
#1. International CV Template
#2. Minimalist CV Template
#3. Basic CV Template
#4. High School CV Template
#5. Entry-Level CV Template
#6. Career Change CV Template
#7. Advanced CV Template
FAQs on European CV Formats
Do you still have some questions about the European CV format? Check out these answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:
Key Takeaways
Woohoo! You've made it through our European CV format guide, and you're now ready to land a job on the continent.
But before you start formatting your European CV, let's do a quick recap of the most important points we covered:
- In Europe, a CV and a resume are the same document. CV is the more common term, so stick to that when you’re applying for a job in a European country.
- European CVs can include more personal details than North American resumes, such as nationality, date of birth, and a professional headshot photo, depending on the country.
- The reverse-chronological format is the gold standard across Europe, so always list your most recent experience first and work backward through your career history.
- Europass isn't your best option. While it’s standardized, most employers prefer a flexible, modern CV format that allows for better customization.
- Use one of our professional CV templates to save time on formatting and make sure your application meets European standards while looking modern and ATS-friendly.
- Language proficiency is essential. Always include a dedicated languages section with CEFR levels (A1-C2) and list any official certifications like IELTS or DELF.
