Should I use my home-country resume format or the local format?

Use the format of the country where the job is. Employers read resumes through their local expectations, and a format that is normal at home can look unusual elsewhere.

Things that often change between countries:

• Length (one page versus two or more).
• Whether a photo, date of birth or marital status is expected.
• Page size (A4 or US Letter).
• What the document is called (CV or resume).
• How much detail on education and school results.

If you are applying to jobs in two countries, keep two versions. A guide to resume formats by country and your careers service can help you choose.

A quick way to learn the local style is to collect three or four resumes from recent graduates in that country, for example through your careers service or alumni, and compare them with yours. Look at the order of sections, how much personal information they show and how they describe education. Then adjust your own layout, keeping your content honest and your achievements the same.