Resume for jobs abroad: country formats for Indian applicants
An Indian-style resume often breaks the rules overseas. Use these country guides to see what to delete, what to add and how long to go, then build it in CV Prime.
Resume rules by country
| Country | Document | Length | Photo | Paper |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA | resume | One page for under ~10 years of experience; two pages maximum for senior roles | Do not include a photo | US Letter (8.5 × 11 in) |
| UK | CV | Two pages is standard; one page for graduates | Do not include a photo | A4 |
| Canada | resume | One to two pages | Do not include a photo | US Letter (8.5 × 11 in) |
| Australia | resume | Two to three pages is acceptable | Do not include a photo | A4 |
| UAE | CV | Two pages for most roles | A professional photo is still common practice in the Gulf; add one only if the employer or recruiter expects it | A4 |
| Germany | CV (Lebenslauf) | One to two pages, tabular and chronological | A professional photo is traditional but optional; many modern employers no longer require it | A4 |
| Singapore | resume | Two pages | Optional; many employers do not require one | A4 |
General conventions only; employers and roles vary. Always follow the instructions in the job advert.
USA format
US-style resume for Indian professionals.
Read guideUK format
UK-format CV for Indian professionals.
Read guideCanada format
Canadian-format resume for Indian professionals.
Read guideAustralia format
Australian-format resume for Indian professionals.
Read guideUAE format
Gulf-style CV for Indian professionals.
Read guideGermany format
German-style CV for Indian professionals.
Read guideSingapore format
Singapore-format resume for Indian professionals.
Read guideResume for abroad — FAQ
Can I use my Indian resume to apply for jobs abroad?
Not as-is. Remove the photo, date of birth, marital status, father’s name and declaration in most Western markets, switch the paper size where needed, and rewrite duties as measurable results.
Which countries still expect a photo on a resume?
Photos are not used in the USA, UK, Canada or Australia. They are still accepted or traditional in some Gulf and German applications, but are generally optional.
What is the difference between a CV and a resume?
In the USA and Canada a resume is the standard document and CV means an academic one. In the UK, UAE and much of Europe, CV is the everyday word for the same document. See the resume vs CV guide for more.