How to Write a French Resume | Tips & Examples for 2025

French Resume Example

Now that’s a perfect French resume! Let’s see what it does right:

• Reverse-chronological format. This is the preferred format for French employers who expect traditional, easy-to-follow layouts, as it highlights the candidate’s most recent work experience first.
• Complete contact details. This resume example includes essential information like name, phone number, email, location, and LinkedIn profile, as well as details that are often expected in French resumes, such as nationality and the candidate’s photo.
• Detailed education section. Education is important when applying for a job in France, so French resumes often go beyond the most basic information and include thesis topics, major projects, and academic achievements, even if the candidate already has work experience.
• Limited to one page. French resumes, while often detailed, are best kept to one page since hiring managers appreciate brevity. This resume includes different sections like work experience, education, and volunteering, and still manages to stick to one page.
• Clear bullet points. From work experience to education projects, the resume uses bullet points consistently to maintain readability and organization.
• Strong language skills. The candidate lists full proficiency French skills, along with fluency in three other languages, which is essential for a role in an international company. It also shows cultural awareness and the practical ability to work in a French-speaking environment, even if the role doesn’t directly require it.

Do You Need a Resume or CV in France?

Depending on the job ad you apply for, you might need to submit a CV or a resume.

Let’s just clear this up from the very beginning: the two terms can be used interchangeably in France. Both words refer to the one- to two-page summary of your career that's tailored to the job they're applying for.

Throughout this article, we will refer to the document as a “resume” to keep things uniform. That being said, most job postings will ask for a "CV," since this is the more commonly used term in France. 

Some other specifics to keep in mind about writing a French resume include:

• Two pages only if necessary. A one-page resume works well for recent graduates or those with limited experience. Two-page resumes are only appropriate for seasoned professionals with extensive backgrounds.
• Use the same language as the job posting. If the job advertisement is in French, submit your resume in French. If it's posted in English, which is common for international companies that happen to be hiring in France, you can submit in English.
• Include a professional photo. In France, adding a professional headshot to your resume is outright expected. Choose a high-quality, passport-style photo that shows you can present yourself professionally.
• Add relevant details. French resumes commonly include personal information like nationality and date of birth, though these aren't mandatory anymore. French resumes also tend to include more details in the education section, even for candidates who already have work experience.
• Don't list references unless requested. Save valuable space for more important information instead of listing references. If necessary, French employers will ask for references.

French Resume vs. US Resume

The idea behind French and US resumes is pretty much the same, but there are some significant differences in format, content, and cultural expectations.

These include:

• Personal Information. Adding a professional photo, your date of birth, or your nationality is common in French resumes. However, all these details are inappropriate and even illegal for an employer to request in a US resume.
• Education Section Details. It’s standard practice to include academic honors and distinctions, thesis topics, or major projects from your time in academia, regardless of your level of experience. In the US, you would only do this if you’re applying for your first job and have no relevant professional experience.
• Language and Tone. French resumes maintain a more formal tone compared to the achievement-heavy, dynamic language common in US resumes. Action verbs are still used, but the overall presentation tends to be more conservative and structured.

French Resume vs. European Resume

French resumes aren’t all too different from other European resumes, but there are a few subtle distinctions between countries.

• Europass Compatibility. In some European countries, Europass CVs are still standard, but France is more flexible. Technically, the Europass format will be accepted, but other layouts are common and often preferred by employers.
• Language Requirements. Like most European countries, the French job market values multilingualism. However, for a French resume, proficiency in the French language is a huge plus and sometimes even a necessity for international positions. This is pretty different from countries like Germany, where just English is enough to get by.
• Business Culture Influence. France has a more formal business culture, and French resumes reflect this, especially when compared to some of their European neighbors. For example, Nordic countries’ business culture is notoriously informal, and this might be reflected in their resume writing style, too.

French Resume vs. Canadian Resume

You might assume that since the two countries share so much history, the Canadian resume should be similar to the French resume. But you’d be wrong.

In reality, the French resume has more in common with the general European resume conventions, while the Canadian resume is very similar to a US resume. One of the only differences between a Canadian resume and a US resume is the language – Canadian resumes have a standard English spelling convention of their own.

Most notably, Canadian resumes share the anti-discrimination practices you would find throughout most of the Anglosphere, so you wouldn’t be allowed to include a lot of personal information or photos. Contrary to that, French resumes come with a more detailed personal presentation.

