International Resumes
Remember that the requirements for resumes in Australia are different to overseas requirements.
If you an international student and applying for jobs in Australia, you may not need to provide the same level of details regarding your nationality, date of birth, marital status or citizenship.
Conversely, if you are a local student applying for positions overseas you may need to find out from your potential employer what content and format they require.
Whether you are an international or domestic student, you should check out Going Global (via CareerHub), which provides a wealth of information about living and working in many countries, as well as guidance on writing resumes suitable to that country's needs and employment sites.
Some general tips for international resumes
- Different countries use different terms to describe what a resume/CV should contain.
- "Cover letters" are called "letters of interest" in some countries and "motivation letters" in others.
- Some countries require original copies of transcripts and references to be attached to your application.
- Education requirements differ from country to country. In almost every case, stating the title of your degree will not be an adequate description. The reader might not have a clear understanding of what you studied or for how many years (for example, in some countries, a university degree can be obtained in three years and in other countries it takes five years to receive a degree).
- If you are a recent graduate, and depending heavily on your educational background to get a job, provide the reader with details about your studies and any related projects or experience. The same advice is true for seasoned professionals who have participated in numerous training or continuous education courses. Note: The general rule is that your university training becomes "a line item" on your resume (i.e., no further details needed) once you have five or more years of professional experience.
- The general preference is that a resume/CV be written in a reverse-chronological format.
- The safest way to ensure that your resume is "culturally correct" is to review as many examples as possible. Ask the employer or recruiter for examples of resumes that they thought were particularly good.
- If you are submitting your resume in English, find out if the recipient uses "British" English or "American" English. There are variations between the two versions. A reader who is unfamiliar with the variations may presume that your resume contains typos. Most European companies use "British" English though most United States companies—no matter where they are based in the world—use "American" English.
- Most multinational companies will expect you to speak the languages of their country and English, which is widely accepted today as being the universal language of business. Have your resume/CV drafted in both languages and be prepared for your interview to be conducted in both languages. Most companies want to "see" and "hear" actual proof of your language skills.
- Be aware that paper sizes are different dimensions in different countries. The United States standard is 8½ x 11 inches whereas the European A-4 standard is 210 x 297 mm. When you are transmitting your resume/CV via e-mail, go to "page setup" on your computer and reformat your document to the recipient's standard. Otherwise, when they print it out at their end, half of your material will be missing! The same is true for sending a fax. If at all possible, purchase stationery that has the same dimensions as the recipient's and mail/fax your resume on that stationery.
Canada
- Try to limit your resume to 1-2 pages. Use dot points and keep the information brief. The resume is really only a snapshot of your work history, education and skills.
- Contact information, centred at the top.
- Education; list colleges and/or universities attended, dates of attendance, courses of study, and diplomas or degrees. In this section, you should also mention extra courses or training, internships, and foreign travel. List this information in reverse-chronological order.
- Work experience; give the name of the organisation, the position name, dates of employment and responsibilities. State whether the work was temporary or part-time. Once again, the information should be listed in reverse-chronological order.
- Other skills, such as computer, and language fluency.
- Personal information, such as relevant volunteer activities and hobbies.
- Three references, with their titles and contact information.
- In Canada, it is illegal for a prospective employer to ask your marital status, sexual orientation, race, or age, or to request a photo.
England
- As part of your job application, you should include a one-page, tailored, cover letter. The letter should be business-like, typed on good quality white or ivory paper, and addressed to a specific person.
- Your enclosed resume may be two to three pages, depending on your experience. Start with your name, address, contact information, birth date, marital status, and nationality. If you are a non-EU citizen, clarify your work permit status. In what is called the "profile" section, give your professional designation (e.g., CPA), and immediate ambitions; then, in bullet-format, list relevant skills and a few work-related achievements.
- Begin your employment history by describing your current position. Following the profile section, provide the name, location, and focus of each company, and your title and responsibilities. If you are new to the job market, you may include temporary or part-time positions.
- The last major section is "education." In reverse-chronological order (most recent listed first) list schools attended, locations, areas of study, and diplomas/degrees. Mention additional courses and training, and special skills such as foreign language fluency and computer programs in which you are proficient.
- At the end, it is sufficient to say: "References are available on request."
France
- A job application in France should begin with a one page, handwritten cover letter (your handwriting may be used for character analysis). Include your resume with a photograph attached, but no other enclosures.
