Free Sample Resume

You’ll also hear this format referred to as an international CV. My colleagues seem to agree that the terms “international résumé” and “international CV” are interchangeable. If you’re applying for positions in international circles, international CV expert Miriam-Rose Kohn of JEDA Enterprises (www.jedaenterprises.com) recommends following the suggestions for the traditional chronological format. Next, she suggests fleshing out the details—more is better. Then add an “illegal” section—as in answers to questions that employers are barred from asking when you apply in the United States.

Here are a few examples of this type of information:

• Marital status: Single
• Date of birth: November 14, 1957
• Place of birth: Nice, France
• Dual citizenship: U.S.A. and France
• Passport: U.S.A. and French (both currently valid)
• Health: Excellent
• Availability: Immediate; open to travel or relocation worldwide for the right opportunity Languages: French, Italian, English (fluent), German (business fluency)

Other notables:

• Currency: Specify monetary denominations, such as U.S. dollars, by writing “US$1 billion.”
• Telephone: Because you may not know what country your potential employer is calling from, do not include an international access code because it differs slightly from country to country. Instead, when residing in the United States, list only the country code (1), your area code, and telephone number. For instance, if you were targeting jobs in Europe while living state-side, your telephone number would appear as +1-707-222-3333.
• Country: Remember to add “U.S.” to your address if you’re using an address in the States.
• Education: Different countries have different protocol on detailing education. If you’re looking for jobs in Asia, employers prefer details on education as far back as grammar school.

Points

• Shows your international business savvy by using the appropriate format.
• Allows you to take advantage of the “tell more, sell more” theory. You can offer readers a lengthy, blow-by-blow narration of your track record.

Pitfalls

• Reveals personal information you might not want employers to know.
• Sets you up for discriminatory hiring practices (if you’re not of the “right” age, ethnicity, marital status, or other persuasion).