7 minutes reading time
Specific Requirements for Applications
How to adapt your CV to country, industry, and culture
International
Culture
Industries
Table of contents
What is considered professional in Germany can quickly seem overloaded in the USA — and in Japan handwritten elements may be absent. Those who want to impress globally tailor their documents specifically to country, industry and culture.
Country-specific Differences
DACH
Photo, personal data, detailed education, signature
Anglo-American region
No photo, no personal data, focus on achievements, concise style
East Asia
Formal language, specific forms (e.g. Rirekisho), extensive personal information, observe hierarchy
Industry-specific Requirements
Creative
Portfolio, visual design, storytelling
Finance
Conservative layout, numbers & metrics, compliance
Tech
Skills matrix, GitHub/Stack Overflow, projects & impact
Cultural Aspects
- Self-presentation: USA expects self-confidence, Asia expects modesty
- Communication style: direct vs. indirect wording depending on the region
- Hierarchy: titles and seniority vary in prominence
- Formality: from very casual (startups) to highly formal (public authorities)
Practical Implementation
Checklist
- Research target country & industry
- Choose appropriate format/layout
- Localize terminology and tone
- Have a native speaker or expert proofread
Common mistakes
- Using one format for all applications
- Ignoring cultural differences
- Translating directly instead of adapting
- Lack of research on required information