CV vs. Resume: What's the Difference for French Job Seekers?

Applying for jobs in France and wondering whether you need a CV or a resume? It’s a common question, especially if you’ve looked for jobs internationally. Let’s clear up the confusion so you can confidently submit the right document to French employers.

Understanding the Global Terms: CV vs. Resume

First, let’s quickly define the terms as they’re often understood globally:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV): Latin for “course of life.” Traditionally, a CV is a long, comprehensive document detailing your entire academic and professional history. It includes publications, conferences, research, detailed course descriptions, etc. These are often used in academia, science, or medicine and can be many pages long.
• Resume: A French word meaning “summary.” In places like the US and Canada, a resume is a short, concise document (usually 1-2 pages) tailored specifically to the job you’re applying for. It highlights relevant skills and experiences.

The French Approach: It’s All About the “CV”

Here’s the crucial part for job seekers in France: French employers almost exclusively use and expect a “CV”.

However, and this is key, the French “CV” is not the long, academic document described above. Instead, what French recruiters call a “CV” functions exactly like the concise, tailored North American “Resume”.

So, when a French job posting asks for a CV, they want:

• Conciseness: Aim for one page, two pages maximum only if you have extensive, highly relevant experience.
• Tailoring: Customize it for each job application, highlighting the skills and experiences most relevant to that specific role.
• Key Sections: Include your contact details (Coordonnées), a brief professional summary or objective (Profil/Objectif Professionnel), work experience (Expérience Professionnelle), education (Formation), and skills (Compétences - including languages and technical skills). Optional sections like interests (Centres d’intérêt) can be included if relevant.

In short: Use the term “CV”, but create a document that is short, targeted, and focused on the specific job – just like a resume.

Why the Confusion?

It’s simply a difference in terminology evolution. While other countries adopted “resume” for the shorter format, France stuck with “CV” but adapted its meaning in the professional context. The mistake isn’t using the term “CV”; it’s submitting a lengthy, untailored academic-style CV when a concise, job-focused one is needed.

How to Create the Perfect French CV

1. Focus on Relevance: Read the job description carefully. What are the key requirements? Make sure your CV highlights how you meet them.
2. Keep it Brief: Use bullet points and concise language. Avoid long paragraphs.
3. Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use numbers to demonstrate your impact (e.g., “Increased sales by 15%,” “Managed a team of 5”).
4. Standard Format: Use a clean, professional layout. Reverse chronological order for experience and education is standard.
5. Proofread Meticulously: Typos or grammatical errors can create a poor impression.

Need help getting started? ThePerfectCV offers templates specifically designed to meet the expectations of the modern French job market. Our builder guides you through creating a concise, professional, and effective CV that French recruiters will appreciate.

The Takeaway

For job hunting in France, you need to prepare a “CV”. But remember, this French “CV” should be a concise, tailored document, much like a resume used elsewhere. Focus on presenting your most relevant qualifications clearly and briefly.

Now you know the difference (or lack thereof in practice!). Go ahead and craft that perfect French CV to land your next job.