CV Atlas

CV guides by country and job

CV rules change from country to country: a German Lebenslauf usually has a photo and a signature, a US résumé must leave both out, and a nurse in Australia needs an AHPRA number near the top. These guides set out what employers in each of 200 countries and territories expect, and what each kind of job needs on top.

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Popular guides

Key facts

Facts checked 2026-10-15.

By country

Europe

Middle East

Africa

Asia

Americas

Oceania

By region

Countries that share CV conventions are grouped in regional guides.

By job

See the jobs index for what each field leads with.

Questions

What is the difference between a CV and a résumé?

In the US and Canada, a résumé is a short summary of one or two pages, tailored to each job, while a curriculum vitae (CV) is a full record used for academic, research and medical posts. Almost everywhere else, “CV” is the normal word for the document you send with any job application, usually one to three pages. If an advert outside North America asks for a résumé, a CV of normal length is what it means.

Should I put a photo on my CV?

It depends on the country. Leave the photo off in the UK, Ireland, the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, where employers generally prefer CVs without one. A professional photo is common in Germany, southern and eastern Europe, Latin America and much of Asia, and usually expected in the Gulf states. If you include one, use a recent head-and-shoulders picture on a plain background. Each country guide gives the norm for that country, and CV Atlas switches the photo on or off to match.

How long should a CV be?

Two pages is the most common answer, but it varies by country and career stage. A US résumé is one page for under about ten years of experience and two at most; the UK expects two pages; Australia and New Zealand accept two to four. Students and graduates should aim for one page, while academic and senior clinical CVs have no strict limit. Whatever the length, describe recent roles in detail and keep older ones brief.

Should I translate my CV for a job abroad?

Write the CV in the language of the job advert. If the advert is in the local language, a CV in that language shows you can work in it; if it is in English or the employer is international, an English CV is usually fine. Translate the whole document, including headings and dates, and have a native speaker check it rather than relying on machine translation. CV Atlas writes the headings in 16 languages, so you only translate your own entries.

How do I explain a gap in my CV?

Add the gap as its own short entry with the dates and what you did, for example study, caring for family, travel, illness recovery, a career break or job searching. One plain line is enough; you don’t need to justify it. Recruiters in many countries expect any gap of six months or more to be accounted for, and in Germany even two to three months. CV Atlas flags unexplained gaps based on the target country’s norm.

What personal details should I leave off my CV?

In the UK, Ireland, the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, leave off your date of birth, age, marital status, photo and nationality; employers there avoid them under equality and anti-discrimination law. Many other countries, including Germany, the Gulf states and much of Asia, commonly include date of birth and nationality. Never include your national ID or passport number unless an application form asks for it. CV Atlas shows the norm for each detail and lets you switch it on or off.

Do I need to list my professional registration on my CV?

Yes, if your job is regulated. Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, therapists, teachers, lawyers, social workers and, in some countries, engineers should list their registration near the top, with the registering body, number and status. If you are still applying, write “In progress” so employers can see where you stand. The body differs by country, for example the NMC in the UK or AHPRA in Australia. Confirm current requirements with the regulator before applying.

Do I need references on my CV?

It depends on the country. Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, South Asia, English-speaking Africa and most of Southeast Asia expect two or three referees with contact details on the CV. The UK and the Gulf usually accept “References available on request”. In the US, Canada and Germany, leave referees off; employers ask for them separately, and in Germany you attach references from past employers instead. Always ask referees before you list them.

Guidance checked October 2026; facts checked 2026-10-15. General information for most employers, not legal or immigration advice. A job advert’s own instructions always come first. CV Atlas is not affiliated with any regulator or professional body named.