How to write a CV for the Philippines
Employers in the Philippines usually expect a CV on US Letter paper, most recent experience first. Length: 2 pages. A photo, the date of birth and nationality are usually included, but optional.
Build a CV for the PhilippinesYour first CV is free. The builder applies these rules and checks your CV before you download it.
At a glance
| What it is called | Curriculum Vitae |
|---|---|
| Length | 2 pages |
| Paper size | US Letter |
| Layout | Single column |
| Order | Most recent first |
| Dates | Month and year (e.g. Mar 2023) |
| Photo | Usually included |
| Date of birth | Usually included |
| Nationality | Usually included |
| Marital status | Optional |
| Right to work / visa status | Optional |
| References | List two or three referees with contact details |
| Explain gaps longer than | 6 months |
How the Philippines compares with nearby countries
Unlike Hong Kong and Macau, CVs in the Philippines usually include a photo, usually give the date of birth and use US Letter paper.
Unlike Taiwan, CVs in the Philippines usually give the date of birth, use US Letter paper and list referees with contact details.
| Country | Called | Photo | Date of birth | Length | Paper | Usual language |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philippines | Curriculum Vitae | Usually included | Usually included | 2 pages | Letter | English |
| Hong Kong | Curriculum Vitae | Optional | Optional | 2 pages | A4 | English |
| Macau | Curriculum Vitae | Optional | Optional | 2 pages | A4 | English |
| Taiwan | 履歷表 | Usually included | Optional | 1–2 pages | A4 | Chinese |
| Brunei | Curriculum Vitae | Usually included | Usually included | 2 pages | A4 | English |
| Singapore | Curriculum Vitae | Optional | Usually left out | 2 pages | A4 | English |
| United Arab Emirates | Curriculum Vitae | Expected | Usually included | 2–3 pages | A4 | English |
Tips for the Philippines
- A photo and personal details are common, particularly with local employers.
- Referees are usually listed; “character references” in the Philippines.
- State expected salary and notice period when asked.
The Philippines follows the same CV conventions as 9 other countries in the Southeast Asia guide.
Regulated jobs in the Philippines
For these jobs, put your registration or licence near the top of the CV, or say that your application is in progress.
| Profession | Registration or licence |
|---|---|
| Doctors | PRC licence |
| Nurses | PRC licence (nursing) |
| Engineers | PRC licence |
| Seafarers | MARINA certificate and STCW |
Guides by job
Regulated in the Philippines: Medicine (doctors), Nursing & midwifery, Engineering, Aviation & maritime.
Guides for every other field, from hospitality to aviation, are in the jobs index.
Questions
Do I put a photo on my CV in the Philippines?
Usually, yes. A professional photo is common on a CV in the Philippines, although it is rarely required and many employers accept CVs without one. If you include it, use a recent head-and-shoulders picture with a plain, light background and business clothing, placed in the header next to your name. A photo and personal details are common, particularly with local employers.
How long should a CV be in the Philippines?
For a CV in the Philippines, aim for 2 pages. Describe recent roles in detail and summarise older ones in a line or two, so the whole CV is quick to scan. Set the document to US Letter (8.5 × 11 in) paper, the standard size in the Philippines. Academic and senior clinical CVs are the exception: they list publications, research, teaching and courses in full and can run longer.
Should I put my date of birth on my CV in the Philippines?
Usually, yes. A date of birth is commonly included in the personal details of a CV in the Philippines, along with your nationality. Put these details in the header or a short personal-details block under your name. Your marital status is optional. Include only what you are comfortable sharing. CV Atlas sets these details on or off to match the usual practice in the Philippines, and you can switch each one yourself.
Do I need references on my CV in the Philippines?
Yes. CVs in the Philippines usually end with two or three referees: recent supervisors or managers, with their job title, organisation, phone number and email. Ask each person before you list them, and tell them which jobs you are applying for so they are ready when a recruiter calls. Referees are usually listed; “character references” in the Philippines.
Should I put my visa status on my CV in the Philippines?
Only if it matters for the job. CVs in the Philippines usually don’t mention immigration status, so add a short line such as “Requires visa sponsorship” or “Holds a work permit” only if you need sponsorship or the advert asks. Citizens and permanent residents can leave it out entirely. Online application forms often ask about the right to work directly, so you can answer it there.
