How To Optimise CV Layouts for International Applications (EU, US, APAC)

In 2025, nearly three-quarters (72%) of UK-based 18-to-30-year-olds would consider applying for a job abroad.

If you are currently considering an international career move, it’s important to remember that CV and cover letter content requirements will vary from country to country.

Not only will you need to tailor your application to the role and company you’re applying for, but you’ll also have to adapt the format, presentation, and structure of your CV based on your chosen country’s specific requirements.

With this in mind, we’ve put together a guide on how to optimise your CV layout for international applications in the EU, US and APAC. 

Regional CV Standards & Expectations

Each and every country has their own set of CV/resume expectations. From language and layout considerations to niche inclusions such as a photo, DOB or specific focus points, it’s your job to ensure that your application ticks every box for an international employer.

We’ve put together a list of regional CV standards and expectations to follow when designing your own international job application.

European CVs

The easiest format to adapt when applying for an international role as a UK worker is the classic Europass CV layout.

A Europass CV is a format promoted by the European Union which aims to help job seekers across Europe present their skills and experience consistently from country to country across the continent.

Let’s have a closer look at the key requirements needed to meet the Europass layout guidelines:

• Structure: A Europass CV is designed to be clear and concise, offering employers detailed sections on work experience, education, skills (including language skills), and personal information such as your DOB. 

• Font: Europass CVs favour consistent font sizes and spacing.

• Layout: Europass CVs follow a reverse chronological order layout for both work experience and education. This means that you’ll arrange your past experiences from most recent to oldest. 

• Language: When creating a Europass-style CV, opt for plain, direct language that avoids jargon. EU employers love action verbs like "achieved," "designed," "implemented," and "led". Include these in your skills and work experience sections for the most impact. 

• Typical inclusions: Photo, DOB (still common in some EU countries) and references if specifically requested by the employer.

How does the Europass format differ from UK CVs?

In the UK, CVs are generally shorter and confined to one to two pages. In many European countries, longer formats are acceptable if skills and experience are relevant to the role. Another key difference between UK and EU style CVs is the inclusion of personal information such as your DOB. In the UK, this information is typically omitted in line with the equal opportunities legislation.

US CVs (Resumes)

In 2023, research revealed that the US was one of the most popular countries for work-based relocation.

If you’re applying for a role in the US, it’s time to turn your CV into a resume. In the United States, a short-form resume is typically submitted for most positions, while a longer-form CV is reserved for research-based positions and medical fields.

Let’s have a closer look at the key requirements needed to meet the US layout guidelines:

• Structure: A US resume is designed to emphasise your skills, achievements and relevant experience. Spanning over no more than one page, the structure is concise. While most US companies allow you to experiment with your resume structure, all should include a professional summary at the top of the page, highlighting your most relevant skills, experience, and career objectives.

• Layout: A US resume layout requires you to list your previous jobs in reverse chronological order, including job title, company name, and dates of employment. You can also add a few bullet points under these to detail your responsibilities and specific achievements related to your role.

• Font: US resumes also favour consistent font sizes and spacing. Use a clear font, such as Arial or Calibri, in a size of 14-16 for your headings and 10-12 for your text. For ultimate success, also opt for 1.15 spacing.

• Language: Focus on brevity and impact when writing your US resume. With so little room for explanation, ensure that your language is direct and to the point. Don’t forget to include numerical statistics as well, especially when applying for a corporate role. 

• Typical inclusions: Following a similar approach to the UK, US resumes do not require information such as your age, nationality, or marital status. Consider adding sections for volunteer work, awards and certifications if you deem them relevant to the role.

How does the US resume format differ from UK CVs?

There are not too many differences between a US resume and a traditional UK CV format. However, the US resume is usually shorter than a CV, spanning just one page, rather than two. Therefore, it’s likely that you’ll have to shorten your current CV before applying to a role in the US.

To ensure your CV still contains all of the key information without being too long for US recruiters, we recommend designing a resume website. By using a ready-made template, you’ll know exactly how to format each section and how much information it should contain.

APAC CVs

CVs in the Asia Pacific vary widely across countries. APAC CVs tend to be much longer, especially for senior roles, and depending on the sector you’re applying to, your CV may be more experience or education-heavy.

If you’re applying for a job in Japan, China, India, or another APAC region, here are some of the requirements needed to meet APAC guidelines.

• Structure: APAC countries value education; therefore, these sections tend to be more emphasised in a CV for China, Japan, South Korea, and India. An APAC CV must include a detailed education history, working history and skills section, alongside a personal information section at the top. A photograph and basic biographical data (gender, nationality, DOB) are also included, particularly in Japan, China, Indonesia, and Thailand.

• Font: APAC CVs favour a professional and easy-to-read font such as Calibri, Arial, SimSun (China) and MS Gothic (Japan).

