However, there are some general rules for most international companies and world locations.
Keep it simple.
Most of the CVs throughout the world have the same rule. They need to contain the most relevant information about your previous work experience clearly and concisely. It is common in most countries to have a one- or two-page CV unless you include publications and previous scientific experiences. The main structure has the following points:
- Photograph is not common in many countries. European countries like Italy and Germany prefer a photograph on the top right corner of the CV. This is not a typical practice in countries like the US and Canada. If your country requires it, it is important to provide a professional-looking photograph with a clear background.
- Personal information regarding your name and details like e-mail and phone number should be presented first. In some cases, nationality should not be mentioned, but when it is relevant to the job position you can include it. Personal details regarding your marital status are usually not required due to protection of privacy and discrimination.
- Education, including your completed relevant school, academy or university experience.
- Work experience, including your relevant past and current work experience, including the achievements that you had while doing it.
- Language knowledge where you can use the European language CEFR framework (A1-C2) including your certifications.
- Computer skills especially with programs that are relevant to your position with certifications, if available.
- Extracurricular activities in case you did volunteering, courses or certificates that will prove as helpful to your future position.
- Interests is not a common section everywhere, but it is a common practice in European countries. As some of your hobbies may be important for your company, it may be a good idea to include them.
Keep it short to avoid mistakes.
Your application will most likely be in a language other than your mother tongue. May that be English or another language, it is always important to avoid spelling mistakes both in your CV as well as in your cover letter. Therefore, it is better to keep it short and simple to avoid spelling or grammar mistakes. You can also consult with a local friend to help you out or check your writing in order to make sure your application is well written.
Be prepared to adapt.
If you apply for a job within the company that you are in, the application is slightly different. You should use more direct and technical language, and you can be more specific about the department or the people that you have worked with in the past. The main point to concentrate is less on why you are a good fit for the company but rather on why you are good for that specific position. In case you apply to a position within the company that is in another country, it is important to prove your understanding of the work that your company does in that country.
Highlight your skills
The skills that international companies are looking for are different to the ones that are needed in your home country. These might include international experiences, language knowledge, and previous work in a diverse and multicultural environment. It is important to accentuate your unique experiences, as they are the keys to stand out from others in the same field.
Consult an expert in the country you are in.
While most of the application process will be done by you, it is sometimes better to ask for information regarding the application practices and platforms in the country you are staying in. Other than employment agencies and state institutions that offer counselling regarding the application in your field, some companies have dedicated experts who offer advice for partners who have joined their significant ones abroad and are trying to apply for a job.
Pay attention to your cover letter.
A well-written cover letter will bring you an advantage in most cases. This should also be concise and well-tailored for the desired position. If you can do it in the language of the country you are applying to, it can bring an additional advantage. However, be careful with spelling mistakes. Otherwise, you can always provide an English cover letter where you describe your language competencies. You can also provide a recommendation letter from your previous work and certificates that confirm your knowledge in a certain area.
Follow up.
Receiving a positive response is great news. Often the human resources managers will communicate with you in the official language of the country, given that you provide information of knowing it. Keep short and polite to keep up your confidence with the language. In case you receive a call for an interview, it is always advisable to ask for a follow-up e-mail so you can make sure that you don't miss any information due to the language gap.
Keeping a positive mindset is always very important. Remember that applying to another country is a difficult task that will pay off through your value and unique knowledge in the workplace and help you gain more diverse and international experience.
