How to write a French CV: A Complete Guide 

Key takeaways

• A French CV follows strict conventions and should be rewritten, not translated, from an English resume.
• One page is standard, with a clear structure, reverse chronological order, and concise bullet points.
• French recruiters expect a neutral, factual tone that highlights responsibilities, skills, and results.
• Formatting, language accuracy, and consistency play a major role in first impressions.

A French CV follows clear rules that often surprise learners used to English-language resumes. If you apply for jobs, internships, or studies in France or French-speaking countries, adapting your CV is essential. A document that works well in English may feel confusing, incomplete, or even inappropriate to French recruiters. 

This guide is for job seekers, students, and professionals who need to write a CV in French and want to do it properly. I’ll walk you through structure, formatting, and wording, with practical examples and cultural tips. 

All the advice here comes from my experience teaching French for Business and helping learners adapt their CVs for the French job market. 

Prefer to jump straight in? Find a French tutor to get personalized feedback on your CV and prepare for French job interviews.

What makes a French CV different 

A French CV is not just a translated English resume. It follows its own conventions. Here are the main differences learners notice: 

• Length: A French CV is usually one page. Two pages are acceptable for experienced professionals, but only when relevant. 

• Tone: French CVs are factual and structured. They focus on responsibilities, skills, and results rather than self-promotion. 

• Structure: Recruiters expect a clear, logical layout, usually in reverse chronological order. 

Adapting your CV matters because French recruiters are very familiar with this format. A CV that doesn’t follow local expectations can be rejected quickly, even if your profile is strong. 

Standard structure of a French CV 

French recruiters expect a CV that is clear, structured, and easy to scan. Information should be organised in distinct sections, usually in reverse chronological order, with concise bullet points rather than paragraphs. 

Some sections are considered essential, such as personal details, professional experience, education, and skills. Others, like interests or volunteer work, are optional and should only be included if they add value to your application. 

Consistency matters: dates, formatting, and spacing should be uniform throughout the document. A well-structured CV signals professionalism and attention to detail. 

The table below summarises the standard sections of a French CV and what each one typically includes.

Section	What it includes
Personal details	Name, contact details, availability, optional photo
Professional profile	Short summary of your background
Work experience	Roles, companies, responsibilities
Education	Degrees, institutions, dates
Skills	Technical and soft skills
Languages	Language proficiency levels
Additional sections	Certifications, interests, volunteer work

How to write each section of a French CV 

Personal details 

Include: 

• Full name 
• Phone number (with country code) 
• Professional email address 
• City and country 

A professional photo is common but not mandatory. If you include one, keep it simple and professional. 

Example: 

• Martin Dupont 
• Paris, France 
• +33123456789 
• Disponible immédiatement 

These details are factual and concise, which is what French recruiters expect.

Professional experience 

This section is central. Use reverse chronological order and focus on key responsibilities and achievements. 

Example: 

• 2010-2017 
• Commercial spécialisé 
• Lyon, France 
• Gérer un portefeuille clients (Manage a client portfolio)
• Coordonner une équipe de cinq personnes (Coordinate a team of five people )

Use bullet points and action verbs. Avoid long paragraphs. 

Education 

Education is important, especially for students and recent graduates. 

Include: 

• Degree name 
• Institution 
• Dates 
• Relevant academic achievements 

Example: 

• Master en marketing – Université de Lyon 
• Mention bien 

Mentions (très bien, bien, assez bien) come from the French grading system and can be included if relevant. 

Skills and languages 

Separate technical skills from soft skills when possible. 

Skills examples: 

• Compétences informatiques : Excel, CRM, outils de gestion de projet 
• Compétences relationnelles : communication, travail en équipe 

Languages: 

• Français : C1 
• Anglais : langue maternelle 

Using the Common European Framework (A2–C2) is standard for language proficiency.

Additional sections 

Optional sections include: 

• Certifications 
• Volunteer work 
• Interests 

These can help humanise your profile, but only include them if they add value. Example:

• Bénévolat : accompagnement scolaire 

Formatting and layout tips for a French CV 

Presentation matters as much as content. 

• One page is ideal for most profiles 
• Use a professional font 
• Clear headings and line spacing 
• Bullet points instead of paragraphs 
• No colours that distract from content 

A clean, readable layout creates a strong first impression. 

Before sending your CV, have a French Business tutor review your language. Small grammar or phrasing mistakes can hurt your chances. italki tutors can review your CV and help you prepare for interviews in French. 

French CV examples and templates 

Different profiles require different strategies. 

For recent graduates: 

• Emphasize education first 
• Include internships (stages) 
• Highlight academic projects 
• Include relevant coursework 

For experienced professionals: 

• Lead with experience 
• Quantify achievements where possible 
• Focus on last 10-15 years 
• Education section can be brief

Career changers: 

• Emphasize transferable skills 
• Include relevant training/certifications 
• Explain career evolution briefly 

There is no single perfect French CV template. The best CV is adapted to the job description and the company. 

Common mistakes learners make when writing a French CV

Here are some mistakes that I see frequently in lessons: 

Common mistake	Better approach
Translating an English CV word for word	Rewrite using French conventions
Writing full paragraphs	Use concise bullet points
Overloading the CV	Focus on most relevant skills
Informal language	Keep tone neutral and professional

A French CV values clarity and relevance over creativity. 

How a French tutor can help improve your CV

Working with a tutor helps you go beyond templates. 

A French tutor can: 

• Review wording and tone 
• Adapt your CV to a specific role or industry 
• Improve clarity and accuracy 
• Prepare you for interviewing in French

Many learners choose to learn French online to improve their professional language skills. For job-related goals, working with French Business tutors can help you adapt your CV to French employer expectations and prepare confidently for the hiring process. 

Wrapping up

Writing a strong French CV requires more than translation. It involves understanding structure, tone, and cultural expectations. 

By adapting your layout, choosing the right vocabulary, and reviewing each section carefully, you can create a CV that feels natural to French recruiters. Taking the time to refine your CV also builds confidence for interviews and professional communication. 

For personalised feedback, working with a French tutor online can help you refine your CV and feel more comfortable using professional French throughout the hiring process. 

FAQ 

What is a CV called in France? 

In France, it is called a CV or curriculum vitae. The term resume is not used. 

How many pages is a French CV? 

One page is standard. Two pages are acceptable only for experienced professionals with 10+ years of relevant experience.

Do French CVs need a photo? 

A photo is common but not mandatory. If included, it should look professional. 

What is the difference between a French CV and an American resume?

A French CV is usually one page, factual, and structured, often including personal details and sometimes a photo. An American resume can be longer, more promotional, and emphasizes achievements. Simply translating a resume won’t match French expectations.