International Standards
Understand and successfully adapt application materials worldwide
Table of Contents
Professional applications take into account local standards, legal frameworks and cultural expectations.
Global Overview
What is considered professional in one country can be perceived as rude or even discriminatory in another. International applications therefore require a clear view of legal frameworks, cultural codes, and common layout standards.
This guide summarizes the main differences between European, North American, and Asia-Pacific CV formats and shows how to position your profile precisely in each region.
European Standards
Germany (DACH)
Structured and document-heavy
- Professional photo and complete contact details
- 2–3 pages, tabular, often with attached certificates
- Separate cover letters common
- Chronological presentation with quantified achievements
France
Compact and storytelling-oriented
- 1–2 pages, optionally handwritten elements
- Photo desired, language often French
- Cover letter (lettre de motivation) crucial
- Highlight diplomas and rankings
Scandinavia
Transparency and equality
- 1–2 pages, clear typography
- Gender-neutral, focus on skills
- LinkedIn profile mandatory
- Be open about salary expectations
Europass
EU-wide standardized format
- Multilingual, structured competency profiles
- Compatible with Erasmus & EU institutions
- Language and digital competencies according to CEFR/DigComp
- Recommended for cross-border applications
Americas
USA
Resume instead of CV
- Maximum 1 page (2 pages only for seniors)
- No photo, no personal data
- Achievements before duties, active voice
- Separate cover letters, references often available upon request
Canada
Similar to the USA with a bilingual focus
- English and/or French
- Emphasis on soft skills & community work
- Indigenous acknowledgements in public roles
- Equality & diversity statements common
Latin America
Traditional and personal
- Photo often required (MX, BR, AR)
- Marital status & date of birth common
- Multi-page CVs accepted
- Notarized certificates in public-sector roles
Asia-Pacific
Japan (Rirekisho)
- Standardized form, handwritten accepted
- Chronological, photo top-right, stamp
- Shibō Dōki (motivation) central
- Emphasize modesty and team fit
South Korea (Iryeokseo)
- Family information and military service
- Score-based language tests (TOEIC, TOPIK)
- Photo required, formal language
- Respect hierarchical thinking
Singapore
- 1–2 pages, ATS-compatible
- Quantified business-impact metrics
- Highlight multicultural experience
- Photo optional, but a professional headshot common
China
- Jiǎnlì with photo, political affiliation
- Mention guanxi/networks
- Team rather than individual achievements
- Mandarin version alongside English version
Global Checklist
Do's
- Know local legal requirements (photo, personal data)
- Adapt terminology (Resume, CV, Rirekisho)
- Translate achievements culturally (team vs. individual)
- Provide language versions (EN + local language)
- Synchronize LinkedIn & online profiles
Don'ts
- Use a single standard layout worldwide
- Add potentially discriminatory information unsolicited
- List certificates without context
- Ignore local forms of politeness
- Underestimate time-zone differences and feedback cycles
Adapt CV globally
Use the editor to create regional variants and export legally compliant versions.