What language should my CV be in for the Philippines?
English. CVs for the Philippines are normally written in English. Follow the language of the job advert if it differs, and keep one language throughout: headings, dates and descriptions should all match. Have a native speaker check the final version if English is not your first language. CV Atlas writes the section headings in the language you choose, so switch it to match the advert.
What should a CV for the Philippines include?
A CV for the Philippines is usually 2 pages on US Letter paper, written in English unless the advert says otherwise, with your most recent role first. Expect usually a professional photo, usually your date of birth, and two or three referees at the end. Start with a short profile, then experience, education, skills and languages. CV Atlas applies these rules when you choose the Philippines, and the questions below explain each one.
What paper size should my CV be for the Philippines?
US Letter (8.5 × 11 inches). Employers in the Philippines print and read CVs on US Letter paper, the standard size in North America, not A4. Set the page size before you export, because an A4 PDF printed on Letter paper can lose part of its margins or look badly placed on the page. CV Atlas sets US Letter automatically for this country, and you can change the paper size in the design options.
Should I put my nationality on my CV in the Philippines?
Usually, yes. Nationality is commonly listed in the personal details of a CV in the Philippines, in one short line under your name. It helps recruiters see whether you need a work permit. If you would rather not share it, you can leave it out; employers decide on your experience and qualifications. If you already have the right to work there, a line such as “Holds a work permit” can be more useful than nationality alone.
Should I put my marital status on my CV in the Philippines?
Usually no. Marital status is optional on a CV in the Philippines, and most modern CVs leave it out because it says nothing about how you do the job. Add it only if a job advert or application form asks for it, and then keep it to a single word in the personal details. Use the space for your skills, licences and languages instead.
Should I put my gender on my CV in the Philippines?
It’s optional. Some CVs in the Philippines include gender in the personal details, usually alongside date of birth and nationality, but many leave it out. Add it only if the job advert or application form asks for it, and keep it to one word in the personal details line. Your experience and qualifications matter far more to employers than personal details.
Do I need my full address on my CV in the Philippines?
Just your city and country. A CV for the Philippines needs only your city, country, phone number and email, not your full street address. That is enough for recruiters to see where you are based and whether you would need to relocate, and it keeps your home address off a document that may be shared widely. Employers ask for your full address later, when they make an offer or prepare a contract.
Should I put my driving licence on my CV in the Philippines?
Only if the job needs it. On a CV for the Philippines, mention a driving licence when the role involves driving, travel between sites or field work, or when the job advert asks for one. For office jobs it is optional, and one short line in your skills or personal details is enough. For driving jobs, give the licence category and any professional qualifications that go with it.
How should I write dates on a CV in the Philippines?
Use month and year, newest first. On a CV for the Philippines, write each role’s dates as month and year, for example “March 2021 to present”, and list your most recent job first. Keep the same format throughout, and avoid giving years only, which can hide gaps and makes recruiters ask questions. Exact days are not needed for jobs or studies.
How do I explain a gap on my CV in the Philippines?
Explain any gap longer than six months. Recruiters in the Philippines usually expect a longer break to be accounted for, so add a short line in your timeline, such as “Career break: caring for a family member” or “Relocation and language study”. Be brief and honest, and keep the details for the interview. The CV Atlas readiness check points out gaps of more than six months in your work history, so you can add a line before you send the CV.
Do I sign my CV in the Philippines?
No. CVs in the Philippines are not signed. End the CV with your last section, such as skills, languages or references, with no signature, date or place line. A signature adds nothing to a document that is sent online, and recruiters there don’t expect to see one. If an application form asks you to sign a declaration, do it on the form itself.
Should I put hobbies and interests on my CV in the Philippines?
Only if they add something. Interests are optional on a CV in the Philippines, and many recruiters skip them. Include one short line only when an interest shows a skill or commitment that fits the job, such as volunteering, coaching or a relevant club, and leave out generic ones like reading or travel. If space is tight, interests are the first section to cut.
Start your CV for the PhilippinesYour first CV is free. The builder applies these rules and checks your CV before you download it.
Guidance checked October 2026. 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.