You’ve got a killer US-style, one-page resume. You fire it off to a dozen jobs in Germany and… silence. Why? Because the European CV is a different document, serving a different purpose.
A US resume is a marketing document. An EU CV is often a compliance document, especially when it’s being used for a visa application.
When a recruitment agency, get-talent.eu in Europe reviews your file, they’re not just seeing if you can code; they’re seeing if you are visa-eligible. Your CV format is the first clue. Here are the 5 differences you must know.
1. Length: One Page vs. Two Pages
- US Resume: A-one page-limit is a strict rule for most tech roles. It’s about being concise.
- EU CV: Two pages are completely normal and often expected. For a senior role, three is acceptable. Recruiters want to see the details of your projects, your tech stack, and your full employment history.
- Visa Impact: A one-page resume can look “junior” or “incomplete” to a government case worker reviewing your Blue Card application. A detailed, two-page CV seems more professional and thorough.
2. Personal Details: Less vs. More
- US Resume: Name, email, phone, LinkedIn. That’s it. Including a photo, age, or marital status is illegal for anti-discrimination reasons.
- EU CV: This is the biggest shock. A professional headshot is common and even expected in many countries, especially jobs in Germany. It’s also standard to include:
- Nationality: This is critical. It’s the first thing a recruiter looks for to determine your visa requirements.
- Date of Birth: Common.
- Marital Status: Optional, but not unusual.
- Visa Impact: For a visa, your nationality and date of birth are required fields. Including them on the CV saves the HR person a step.
3. Photo: Absolutely Not vs. Often Yes
- US Resume: Adding a photo will get your resume thrown out.
- EU CV: As mentioned, a professional, passport-style (but friendly) headshot is standard in Germany, Spain, and many other countries. In the Nordics, UK, or Netherlands, it’s less common, but for Germany, it’s a must-do.
4. Structure: Custom vs. Standard (Europass)
- US Resume: Custom, eye-catching designs from a template are fine.
- EU CV: You’ll hear about the “Europass” CV. It’s a standardized, online template from the EU.
- The Good: It’s machine-readable, government-approved, and contains every field a visa officer needs.
- The Bad: It’s ugly, clunky, and recruiters often hate it.
- The Strategy: Have two CVs. A clean, modern 2-page PDF for your staffing agency in the EU and job applications. And a completed Europass profile ready to go, in case a government body or large, old-school company asks for it.
5. Content: Achievements vs. History
- US Resume: Focused on “action verbs” and “quantifiable achievements.” (e.g., “Increased revenue by 20%…”).
- EU CV: While achievements are good, there’s a stronger emphasis on your complete history and your technical skills. Be explicit. Don’t just say “Backend Development.” Say “Backend Development (Python, Django, PostgreSQL, AWS).” A visa officer needs to check your “qualifications” against a list. Make it easy for them.
Comparison Cheat Sheet
| Feature | US Resume | EU Tech CV |
| Length | 1 page (strict) | 2 pages (common) |
| Photo | No (Illegal) | Often Yes (Especially Germany) |
| Personal Info | Minimal (Name, Email) | Extended (Nationality, DOB) |
| Format | Custom Design | Europass (for government), 2-page PDF |
| Focus | “Achievements” | “History & Qualifications” |
Don’t let a formatting error stop you from landing your dream job. Take 30 minutes, update your CV to the EU standard, and make sure to state your nationality clearly for visa purposes.
References
- Europass (European Union): Create your Europass CV
- The Local (Germany): How to write the perfect German CV
- Zety: US Resume vs. European CV: 5+ Key Differences