Step-by-step English CV

English speakers expect everyone to speak their language. They are strict when receiving applications from other countries. Here's how to make a successful English CV.

1- Before writing an English CV:
Avoid direct translation from French:
Don't translate your French CV into English. This is the best way to fail to meet the requirements of English-speaking recruiters. Also pay attention to spelling and "false friends", words that look similar in both languages but have very different meanings. For example, "grandes écoles" does not translate to "high school", which means high school in English. Try to have a native speaker check your CV to ensure there are no mistakes in content or form.

UK or US style CV?
Adapt your CV to the country you are applying to, as the format varies slightly between the UK and the US (see section by section). The writing rules are also not exactly the same (dates, abbreviations and sometimes even spelling vary). For example, the British write "controlled" while Americans write "controled". If you are applying in both countries, prepare several CV templates.

Keep it concise:
As in France, your CV must be precise and concise. Recruiters spend no more than one minute per CV and will not make the effort to decipher it if it is not clear. Try not to exceed two pages.


2- The CV section by section

Personal data
In the US, in accordance with anti-discrimination measures, it is forbidden to specify your age, gender, marital status or to include a photo. Therefore, only include the essentials: name, first name, address, email, phone number (+33...). The regulations are less strict in the UK: you can, if you wish, specify your age and gender.

Professional objective (GB) or career planning (US)
English speakers don't waste time on formalities in their CVs. They get straight to the point without detours or embellishments. They state, at the top of their CV, in one or two lines, the position they aspire to. So express yourself clearly without hiding your ambitions.

Education
As in France, start with the most recent diploma and go back in time. Don't try to systematically translate your diplomas into English as there isn't always an equivalent. It is preferable to explain what they correspond to in France. For example, a DEUG will be translated as "2-year university degree".
If you are applying for a job in the US, don't dwell too long on this section. Americans are more focused on practical experience than diplomas.

Work experience
Use a chronological CV, explaining each of your experiences. Remember to present your position, your responsibilities and your company if it does not have international recognition. Americans have a strong results-oriented culture: include quantified results and give examples of your latest achievements.

Professional skills / special skills
You can indicate your IT or language skills in this section. Specify your level (mother tongue, bilingual, fluent, moderate, basic).

Miscellaneous
English-speaking recruiters are generally more attentive to this section than French recruiters. Regularly practicing a sport, an artistic activity or being involved in an association is considered revealing of your personality. So take care with this section to give a good image of yourself.

References
This section is a characteristic of English-speaking countries. The British and Americans are used to verifying their sources and it is not uncommon for a recruiter to call your former company to verify your CV. Therefore, provide the name and contact details of two or three people who can attest to your skills. This could be former employers or university professors. You can also simply say that your references are available upon request ("References available upon request").

Include a cover letter
As in France, it is advisable to include a cover letter with your CV. This is built in the same way as in France: explain what you like about the company, talk about your experience and how you envision your collaboration within the company.


3- Small Lexicon
A position in: in the field of
A position as: a position of
To carry out a work placement: to do an internship
Bac: High school diploma (US) and British A-levels (GB).
Diploma: degree
Business school: Business school
BTS: 2-year technical degree
Prépa: 2-year intensive program preparing for the national competitive exam for entry to business schools/engineering schools...
DEUG in ...: 2-year university degree in ...
Dissertation topic: dissertation
Efficiency: efficiency
Good skills, both written and oral: good skills in both written and spoken English

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See also: Writing an English CV.