You've found a dream job in Berlin. Or Paris. Or somewhere in the EU.
Now you're staring at your resume wondering: Do I need this "Europass" thing everyone talks about? Will a normal CV work? What even is a CV in Europe?
Here's the uncomfortable truth: there's no single "European CV format." Europe is 40+ countries with different expectations, different norms, and different ideas about what makes a good application.
But don't panic. I'll break down exactly what you need to know.
TL;DR
- Europass = standardised EU template (useful for specific contexts)
- Use Europass for: EU institutions, public sector, academic grants
- Skip Europass for: private sector, competitive industries, creative roles
- Photos expected in: Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Southern Europe
- Photos avoided in: UK, Ireland, Scandinavia (mostly)
- Create your European-ready CV →
What Is the Europass CV?
Europass website visits
9.5 million accounts created. It's a widely used platform — but not always the right choice.
Source: European Commission, 2024
The Europass CV is a standardised curriculum vitae template created by the European Union. It was designed to:
- Make qualifications comparable across EU countries
- Simplify cross-border applications
- Help employers understand foreign credentials
Key Features
- Standardised sections: Personal info, experience, education, skills, languages
- CEFR language levels: Uses the Common European Framework (A1-C2)
- No personal statement: Traditionally skips the profile/summary section
- Comprehensive format: Results in longer documents (3+ pages typical)
- Free online tool: Available at europa.eu/europass
What It Looks Like
┌─────────────────────────────────────┐ │ PERSONAL INFORMATION │ │ (Photo optional, Contact, Address) │ ├─────────────────────────────────────┤ │ WORK EXPERIENCE │ │ (Detailed entries) │ ├─────────────────────────────────────┤ │ EDUCATION AND TRAINING │ │ (Qualifications, courses) │ ├─────────────────────────────────────┤ │ PERSONAL SKILLS │ │ (Languages, Digital, etc.) │ ├─────────────────────────────────────┤ │ ADDITIONAL INFORMATION │ │ (Publications, Projects, etc.) │ └─────────────────────────────────────┘
When to Use Europass (Yes, Really)
Despite its reputation for being boring, Europass is genuinely useful in these contexts:
Use Europass For
- EU institutions (European Commission, Parliament, agencies)
- Public sector positions across EU member states
- Government grants and tenders — often required
- Erasmus+ and EU academic programs
- Applications where it's explicitly requested
- Entry-level roles when you lack design skills
- Southern/Eastern Europe where it has higher acceptance
If the job posting says "Please submit a Europass CV," use it. Don't try to be clever.
When to Skip Europass (Most of the Time)
Avoid Europass For
- Private sector jobs — especially at competitive companies
- Tech, startups, and creative industries
- Senior executive positions — you need to stand out
- UK applications — rarely expected
- Anywhere design and differentiation matter
Why?
When I see a Europass CV for a product designer role, I assume they didn't put much effort into the application. We want to see creativity, not a government template.
Europass prioritises standardisation over differentiation. In competitive job markets, that's a disadvantage.
Europass Pros
- Universally understood structure
- No design skills needed
- Language skills clearly formatted (CEFR)
- Works for cross-border applications
- ATS-friendly (simple format)
Europass Cons
- Looks generic — everyone has the same template
- Limited room for personal branding
- Often results in overly long documents
- Seen as 'basic' in competitive industries
- No personal statement/profile section
The Alternative: A Modern European CV
For most private sector applications, you're better off with a tailored CV that follows European norms but allows differentiation.
Standard European CV Structure
┌─────────────────────────────────────┐ │ HEADER │ │ (Name, Contact, LinkedIn, Photo?) │ ├─────────────────────────────────────┤ │ PROFESSIONAL PROFILE │ │ (3-4 sentences, targeted) │ ├─────────────────────────────────────┤ │ WORK EXPERIENCE │ │ (Reverse chronological, detailed) │ ├─────────────────────────────────────┤ │ EDUCATION │ │ (Degrees, certifications) │ ├─────────────────────────────────────┤ │ SKILLS │ │ (Technical, languages, tools) │ ├─────────────────────────────────────┤ │ ADDITIONAL │ │ (Languages, interests if relevant) │ └─────────────────────────────────────┘
Key Differences from Europass
- Includes a profile statement — Your 6-second pitch
- More flexible layout — Design can match your industry
- Shorter — 2 pages is ideal
- Customisable — Tailored to each application
- Room for personality — While staying professional
Country-Specific Variations
Europe isn't monolithic. Here's what varies by region:
Germany, Austria, Switzerland (DACH)
| Element | Expectation |
|---|---|
| Photo | Expected (professional headshot) |
| Length | 2 pages, detailed |
| Language | German preferred, English accepted for international roles |
| Format | Conservative, formal |
| Special | "Lebenslauf" format with timeline is common |
France
| Element | Expectation |
|---|---|
| Photo | Common but becoming optional |
| Length | 1-2 pages |
| Language | French required for most roles |
| Format | Clean, professional, attention to aesthetics |
| Special | Include age/date of birth (though declining) |
UK & Ireland
| Element | Expectation |
|---|---|
| Photo | Not expected (discrimination concerns) |
| Length | 2 pages maximum |
| Language | English (check British vs. American spelling) |
| Format | Flexible, achievement-focused |
| Special | Personal statement expected |
Scandinavia (Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland)
| Element | Expectation |
|---|---|
| Photo | Generally not included |
| Length | 1-2 pages |
| Language | English widely accepted, local languages valued |
| Format | Modern, clean, sometimes creative |
| Special | Flat hierarchy = focus on collaboration skills |
Southern Europe (Spain, Italy, Portugal, Greece)
| Element | Expectation |
|---|---|
| Photo | Often expected |
| Length | 2-3 pages acceptable |
| Language | Local language typically required |
| Format | Europass more common than elsewhere |
| Special | Personal details more common (age, nationality) |
The Photo Question
This is the most confusing part for international applicants.
