A CV – or Curriculum Vitae, if we want to call it by the extended Latin expression – is something you will definitely need to have if you dream of working abroad. However, it is always important to remember that it’s not just the language that’s different in a foreign country. The job market will also be different from country to country, and that involves interviews, applications and of course CVs.

Let me give you a few examples. Here in the UK, if you put a picture on your CV, you would be seen as undermining equal opportunities laws. On the other hand, in Germany this is an essential part of your application. You are usually advised to rely on a professional photographer who specialises in CV pictures, and who is even able to advise you on the right colour tie and shirt (at first I did not believe this, then I saw a few and changed my mind, their pictures look stunning!). In Italy, it is necessary to write the following on your CV: ‘I authorize the use of my personal data under the Italian privacy law 675/96’, otherwise your application will not be processed, as you have not given your consent to use your personal details.

In Britain, recruiters usually ask for some referees, usually from 1 to three, so you need to have all their contact details, so that your prospective employer can get in touch with them. In Germany the system is different and employers require the Arbeitszeugnis, which is a reference letter that your previous employer has to write when you quit your job.

Also, remember to find a proper equivalent for your qualification and positions, or, if this is not possible, make sure to explain some of the more obscure jobs or qualifications with a short sentence. And finally, remember to check your spelling and grammar… and good luck job hunting!!!