Resume & Cover Letter for Jobs in Europe

If you’re applying for work abroad, you might be thinking you’ll need to know how to write a resume and cover letter for jobs in Europe. And you’d be right! The European job market has some different expectations than the U.S. or elsewhere. In this post, you’ll learn exactly how to adapt your application so it stands out to European employers.

Understanding the European Resume Style

• Length: In the U.S., resumes are typically one page. In Europe, two pages is completely normal, especially if you have more than five years of experience.
• Terminology: Use CV instead of resume—that’s the standard across Europe.
• Format: Chronological CVs are preferred over functional ones.
• Photos: Some countries (Germany, France, Spain) expect a photo. Others (UK, Ireland, Netherlands) do not.
• Language: Include any languages you speak (even if it’s only a little) and how fluent you are in each.
• Style: Keep it clean and professional. Avoid flashy designs unless you’re in a creative field.

What European Employers Look For

• Clarity and directness: Avoid buzzwords and fluff.
• Achievements with numbers: Show results that can be measured.
• International experience: Highlight any global projects or cross-cultural work.
• Education: Degrees and certifications should be listed clearly, with the country.
• Languages: Always include them, even if you’re not fluent.

Writing the Cover Letter

In Europe, cover letters carry more weight than they often do in the U.S. They’re your chance to connect the dots for the employer.

Your cover letter should answer:

• Why this role and company?
• Why this country?
• What skills and experiences make you the right fit?
• How will you adapt to the local culture? State your seriousness about moving and living there long term.
• What’s your visa/work authorization status if you have it. If not, I would leave it out.

Keep it one page, direct, and professional. Address a specific person when possible, and close with confidence.

The Application as a Whole

• ATS systems: Use keywords from the job description so your CV doesn’t get skipped by any software.
• LinkedIn: Recruiters in Europe use it heavily. Keep your profile updated and make sure it matches your CV.
• Attachments: Save files as PDFs with professional names (e.g., Jordan_Giberson_CV.pdf).
• Language: Double-check whether to submit in English or the local language.
• Follow-up: A polite message after 1–2 weeks shows initiative.

Updating Your Resume Step-by-Step

1. Research CV norms in your target country. There might even be a template you can snag for that country online!
2. Update personal details (location, nationality, visa status – if you have it).
3. Add a professional summary tailored to the role and your connection to the country.
4. Focus work experience on achievements, not just duties.
5. List education with country names.
6. Add technical and language skills.
7. Keep formatting simple and easy to read.

Must-Do’s vs. Mistakes to Avoid

Must-Do’s

• Tailor each CV and cover letter for the role type you are applying to.
• Always include languages.
• Proofread carefully. Get a friend to look it over for any typos you might be missing.
• Pair every CV with a cover letter unless told otherwise.
• Reach out to someone on the team—you may get insider support or even a referral.
• I’d also suggest sending a message to the hiring manager.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Using U.S.-only terms like GPA or Dean’s List.
• Sending the same generic cover letter everywhere. I’d at least fold in the company name a couple times so it feels tailored.
• Avoiding the visa/work status question. If there is a visa question in your application, be honest.

Final Tips

• Look up local CV templates before you apply.
• Leverage LinkedIn and referrals—they carry weight.
• Be patient. European hiring processes can take longer than in the U.S.
• Most importantly: show you’re adaptable and serious about working abroad.

Wrap-Up

Writing a European-style CV and cover letter isn’t about starting from scratch. It’s about adapting what you already have to meet local expectations. With the right changes, your application will stand out and help you get closer to landing a job abroad.

Want a step-by-step guide to moving abroad?
Check out Episode 80: How to Move to Another Country From America (A Step-by-Step Guide to Moving to Europe).