An International Career: Working Abroad

Should I Write a Résumé or a C.V. ?

A curriculum vita (C.V.) is a comprehensive biographical statement that emphasizes professional qualifications and activities. Often they are specifically requested in the U.S. for graduate school admission; teaching, academic, and institutional research positions; and high level administrative positions. In some countries, a C.V. is common and required (sample international C.V.) In the U.S., a résumé is commonly required. A résumé is a summary of interests, skills, abilities, educational qualifications, and work experience in a simple and well-organized form. Most recent college graduates write a résumé for job search.

There are major differences between writing résumés in the U.S. and in other countries.

U.S. résumés are concise, have summarized educational and work experience, and do not include personal information such as race or gender. They are typically one to two pages long. 

International résumés, in general, are more detailed. They can include categories such as race, gender, marital status, age, and religion. They also require detailed profiles of academic and work experience. Many are two or more pages. 

Cover Letter:

A cover letter always accompanies a mailed résumé and is useful in describing your situation to an employer. In a cover letter you may want to include your interest in working for an international company or in a particular country. You may also include languages you speak and your travel experiences.

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