Step-By-Step Guide to Writing Your French Resume

You know the basics of what a French resume is. Now, it’s time to write your own. Just follow our step-by-step guide and you’ll be ready in minutes!

#1. Use the Best Format

To start writing your French resume, you need to choose the right structure. This is where the resume format comes in.

Usually, there are three resume formats to pick from:

• Reverse-chronological (also known as the chronological format)
• Functional (or the skill-based format)
• Combination (also known as the hybrid format, which blends the previous two)

When you’re writing a French resume, we always recommend you stick to the reverse-chronological resume format.

The reverse-chronological format is by far the most popular format among hiring managers in France, and for good reason. It showcases your most recent work experience and achievements first, which is what hiring managers expect to see.

Let’s see what this resume format looks like:

#2. Perfect the Layout

Now that you know what the right format is, you can move on to the resume’s layout.

Before anyone reads your resume, they’re going to look at it. And, if they don’t like what they see, they might not give your application a chance.

That doesn’t mean your resume needs to be a visual work of art. It just has to look neat and be easy to navigate.

Here are some tips on how to achieve that:

• Format the date correctly. French resumes always put the date first, then the month. The dd/mm/yyyy or simply mm/yyyy format is your best choice here.
• Choose a professional font. Pick a font that’s easy to read without being overused. This means no Comic Sans, Papyrus, or Times New Roman. Go for something modern like Roboto or Ubuntu.
• Set the right margins. Your page margins should be one inch on all sides to keep your resume neat, not too cramped or stretched out.
• Adjust the line spacing. Just use standard line spacing to organize your resume. We recommend 1.0 between text and 1.15 between sections and after headings.
• Bullet points. French hiring managers aren’t big on blocks of text. Keep things factual and list them in neat bullet points instead of lengthy paragraphs detailing how impressive your work was. Use metrics and let the numbers speak for themselves.
• Use subtle colors. French resumes shouldn’t be too flashy or design-heavy, so forget the neon green or asymmetric design elements. Keep things simple and professional, with one or two accent colors at most.
• Standard European A4 size. If you’re printing your resume, keep in mind that France uses the standard A4 size. If you’re using the US letter size (8.5 x 11 inches), you will have to adjust your text editing software for these dimensions.

Or Use a Resume Template Instead

Creating a French resume from scratch is a full day’s work.

You need to perfect the layout, adjust the margins, and try different font styles and sizes, all while making sure your photo doesn’t take away attention from your resume’s contents.

Thankfully, there’s a way to skip the hassle.

Just try any of our free resume templates!

Every one of our templates is created in close collaboration with HR professionals from around the world, including France, to make sure that your resume is easy to read, ATS-friendly, and ready to go in minutes.

Check out how one of our resume templates compares to one from a standard text editor:

#3. Add the Right Contact Information

Once that’s out of the way, you can get down to filling in your resume’s contents.

Start from the top with your resume’s header and list all the essential details about yourself, including:

• Full Name. (E.g., Antoinette Marie Durand)
• Professional Title. This should always match the role you’re applying for (e.g., Michelin Star Chef).
• Phone Number. Include the country dial code, especially if you’re applying from outside of France. (E.g., for the US and Canada, that’s +1, but for France it’s +33)
• Email Address. Use a professional email format, ideally combining your first and last name. No nicknames or quirky jokes - this is a serious document. (e.g. durand.antoinette-marie@novoresume.com, not lebonchef@hotmail.com).
• Relevant Links. Include links to any relevant profiles, such as your GitHub or LinkedIn.
• Location. If you’re looking for remote work or a relocation package, highlight this on your resume. If you’re already in France, adding your exact postal address is best; otherwise, your city and state/country are enough.
• Professional Photo. While there’s no set rule on photos, they are preferred and often expected for jobs that need you to conduct yourself professionally (E.g., flight attendant, cashier, etc.).
• Nationality or Visa Status. If you’re not a native, this part is important. Employers need to know if you have a work permit (which is automatic for EU citizens, for example) or if they need to sponsor you.

As you can see, the contact information section might be more detailed than what you’re used to. It’s just part of the French business culture, which is constantly evolving – details like date of birth and marital status used to be common, but they’ve gone out of fashion by now.

#4. Include a Resume Headline

After your contact details, it’s time to work on your resume headline. In French, this is usually called a profil, and it’s one of the most important sections.

