How to create a successful english CV

With globalization, companies are increasingly opening up to the international market. As for students, they are also more and more interested in these sectors : International trade, tourism, diplomacy, digital marketing, but also foreign languages.

International openness goes hand in hand with a much greater presence of the English language in the professional environment. 

Our mother tongue, if it is the only language spoken, is unfortunately no longer sufficient in many sectors. To cope with this, young professionals and students must attest a certain level of foreign language, and this starts with the CV.  

Whether you are applying for an internship abroad, an international mobility  or for an unsolicited application abroad, it is essential that your English CV is ready. 

To write a good English CV, it is not enough to only translate it from French, it is also necessary to take into consideration a number of factors. This article will provide tips on how to create a successful English CV. 

Here are some tips to create your CV

1. Use the right terms and avoid false friends
2. Place the information correctly 
3. Present your academic, professional and personal background: the most synthetically possible
4. Show experience in the Anglo-Saxon culture: trips, diplomas, language certifications, language stays
5. Add a section dedicated to professional and personal skills  
6. Know how to highlight your language skills 
7. Add a “Miscellaneous” or “Other Information” section
8. Think about letters of recommendation 

Our tips :

1. Have an English speaker proofread your text 
2. Follow the chronological order, from the most recent to the oldest  
3. Use a simple and short writing style
4. Create or update your profile on LinkedIn 

Headings and sections to put on a CV in English and how to structure it

1. Personal details

– Name and Surname 

– Address

– Phone number

– Email 

2. Profile

– Write a brief paragraph to introduce yourself and your project. The recruiter must understand why you are applying. 

3. Professional experience

– Write down all your professional experiences, the places you have worked, the dates, and then add a few words about how your work has contributed to the development of the company 

4. Education and qualifications

– List all your degrees, certifications and levels of education in this section 

5. Skills

– List all your professional, personal, language, computer, writing skills, etc. 

6. Miscellaneous / Other Information

– In this section you must fill in all relevant additional information 

7. References

– Write here your references and recommendations

First and foremost, it is important to understand that there are major differences when writing your CV in French and in English. For example, unlike the French CV, you do not have to fill in your personal information on your English CV. Your date of birth and marital status should not appear in the personal information section. 

Indeed, these are just details, but they will prove that you know how to master and adapt to the English-speaking world. To increase your chances of getting your CV right before sending it to a company, have it checked by someone who speaks English fluently, and even better, by someone who has lived and had work experience in an English-speaking country. 

If you are looking for an internship in an English-speaking country, the Mobi Trainee team can help you. Please send your CV to contact@mobitrainee.com