Resume and CV format by country: UK, US, Canada, Germany, UAE, Australia and India
Length, photo, personal details, spelling and the documents employers expect in seven countries, side by side, plus how to adapt one resume for several markets without starting over.
Written by the JobRipe team · Last reviewed · 4 min read
Do it now: ATS resume checker→Why one resume doesn't fit every country
The core of a good resume is universal: a clear summary, achievements with numbers, relevant skills and readable formatting. But conventions around length, photos, personal details and supporting documents differ, and getting them wrong can make a strong candidate look out of touch. A photo that's normal in Dubai can make a UK recruiter uneasy; a one-page US-style resume can look thin to a German employer expecting full detail.
What follows are common norms, not laws. Individual employers vary, and international companies often accept a standard global format. When the job ad or application form says something specific, follow it.
United States
Called a resume. One page for early career, up to two for experienced professionals. No photo, date of birth, marital status, nationality or religion; US employers generally avoid this information to prevent discrimination claims. Focus heavily on achievements with numbers. US spelling. A cover letter is often optional but helps for smaller employers and career changers.
United Kingdom and Ireland
Called a CV. Usually two pages. No photo, date of birth or marital status. A short personal profile at the top. UK spelling (organisation, programme). Many employers, especially in the public sector and graduate schemes, use application forms with competency questions instead of, or in addition to, a CV. References are usually requested after an offer rather than listed on the CV; 'References available on request' is unnecessary. See how to get a job in the UK.
Canada
Called a resume. Similar to the US: one to two pages, achievement-focused, no photo or personal details. Canadian spelling is a mix of British and American; follow the employer's own website. Bilingual English and French skills are worth highlighting where relevant. See how to get a job in Canada.
Germany, Austria and Switzerland
Called a Lebenslauf. One to two pages, factual and complete, with exact months and years and brief explanations of gaps. A photo is still common but optional, and increasingly omitted, particularly by international employers. Applications outside tech often include a cover letter (Anschreiben) and copies of certificates and employer references (Arbeitszeugnisse), sometimes combined into one PDF. If applying in German, have a native speaker check it. See how to get a job in Germany.
UAE and the Gulf
Usually called a CV. Often two pages. Some employers still expect nationality, visa status, notice period and sometimes a photo; include them if the ad or employer asks. State your current location and availability clearly, and list languages, licences and any Gulf experience. See how to get a job in the UAE.
Australia and New Zealand
Called a resume. Often two to three pages for experienced candidates. No photo or personal details beyond contact information. State your work rights clearly. Public sector roles often require written responses to selection criteria. Referees are commonly requested; have two ready. See how to get a job in Australia.
India
Called a resume or CV. One to two pages is increasingly standard, especially in tech and multinational companies. Personal details such as date of birth, father's name, marital status and a photo were once common and still appear on some forms and in some sectors, but are not needed for most modern employers; leave them out unless asked. Include your current and expected CTC only if the application asks, and notice period if it's relevant to the role.
Adapting one master resume for several countries
Keep a master resume with everything, then make country versions by changing a few things: length (cut older or less relevant roles for US-style versions), personal details (remove or add per local norms), spelling (UK or US), and how you describe your employers and results. Describe unfamiliar employers in a few words, such as 'Mid-sized logistics company, 800 staff', and use percentages, counts and time saved rather than local currency amounts.
Name each version clearly so you send the right one, and log which version went where in your job tracker. Before applying, check the version against the posting with the ATS resume checker; formatting rules for screening software are the same everywhere. For layout ideas, browse our resume examples.
Questions people ask
What is the difference between a CV and a resume?
In the US and Canada, a resume is the standard job application document and a CV is a long academic record. In the UK, Ireland, India, the Gulf and much of the world, CV means what Americans call a resume.
Should I put a photo on my resume?
Not for the US, UK, Canada or Australia. It's optional in Germany and more common in the Gulf. Follow the job ad when it says.
Should I include my date of birth?
In most countries, no. Include it only where an employer or form specifically requires it.
Do I need a different resume for every country?
A different version, yes, but not a different resume. Keep one master and adjust length, personal details and spelling.
General information, not legal or immigration advice. Spotted something out of date? Tell us at support@jobripe.com and we'll correct it. How we write and review guides.