CV Format in Europe 2026: What to Change for Germany, France, the UK and the Netherlands

You live in Europe and you are applying for a new job, perhaps in another country. Here is the first thing to know: there is no single European CV format. Length, photo, date of birth and even the language of your CV change from one country to another. Getting these small things right makes your application look careful and local. This guide covers the main differences in Germany, France, the UK and the Netherlands.

Europass or a custom CV?

Europass is the EU’s standard CV template. Use it only if the job ad asks for it. In every other case, a clean CV adapted to the country and the role usually serves you better. Whatever you choose, keep it factual, up to date and easy to read in a few seconds.

Country by country

• Germany: a tabular CV (Lebenslauf) of one to two A4 pages, with dates in a left-hand column. A photo is optional but still common, and the Bundesagentur für Arbeit says it is no longer a must. If you include one, use a neutral professional portrait. A date of birth is optional and still common. Explain gaps of more than two months. A cover letter (Anschreiben) is often expected.
• France: one page is preferred and two pages is the maximum. Sources differ on the photo: it is optional, so leave it out by default unless your sector expects one. A motivation letter is often expected.
• United Kingdom and Ireland: two A4 pages at most, no photo, no date of birth, and a short personal profile of three or four lines at the top. Employers judge what you did, not personal details.
• Netherlands: up to two pages, direct and factual. A photo is optional and not always expected for international roles.
• Austria and Switzerland: a photo is traditional and more strongly expected than in Germany.

Surveys and guides do not agree on every point, especially about photos in Germany and France. When in doubt, check the employer’s own website or ask the recruiter.

Language of your CV

For local companies and for roles that require the local language, send your CV in that language: a German Lebenslauf for German-speaking roles, a French CV for France. For international teams, English is often accepted, particularly in the Netherlands. Follow the language of the job ad.

Mistakes to avoid

• One CV for every country. Adapt length, photo and personal details each time.
• Too long. Two A4 pages is the practical maximum in most of Europe.
• Unexplained gaps. In Germany especially, add one line for gaps of more than two months.
• Inaccurate details. Employers and platforms check. Be accurate about dates, titles and languages.

Your CV and your Jobito profile are two different tools

A CV is written for one specific job. A profile on Jobito is meant to stay visible to recruiters even when you are not applying. It contains a photo and a presentation video, and it is verified (identity, interview, CV, languages). Recruiters can view verified profiles. The app is available on the App Store and Google Play. For tips on the video, read our French guide Vidéo de présentation pour recruteurs.

To be clear about the limits: Jobito does not handle visas or administrative procedures and cannot guarantee a job. The platform presents only pre-selected, verified candidates, and how often recruiters contact you depends on your occupation, your region and demand. Creating a profile is free, and the verification fee is explained in Jobito avis 2026 (in French). If you are already employed and only open to a good offer, see Vous travaillez en Europe sans chercher d’emploi ? (in French). If you work in Germany and think about changing jobs, our German article Jobwechsel in Deutschland explains notice periods.

A short checklist

1. Check the country norms for length, photo and personal details.
2. Write the CV in the language of the job ad.
3. Keep it to one or two A4 pages and explain longer gaps.
4. Create or update your Jobito profile so recruiters can find you. Our guide to the best app for finding a job abroad (in French) shows the steps.

The takeaway

A CV that follows local habits tells an employer you understand how things work there. Spend ten minutes adapting it for each country, and keep a verified profile online for the recruiters who might find you without any application at all.