- Your resume itself should be relatively short, with a maximum of two pages. If you are a new job seeker, it may be even shorter. Begin with personal information: name, address, phone, and e-mail. Personal data, such as birth date, marital status, and children are optional.
- Begin the section on education with your most recent study, and then list all schools attended, ending with your high (secondary) school. Give the name and location of each, your areas of study, degrees, and dates of attendance. Also, mention any additional courses, internships or specialised training.
- In the "Work Experience" section, list for each position the dates, the name, location, size, and type of company, and your title(s) and responsibilities. If you have many years of work experience, the education section follows your employment history.
- At the end of the resume, you should list special competencies (such as level of expertise in foreign language, and computer skills), professional affiliations and volunteer experience, if relevant. State that references are "available on request."
Hong Kong
- As a general rule, if you have less than 10 years’ work experience, your resume should not be longer than two pages. If you have more than 10 years’ experience, then approximately three pages is appropriate.
- A minimum of two references from your immediate supervisors should be provided as reference checking is an important part of the application process in Hong Kong.
India
- Include a section with family details. Mention your marital status, whether your spouse is working and where, number of children, and their ages.
Japan
- When applying for a position in Japan, an expatriate may submit a "rirekisho," a standard two-page form in Japanese with no cover letter, or a two-page American-style resume and cover letter in English. In the more modern companies, e-mail applications are accepted.
- If using the American-style resume, you should have your name and contact information centred at the top. The resume should begin with a summary of qualifications such as: nine years experience with IT, experience with international companies, strong Japanese-English bilingual skills.
- Under "Employment Experience," list the names, locations, and focus of all former employers, with your dates of employment, title(s) and responsibilities. You need not list job accomplishments on the resume; you will discuss them at the interview.
- Under "Education," list all schools you attended, dates of attendance, and diplomas or degrees. Add honours received, and special skills, such as fluency in specific computer applications, and standard language test scores.
- End your resume with personal information: date of birth, marital status, and nationality. There are no enclosures necessary (except the cover letter) with the English resume; the "rirekisho" states that a photo should be attached.
Malaysia
- Some job advertisements may request applicants to state salary expectations, so research an acceptable market rate that is reflective of your skills and qualifications.
- If applicable, include information about your military service. State the focus of your training, responsibilities, and any managerial positions.
- It is becoming a common practice in Malaysia for employers to ask job applicants to send photographs.
Spain
- When seeking a job in Spain, prepare a cover letter and resume. Copies of certificates, diplomas, and references will be required later. Type the cover letter on A4 paper, tailor it for the position, and mail it along with your resume and a small, quality photo.
- If you have a short employment history, write your resume in chronological order to show your development. However, note that reverse-chronological order is generally preferred by a recruiter if you are experienced, because this format starts with details of your most recent employment.
- At the top of the resume, give personal information, i.e., your name, place and date of birth, marital status, and home address and contact information.
- In the "Education" section, list the institutions you attended with their locations, your academic emphases, diplomas, degrees, and dates of attendance. Also mention any honours received, levels of foreign language fluency, computer skills, and overseas travel or study. Include details about internships and part-time jobs.
- For the "work experience" category, list the companies where you have been employed, their location and focus, your job title, responsibilities, achievements, and dates of employment. Remember to begin with your most recent work experience.
- Complete your resume with a simple "References available upon request."
Sri Lanka
- A resume of three to four pages is acceptable.
- Include a section with Personal Information such as your date of birth, marital status, number of children, nationality and citizenship(s).
Singapore
- A one page resume is common in Singapore, but two or three pages is also appropriate as it gives you sufficient space to detail your experience and achievements.
- Some job advertisements may request applicants to state salary expectations, so research an acceptable market rate that is reflective of your skills and qualifications.
- If applicable, include information about your military service. State the focus of your training, responsibilities, rank and any managerial positions.
USA
- Similar to Australia but limit to 1-2 pages at most. Try to keep your resume action-focused by using short paragraphs, dot points and action words.
- Don’t attach photos to your resume. You also don’t need to include any personal details about yourself eg date of birth, marital status, family, race, gender or number of children.
- Resumes/CVs submitted to U.S. employers shouldn't describe university/college education as "tertiary" education. Although "tertiary" is literally correct, it is a term that is almost never used in the United States.
Vietnam
- A one-page resume is common.
- Include your marital status, gender, date of birth and nationality in your contact details.
- Include information about your experience (paid and unpaid), education, skills and interests.
- For further assistance go to www.vietnamworks.com.
The above information is adapted from www.goinglobal.com and http://www.jobweb.com.