CV conventions in France & francophone Europe

These 3 countries follow broadly the same CV conventions: a photo is optional, date of birth is optional, 1–2 pages, and referees are left off. The table below shows where individual countries differ.

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At a glance

CV conventions in France & francophone Europe
What it is called	CV (usually written in French or English)
Length	1 page for under ~10 years’ experience, 2 maximum
Paper size	A4
Layout	Two columns (side column for skills)
Order	Most recent first
Dates	Month and year (e.g. Mar 2023)
Photo	Optional
Date of birth	Optional
Nationality	Optional
Marital status	Optional
Right to work / visa status	Optional
References	Leave referees off the CV; have a list ready
Explain gaps longer than	6 months

Tips

Put the job title you are targeting at the top (titre du CV).
One page is expected early in a career; recruiters skim quickly.
A photo is optional and less common than it used to be.
The “Centres d’intérêt” section is read; keep it specific.

Countries in this group

Country	Called	Usual language	Paper	Local differences
France	CV	French	A4
Luxembourg	CV	French	A4	Luxembourg: CVs in French, German or English are all common; list your languages carefully.
Monaco	CV	French	A4

Other regions

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.