That’s because hiring managers go through hundreds of applications every day, which means your resume has less than ten seconds to convince them it’s worth reading.

So, this short paragraph is there to capture the hiring manager’s attention in just three to four sentences. And the more engaging it is, the better your chance of making a good impression.

Generally, there are two ways for you to go about it:

• Resume summary. This is a brief overview of your career, top skills, and one or two of your most impressive achievements. It’s the more common choice, especially if you already have some relevant work experience for the job you’re applying for.
• Resume objective. The objective lets you focus on your career goals, aspirations, qualifications, and skills. We recommend this if you’re an entry-level candidate with no previous work experience or if you’re changing careers. 

Here’s a perfect resume summary example:

This works because it shows the candidate’s background and most important achievements, so the hiring manager has a great reason to keep reading.

Next, here’s an example of a resume objective:

A well-crafted resume objective like this can still help your application stand out, even without any work experience.

#5. Expand On Your Work Experience

As with any resume, your work experience is going to be the most important section on your French resume.

Structure-wise, the French resume isn’t that different from other countries. List your job entries by:

• Using reverse-chronological order. Start with your most recent job and go back a reasonable amount. There’s no need to list old or irrelevant positions, like your summer jobs as a teenager. Keep it relevant to the role you want.
• Starting with your job title. Use your actual job title that describes what you did, such as “Tech Support Specialist” instead of a quirky title like “Tech Wizz”.
• Adding the company name and location. You might want to add a brief description of your former employer, particularly if it’s a smaller, lesser-known business.
• Including your dates of employment. Sticking to the mm/yyyy format is usually more than enough.
• Listing your responsibilities and achievements. Add four to five bullet points for your most recent position and two to three for older ones.

Now, this is where the differences come in.

French employers prioritize structured, factual presentation over the dynamic storytelling that US resumes tend to use. So, focus on organizing your information clearly and keeping it comprehensive instead of relying on flashy language or buzzwords.

You should:

• Add detailed job descriptions. French resumes tend to be more detailed, so include both your core responsibilities and greatest accomplishments to provide a complete picture of your role.
• Include quantifiable achievements. Your tone should be factual, but numbers still matter. Use metrics like "Managed a team of eight employees" or "Increased efficiency by 25%" to show concrete results.
• Use straightforward language. You don’t need too many action verbs or marketing-style language here since French business culture values clarity and a more traditional approach to resume writing.
• Tailor your work experience. Reference the job ad for keywords and make sure your work experience reflects that you have everything they’re looking for in a candidate.
• Include internships or part-time work. If you're early in your career, you can expand this section with internships, apprenticeships, or relevant part-time positions that demonstrate you’ve got the right experience for the role.

Let’s look at an example:

#6. Explain Your Education

Education is highly valued in the French job market, so your education section deserves more attention than it would get on a US resume.

French employers put significant emphasis on academic credentials and formal qualifications. Its goal is to show you have foundational knowledge in the field you’re applying for, and, for some roles, that can be as important as hands-on work experience.

Here's how you should structure this section:

• Program Name. E.g.: “B.A. in Structural Engineering”
• University Name. E.g.: “Vermont State University”
• Location. E.g.: “Montpellier, Vermont, USA”
• Years Attended. E.g.: “08/2018 - 06/2022”
• Details. E.g,. “Minor in History of Architecture”

When listing your education, always begin with your most advanced degree and work backward in reverse-chronological order.

If you’re translating your resume, you should also list your degree equivalents or use the European Qualification Framework (EQF) so French hiring managers understand them better. For example:

It’s recommended you include academic honors and distinctions, but use French academic terminology, such as:

You can also add relevant coursework and thesis topics. Unlike elsewhere, in France, resumes can benefit from including specific courses related to your target job and thesis or capstone project titles that show your expertise.

And if your secondary education is particularly impressive, don't skip it. If you attended a prestigious high school or earned notable distinctions, French employers might find this relevant, unlike in the US, where college education typically overshadows any high school achievements.

#7. Highlight Your Skills

The skill section is meant to show the hiring manager that you have what it takes to do the job properly.

Your skills should be divided into categories, such as:

• Soft skills. These are mainly personality traits and characteristics developed in your personal and professional life, showing how you work. They can include communication skills, teamwork, organizational skills, and others.
• Hard skills. These are more like technical abilities, and they’re skills you gain from experience, training, or specialized education. So, computer skills or proficiency with specific tools are hard skills.

