Dreaming of working abroad or joining an international company? Writing a CV in English is your passport to global opportunities. A polished English CV helps you stand out worldwide but it’s more than just translating your old resume. You’ll navigate language barriers, meet cultural expectations, and pass automated screening systems (called ATS). Let’s transform this challenge into your career advantage!
Table of Contents
Essential Sections for Writing a CV in English
Every effective English CV includes these key sections:
Contact Information: Keep It Professional
- Full Name (Avoid nicknames)
- Phone Number (Include country code: *+44 20 XXXX XXXX*)
- Professional Email (e.g., michael.jones@email.com not soccerguy99@…)
- LinkedIn Profile (Optional but recommended)
- Location (City and Country only e.g., Berlin, Germany)
Important: Never include photos, age, or marital status these aren’t used in English-speaking countries.
Personal Statement/Career Objective
Craft a 3 or 4 line snapshot of your expertise and goals. Always use keywords from the job description!
Weak Example: “Looking for a marketing job.”
Strong Example: “Data-driven marketing manager with 7+ years growing e-commerce brands. Seeking to increase market share at TechGlobal Inc.”
Work Experience: Highlight Achievements
Structure each role clearly:
- Job Title, Company, Location, Dates (e.g., March 2021–Present)
- Achievement-focused bullet points:
- Increased customer retention by 25% through loyalty programs
- Managed cross-functional teams of 12+
- Created new onboarding system reducing training time by 40%
Key Tip: Quantify results! Use numbers like “Grew revenue by $150K” or “Reduced costs by 15%.”
Education & Certifications
- Degrees/Certificates: Use English names (e.g., “Master of Business Administration”)
- Institution Name, Location, Dates
- Honors (e.g., Summa Cum Laude) include grades only if exceptional
Skills: Balance Technical and Human Abilities
| Hard Skills | Soft Skills |
|---|---|
| Python | Leadership |
| Google Analytics | Problem-Solving |
| CRM Systems | Team Collaboration |
Pro Tip: Mirror keywords from the job description to pass ATS scans!
Optional (But Valuable) Sections
- Languages: “English: Fluent | Mandarin: Native | French: Intermediate”
- Projects: “Developed inventory system saving 20 hours weekly”
- Volunteering: “Organized community clean-up for 300+ volunteers”
English CV Writing Tips for Non-Native Speakers
Avoid Direct Translations
Literal translations often sound unnatural. Instead:
- “I made the sales grow” → “Drove 30% sales growth”
- “I controlled projects” → “Managed cross-departmental initiatives”
Tools to Help: Grammarly for grammar checks, Hemingway App for readability.
Use Clear, Formal Language
- Replace idioms: “Hit it out of the park” → “Exceeded targets by 20%”
- Active voice: “I led the redesign” not “The redesign was led by me”
- Short sentences: “Optimized workflow. Trained staff. Reduced errors by 15%.”
Optimize for ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems)
Most large companies use ATS software. Beat the robots with:
- Standard headings: Use “Work Experience” not “Career History”
- No images or tables: ATS can’t read graphical elements
- Save as PDF: Ensure text is selectable (test by highlighting words!)
Formatting Rules for Your English CV
- Length: 1–2 pages maximum (except academic roles)
- Font: Arial or Calibri (11-12 point size)
- Design: Black text on white background with section dividers
- File Name:
FirstName_LastName_CV.pdfnever “Resume_2024_Final.docx”
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a CV
- Spelling errors: Use tools like ProWritingAid and read your CV aloud
- Including photos: Only add if explicitly requested (e.g., acting roles)
- Generic statements: Replace “Hard worker” with “Completed 15% more projects than team average”
- Personal details: Never list age, religion, or family status
Professional CV Templates
| Corporate CV | Academic CV |
|---|---|
| – Skills summary first | – Detailed publications |
| – 1-page maximum | – Teaching experience |
| – Clean, modern design | – Conference presentations |
Note: Creative fields (design/tech) may use subtle colors but keep text scanner-friendly!
Final Checklist Before Sending
Before submitting your CV, verify:
- Proofread twice (use a native speaker if possible)
- Contact details accurate? Test email links
- Numbers in achievements? (e.g., “Saved $50K annually”)
- Keywords from job ad included?
- Saved as PDF? Correct filename format
Conclusion: Launch Your Global Career
Writing a CV in English requires precision: simple language, ATS-friendly formatting, and proof of results. Remember these keys:
- Customize every CV for the specific job
- Show impact with numbers
- Focus on skills not personal details
