Create a Standout CV with the European Resume Format in 2025

Looking to apply for a job in Europe? Whether you’re eyeing a role in Germany, France, the Netherlands, or anywhere across the EU, understanding the European resume format is essential. Unlike American-style resumes, the European version—often referred to as the Europass CV—follows a standardized structure that ensures consistency, transparency, and fairness across EU member states.

The format is especially popular for academic roles, internships, multilingual jobs, and positions in EU institutions. It allows recruiters to easily compare applicants from different countries using the same structure. So, if you're planning to make a mark in the European job market, this format is your best ally.

Here’s everything you need to craft an impressive CV using the European style, along with a full resume sample tailored to meet the standard.

SAMPLE EUROPEAN RESUME FORMAT

PERSONAL INFORMATION
Name: Jane Doe
Address: 123 Maple Street, Berlin, Germany, 10115
Phone: +49 123 456 7890
Email: jane.doe@examplemail.com
Date of Birth: 15 March 1990
Nationality: French

JOB APPLIED FOR
Marketing and Communications Manager

WORK EXPERIENCE
March 2020 – Present
Marketing Manager
GreenTech Innovations, Berlin, Germany

Developed and executed digital marketing campaigns across 5 EU countries

Led a team of 6 marketing professionals to achieve a 30% increase in online engagement

Managed €250,000 annual marketing budget and negotiated vendor contracts

July 2016 – February 2020
Communications Specialist
EcoWave Europe, Paris, France

Oversaw internal and external communication strategies

Collaborated with design and product teams to launch 4 product campaigns

Organized and represented the brand at 10+ trade exhibitions across Europe

EDUCATION AND TRAINING
2014 – 2016
Master’s Degree in International Marketing
University of Lyon, France

2011 – 2014
Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration
Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, France

PERSONAL SKILLS
Mother tongue(s): French
Other language(s):

English (Fluent – C1)

German (Intermediate – B1)

Communication Skills:

Excellent written and verbal communication across multiple languages

Experienced public speaker at European conferences

Organisational / Managerial Skills:

Leadership experience managing multicultural teams

Skilled in coordinating international marketing strategies

Digital Skills:

Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign)

Google Analytics, Mailchimp, HubSpot

Driving Licence:
Category B

RESUME WRITING TIPS FOR EUROPEAN JOBS

Stick to the structure: European recruiters expect a consistent format. Stick to the Europass structure unless the job post says otherwise.

Be concise but detailed: Provide quantifiable achievements (e.g., “led a team of 6,” “boosted traffic by 40%”) while keeping it within 1–2 pages.

Include language proficiency: In Europe, multilingual abilities are highly valued, so clearly list languages and CEFR levels (A1–C2).

Customize your CV: Tailor it to the specific country’s expectations—for instance, including a photo is common in Germany but not in the UK.

Avoid buzzwords: European employers prefer clarity over fluff. Use precise, honest, and relevant descriptors.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT EUROPEAN RESUME FORMAT

1. Do I need to use the Europass CV template for European jobs?
Not necessarily. While the Europass CV is widely accepted and recommended for EU institutions and international roles, many private companies in Europe accept customized CVs as long as they follow the core structure.

2. Should I include a photo on a European CV?
It depends on the country. In Germany, Austria, and France, including a professional photo is common. In the UK or Netherlands, it may be discouraged due to anti-discrimination practices.

3. How long should a European CV be?
Generally, 1–2 pages. Academic or research roles may require longer CVs. However, clarity and relevance are more important than length.

4. What’s the best way to show language skills?
Use the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) levels, such as A2, B1, or C1, to give a standardized assessment of your proficiency.