Your aim should be to keep this section relevant. Only include required skills for the position.

So, if you’re applying to be an animator, your Adobe Suite skills are more important than your first aid or CPR certifications. 

Look through the job description and find which of your skills the company is looking for, and just add them to your French resume. You can use artificial intelligence to make this even easier. Just paste the job ad into your AI of choice and ask it to highlight the top skills the employer is looking for.

But make sure you don’t focus solely on one skill category over the other. The best job applications include both soft skills and hard skills.

Here’s an example for an event photographer’s resume:

#8. Consider Additional Sections

Once you've covered all the essential resume sections, you might have some space left. In that case, you should consider leveraging optional sections like:

• Languages. This is perhaps the most valuable optional section for any French resume. You should list your French proficiency level using European standards (A1-C2) and include any French certifications like DELF or DALF. Even intermediate French skills can significantly boost your chances.
• Volunteer experience. French culture highly values civic engagement and community involvement, and volunteer work is a great way to demonstrate your commitment to social responsibility. You can even show transferable skills relevant to your target role.
• Certifications and awards. Any professional certifications, especially those recognized in France or the EU, add credibility to your application. Make sure to include the name of the certification, completion dates, and the issuing organizations.
• Publications. Include published articles, research papers, or contributions to industry publications that can show thought leadership and expertise in your field.
• Hobbies and interests. You can list activities that reflect positively on your character or relate to the job. For example, team sports show collaboration skills, while cultural activities might demonstrate your appreciation for French or other foreign cultures.

While these sections aren't as vital as the ones we've covered so far, they can still help your chances.

For example, if it’s down to you and another candidate with the same qualifications, your proficiency in French will be the first deciding factor. Employers in France will almost always prefer someone who speaks French fluently, especially for roles involving client interaction or teamwork.

Just make sure to only include sections that add genuine value to your application and align with the role you're after.

#9. Write a Cover Letter

We know that writing one can feel like a chore, but remember that cover letters aren't optional in France – they're essential.

French employers almost always expect a lettre de motivation alongside your resume, and skipping this step can significantly hurt your chances of getting an interview.

Besides, writing a cover letter doesn’t have to be difficult. You just need to:

• Use proper formatting. Follow formal French business letter conventions with your contact information at the top, followed by the date, the employer's details, and a professional greeting.
• Structure your letter. Start by clearly stating who you are and what position you’re interested in. Then, highlight two to three relevant qualifications in your cover letter body, with specific examples that complement your resume. Close with a call to action requesting an interview and a formal French sign-off like "Cordialement," followed by your full name.
• Do your research. Show your knowledge of the company's values, recent projects, or industry challenges. Mention why you specifically want to work for this organization beyond just the job itself. If you're relocating to France, explain your motivation and any cultural connections or French language skills you have.
• Proofread carefully. Grammar mistakes are particularly damaging in France, regardless of whether your letter is in English or French. If possible, have someone review your cover letter or use a professional proofreading service.
• Save as a PDF. Always submit your cover letter as a PDF to maintain consistent formatting across different devices and operating systems that the hiring manager might use.
• Use a cover letter template. If you want to skip ahead and save yourself some formatting hassle, just use one of our professional cover letter templates! They’re designed to perfectly match your resume and let you submit a cohesive job application.

FAQs About French Resumes

Do you still have some questions about how to write a French resume? No need to panic; just check out the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions below.

Key Takeaways

Now you've made it to the end of our article. C’est génial!

We're sure you're now ready to land that dream job in France and navigate the French hiring process like a pro.

But first, before we part ways, let's recap some key points we covered:

• While the word resume comes from French, you’re more likely to see the document referred to as a CV. Don’t panic – in France, it’s the same thing as a resume.
• French resumes are different from those in the Anglosphere since they tend to include more personal information like nationality and date of birth, as well as photos.
• Save yourself some time with the formatting by using one of our professional resume templates. You can easily pick a cover letter template to match and send a spectacular job application to set yourself apart from other candidates.
• A well-written resume summary or objective at the top of your resume is mandatory, and it should mention your connection to France – whether you're relocating, already studying there, or just looking for a remote job.
• Education matters more in France than in many other countries. Make sure you expand on this section with some coursework, thesis topics, or academic honors.