How to write an effective CV to find a job abroad

If you’re thinking about working abroad, there’s one thing you absolutely need to get right: your international CV. And no, simply translating your Italian CV into English won’t cut it. Every country has its own rules, expectations, and, more importantly, its “absolute no-nos” when it comes to hiring.

Let’s break down the differences between an Italian CV and an international one, how to write a CV that recruiters abroad will love, and a few tricks to avoid getting rejected at first glance.

Italian CV vs. international CV: what’s the difference?

In Italy, the CV format is quite standardized: one page max, clear and concise (discover more here). But step outside Italy, and the rules change.

1. Photo or no photo?

One of the biggest differences is the profile picture. In Italy, it’s still common to include one (though not always mandatory). However, in many countries—like the UK, USA, and Canada—it’s best to leave it out to prevent discrimination issues. If you’re applying to an international company, skip the photo and focus on your content.

2. Nobody cares about your personal details

In Italy, we’re used to including date of birth, marital status, and full address, but abroad, this information is unnecessary. Typically, your name, email, and LinkedIn profile are enough. If location matters for the job, just mention the city.

3. What you can do matters more than where you worked

While Italian CVs tend to be a simple list of job experiences and education, international CVs focus more on skills and achievements.

For example:
❌ “Managed the company’s social media accounts.”
✅ “Increased social media engagement by 40% in six months while reducing cost per lead by 25%.”

See the difference? In an international CV, you need to show your impact with real numbers and results.

How to write a CV that works abroad

Now that we’ve covered the main differences, let’s see how to structure your CV to increase your chances of landing an interview.

1. Start with a strong professional summary

Forget the outdated “Career Objective.” Instead, open your CV with a short professional summary (3-4 lines) that clearly explains who you are, what you do, and how you can help the company.

💡 Example:
👉 Marketing specialist with 5+ years of experience in digital advertising. Skilled in PPC strategies, SEO, and brand positioning. Increased lead conversion by 30% in the last year.

Short, direct, effective.

2. Keep your CV structured, clear, and easy to read

A competitive CV must be well-organized, visually clean, and easy to scan.

A typical format looks like this:

• Header: Name, contact details, LinkedIn.
• Professional summary: A brief introduction about yourself.
• Work experience: List jobs in reverse chronological order, focusing on measurable results.
• Education and certifications: Relevant degrees and courses.
• Skills: Both hard and soft skills that match the job.

Avoid listing irrelevant hobbies or unnecessary experiences. If you want to include extra activities, make sure they are relevant to the job.

3. Optimize it for applicant tracking systems (ATS)

Many companies use ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems), which automatically filter CVs before a recruiter even sees them. To avoid being rejected immediately:
✔ Use keywords from the job description.
✔ Avoid images or tables (ATS software doesn’t read them well).
✔ Save your CV as a PDF, unless otherwise specified.

4. Adapt your CV to the country you’re applying to

There’s no such thing as a universal CV. For example:

• In Germany, recruiters expect a detailed CV with references.
• In France, they appreciate creative CVs.
• In the UK and the USA, they want clarity and measurable achievements.

Always research the local job market before applying.

Common mistakes to avoid

❌ Making your CV too long – One page is ideal, two pages max if you have extensive experience.
❌ Using poor English – If you’re not confident, get help from a native speaker or use tools like Grammarly.
❌ Not customizing your CV – Each application should be tailored to the job and company.
❌ Ignoring LinkedIn – Your LinkedIn profile should be up to date and consistent with your CV. Recruiters will check it.

Conclusion: a great CV opens doors to the world

Writing a CV for an international job isn’t just about translating it into English—it’s about adopting the right mindset. Be clear, concise, and results-oriented.

If you want to work abroad, start with a well-crafted CV and don’t forget to maintain a strong online presence. The job market is more global than ever, and opportunities are out there—you just need to be ready! 🚀