Writing a CV in English

Globalization means that writing a CV in English is increasingly common. It's very similar to a French CV, with a few differences. Follow the guide!

1. Personal data/details

At the top of the CV, state your name, address and phone number. In an American CV, you should avoid mentioning nationality, age and family status, due to anti-discrimination laws. A photo is not required and, as Véronique Parages, recruitment director for France-Benelux at Andersen Consulting, points out, "it's always preferable to conform to the culture of the country".

2. Professional/career objective
In two lines, describe the position you're seeking. This section can also be placed in a box at the top of the CV.

3. Education
Careful! French diplomas don't necessarily have English equivalents. You need to explain the abbreviations. A Deug: a two-year university diploma; a business school: a business school, etc.

4. Work experience
Since the 1980s, the American fashion of reverse chronology has become standard: you start with the most recent. State the company name, the position held and the dates. According to Clare Gaffney, from the career guidance department at HEC, "the content of the CV is becoming Americanized. Increasingly, results are highlighted, such as increases in turnover that you contributed to".

5. Foreign languages
Don't exaggerate your level. Showing "fluent English" means being able to lead a meeting, write and answer the phone in English.

6. Additional information/miscellaneous/interests
Only include what adds value. "In Great Britain and the United States, sport - if you practice it, of course - is important for revealing the candidate's team spirit", says Alex Alix, European advisor at ANPE internationale.

7. References
This section is an Anglo-Saxon specificity. Patrick Henshaw, in charge of recruitment at Ralph Lauren, receives English and American CVs. The former generally include references from two people who can recommend you, such as a university professor or a company director. The latter are accompanied by glowing, but often unconvincing, letters of recommendation. They nevertheless reflect an aspect of American culture where self-promotion is much more ingrained than in Europe.

Sandrine Chicaud.

Posted on December 18, 2014.

Lexpress.fr