Countries Where Photos Are Common
- Germany ✓
- Austria ✓
- Switzerland ✓
- France ✓ (declining)
- Spain ✓
- Italy ✓
- Portugal ✓
- Belgium ✓
Countries Where Photos Are Uncommon
- United Kingdom ✗
- Ireland ✗
- Netherlands ✗ (usually)
- Sweden ✗
- Norway ✗
- Denmark ✗
- Finland ✗
Photo Guidelines (If Including)
- Professional headshot (not a selfie)
- Neutral background
- Business attire appropriate to industry
- Friendly but professional expression
- Recent photo (within 2 years)
- Size: approximately 35mm x 45mm (passport-style)
Language Skills: The CEFR Framework
All European CVs should use the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for language proficiency:
| Level | Description |
|---|---|
| A1 | Beginner — Basic phrases |
| A2 | Elementary — Simple interactions |
| B1 | Intermediate — Independent use |
| B2 | Upper-Intermediate — Complex texts, fluent conversation |
| C1 | Advanced — Nuanced language, professional proficiency |
| C2 | Mastery — Near-native fluency |
Example
Languages
- English: C2 (Native)
- German: B2 (Upper-Intermediate)
- French: A2 (Elementary)
Pro Tip
If you're uncertain of your level, take a quick placement test online. Many are free and give you a CEFR estimate. Use our Skills Finder to discover additional skills to highlight.
Creating a Europass CV (If Needed)
If you're applying somewhere that requires Europass:
- 1
Go to europa.eu/europass
Access the official EU Europass portal.
- 2
Create an account
Free registration, helps save your progress.
- 3
Fill in sections
Personal info, experience, education, skills, languages.
- 4
Use CEFR for languages
The portal guides you through the self-assessment.
- 5
Download as PDF
Export in your preferred language(s).
Europass Tips
- Be comprehensive but concise
- Use the exact format — don't modify the template
- Check that your exported PDF is text-searchable
- Keep a master version you can update
European CV Checklist
Before Submitting Your European CV
- Europass used only when required/appropriate
- Length is 2 pages (or industry-appropriate)
- Photo included if expected in target country
- Language skills use CEFR levels
- Local language or English used based on role
- Spelling matches target country (UK vs US English)
- A4 paper format (not US Letter)
- Personal profile/summary included (non-Europass)
- Work experience shows achievements, not just duties
- Contact information includes country code for phone
Your Move
The European job market is diverse — and your CV strategy should be too.
For EU institutions and public sector: Europass works.
For everything else: create a tailored, professional CV that follows European norms while letting your personality and achievements shine through.
Build your European-ready CV
Our AI Resume Builder creates properly formatted CVs for the European job market. Customise for any country, export in multiple formats.
Create My CVRelated Resources
- UK CV Format Guide — Specific guidance for British applications
- Australian Resume Format — Another English-speaking market
- Expat Resume Guide — For international job seekers
- Resume Summary Generator — Create compelling profile statements
- Bullet Point Generator — Write achievement-focused experience bullets
- Keyword Scanner — Match your CV to job descriptions
- Resume Templates — A4-formatted, European-style designs
- Resume Examples — See proper European formatting in context
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Europass CV required for EU job applications?
No, it's not required for most private sector jobs. Europass is mainly expected for EU institutions, public sector roles, academic grants, and some government positions. Private companies usually prefer tailored CVs.
Should I include a photo on my European CV?
It depends on the country. Photos are common in Germany, Austria, Switzerland (DACH region), France, and Southern Europe. They're less common in the UK, Ireland, and Scandinavian countries. Research your target country.
How long should a European CV be?
Typically 2 pages for most roles. Academic CVs can be longer. The Europass template often results in 3+ pages due to its comprehensive format.
What's the difference between Europass and a regular CV?
Europass is a standardized EU template designed for cross-border recognition. Regular CVs allow more flexibility in design and content. Europass is rigid but universally understood; custom CVs let you stand out.
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