• Layout: For the most part, a functional layout is preferred in an APAC CV, particularly in conservative job markets such as Japan and South Korea. APAC countries also favour long-form sentences over bullet points when describing past work experiences and detailing skill sets.

• Language: When creating a CV for an APAC country, you are expected to write in the local language, especially if you’re applying for a customer-facing role. However, if you’re applying for a multinational position in one of the larger business hubs, such as Japan and China, English is still widely accepted. 

• Typical inclusions: In Japan, Thailand and China, you must attach or include a photo of yourself to your CV. Many APAC countries also require you to include all certifications and training relevant to the role. To make sure your application meets the requirements of the company you are applying to, don’t forget to check out the specific country’s set of must-haves for a winning CV.

How does the APAC CV format differ from UK CVs?

There are plenty of differences between an APAC CV format and a traditional UK CV. When applying for a role in an APAC country, we’d recommend creating a new CV tailored to a specific country’s entry requirements. 

How to Tailor Your Layout Strategically

There are so many ways you can reinforce your CV layout to strategically target international job applications.

Here are some of the factors to think about when crafting an international CV:

• Concise vs comprehensive?

• Chronological layout vs functional layout 

• Personal information in vs personal information out

• ATS optimisation

With these questions in mind, let’s take a deeper dive into how you can choose the best layout for your international application:

Concise vs. Comprehensive

All employers expect to receive a CV or resume that is clear and easy to read. However, the desired length of your CV can vary from country to country.

Making Your CV More Concise:

If you’re applying for a US role, you’ll need to create a resume that covers no more than a page. Here are some easy ways to cut down your content and stay under the limit:

• Opt for bullet points: The easiest way to cut down a lengthy work experience section is to turn long paragraphs into bullet points detailing your most important responsibilities and skills relevant to your new role.

• Use actionable language: Ditch over-complicated jargon. Instead, write short, sharp sentences that use action words such as ‘led’ and ‘managed’.

• Optimise your layout: There are plenty of ways to use a page. There's no rule in the book that says all content must flow in one block. Why not try mixing up your layout and displaying your skills to the side? You can also replace proficiency levels, achievements and certifications with icons and graphics to save space.

Making Your CV More Comprehensive

If you need to make your CV more comprehensive for an APAC-style application, there are a few ways you can lengthen each section to provide more information for your potential employer:

• Include targeted content: Really think about the job description and the company you’re applying for. With that in mind, include tailored examples of your responsibilities from previous roles as well as skills and achievements that directly relate to the role you’re applying for.

• Open up your education section: For many APAC applications, you’ll have to list your education history extensively. In order to make your CV more comprehensive, try to open up your education section and expand on your final grade. What relevant skills did you learn in each of your subjects? How can they be applied to your new role? 

Personal Information: To Include or Not to Include?

You should always include key contact details, such as your name, email address, and phone number, in all CVs and resumes.

However, some employers require more information, depending on the country’s unique legislation.

If you’re a flexible or part-time worker, some international companies may also ask you to include this in your CV alongside how many hours you’re prepared to work per week. This is because part-time hours can vary significantly from country to country.

Chronological vs Functional

Listing relevant work experience is a common requirement of every CV. However, the way you list your previous work history depends on the country you’re applying for a position in.

Most Western countries, including the UK and the US, favour a reverse chronological order, meaning that you display your working history from most recent to oldest.

However, some Asian markets prefer a skills-based approach. This means that you’ll list your skills and education first, before proceeding to discuss your working journey from start to finish.

Optimising for ATS

The US, UK, and some of the largest business hubs, such as China and Japan, have all begun to use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to manage and streamline their hiring processes.

ATS software is powered by AI and is used to screen CVs, saving recruiters time and effort spent sifting through each candidate.

AI-powered candidate screens can identify target keywords, skills, and experiences relevant to the role the company is hiring for.

With nearly 60% of businesses planning to increase AI investments in 2025, it’s vital to make sure that your CV is optimised for an AI-aided recruitment process.

Here are a few tips to remember when creating an ATS-friendly CV:

• Use a standard layout that is clean and clear

• Opt for easy-to-read fonts such as Arial or Calibri

• Avoid placing important information in headers and footers 

• Use common section headings, such as "Work Experience," "Education," and "Skills" 

• Prioritise a reverse chronological layout for optimised screening

If you want to be sure that your CV meets the ATS guidelines, why not use an ATS-friendly template to get you started?

Final Proof

Before you send off your international application, we’d always recommend proofing your CV one last time.

• Have you double-checked spelling, grammar, and punctuation?

• Have you asked someone from the relevant region to review your CV if possible?

Once you’re confident with your application, it’s time to send it overseas with your fingers crossed.