How to create a Europass CV ?

Would you like to create an impeccable Europass CV to help you make your way in the professional world or apply for a job with a European company? With Altresume, you can create a complete and effective European CV thanks to professional advice and our professional templates.

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What is the Europass CV ?

Europass

Created in 2004 by the European Union to promote the clarity of qualifications and skills in Europe, the Europass CV is essential for those wanting a standardised CV format or aiming for an international career. It has established itself as a benchmark for crossing borders with a recognised professional record.

As a single community framework, it facilitates professional mobility by offering a standardised format recognised by all European recruiters, including in the United Kingdom where the European curriculum vitae is often used.

The Europass CV, often referred to as the European CV, is available in 30 languages. It offers a uniform structure, layout and format, guaranteeing a fair assessment of applications, regardless of nationality. This model effectively highlights education, language skills, professional experience and qualifications, simplifying the choice between profiles. As a free online tool, it is crucial for those aiming for a career beyond their own borders, ensuring compliance with European standards and supporting professional mobility within the European Union.

So, by opting for a Europass CV, you are choosing a recognised passport for your professional mobility in Europe, ensuring that your background and skills are presented in a clear and professional manner, in line with the expectations of recruiters across the continent. Altresume.com can give you advice and help you create your European curriculum vitae.

Making a Europass CV step by step

When designing a CV, Europass has a predefined structure to make things easier. Note that there is no personal statement or professional summary. Instead, your name and contact details are followed by your experience, education and skills, which are then divided into a few subsections. Here's what you need to know:

01

Personal information

When drawing up your European CV, start by giving your name, address, telephone number (landline or mobile) and e-mail address. Also add your professional website and other electronic contacts such as Skype. More private information, such as gender, date of birth, and nationality, can be included if you wish, with options to personalise the disclosure of these details.

02

Profession and work experience

For the job you are looking for, the Europass editor makes it easy by offering a drop-down list for selecting your profession. If your specific job title does not appear correctly, you can enter your job title manually. When writing the section on your professional experience in the Europass CV, it is advisable to list them chronologically, starting with the most recent. For each position, indicate the name of the employer, the start and end dates, the position held, the city, the country, and give details of your main responsibilities and tasks.

03

Training and education

In your Europass CV, clearly present your academic training and qualifications, starting with the most recent. For each diploma or training course, indicate the name of the establishment, the city, the country and the skills acquired. Dates are also essential, as is the addition of any relevant professional training. This section is vital for recruiters, as it highlights the quality and relevance of your educational background.

04

Skills

In the skills section of the Europass CV, provide details of your language skills according to the CEFR, from comprehension to expression, and specify your mother tongues. Assess your communication, team management and specific professional skills. Also include your level of digital skills, from the basics to programming. This section highlights your versatility in languages and IT, as well as your communication and management skills, which are essential for your professional profile.

05

Add any appendices (Optional)

If you wish, add appendices to support your skills and experience, such as diplomas, training certificates or recommendation letters.

Find the perfect CV template

Take advantage of a wide choice of online CV templates and select the one that suits your project.


5 tips for a successful Europass CV

The CV is the first point of contact with the recruiter, and a decisive element in any application. Create a complete and effective CV using professional advice and predefined templates.

01

Targeted customisation

It is essential to tailor your Europass CV specifically to the job and company you are applying for. Clearly mention the experience and skills directly related to the job to show that you are the ideal candidate.

02

Essential skills

Don't underestimate the importance of language and digital skills. They are key in the professional context for European companies. Make sure you present them accurately and in a way that enhances their value.

03

Measurable references

Avoid vague descriptions. Instead, give concrete, measurable examples of your professional achievements to illustrate your impact and added value effectively. Give figures to highlight the importance of your work.

04

Avoid mistakes

Impeccable spelling and grammar reflect your seriousness and professionalism. Careful proofreading is essential to avoid any mistakes.

05

Clear presentation

A neat layout and clear visual organisation make your CV easy to read. Don't neglect the aesthetic aspect of your document, which plays a significant role in making a first impression.

By following these five key principles, your Europass CV will stand out and catch the attention of European recruiters.

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Frequently asked questions about creating a Europass CV

What makes the Europass CV different from other CV formats ?

The Europass CV is specifically designed to standardise the presentation of skills and experience across Europe, thereby facilitating professional mobility. Its standard structure makes it easy for employers to compare candidates from different countries.

Can I use the Europass CV to apply for jobs outside Europe ?

Yes, although the Europass CV is optimised for the European job market, its clarity and comprehensive structure make it an effective tool for international applications outside Europe too.

How can I personalise my Europass CV for a specific job ?

You can personalise your Europass CV by focusing on the skills and experience that are most relevant to the job. Use keywords specific to the field of activity and provide concrete examples of your achievements that demonstrate your suitability for the role.

Is it necessary to include a photo in my Europass CV ?

It is not compulsory to include a photo. The decision should be taken in the light of the standards in the country where you are applying and the culture of the company.

How can I avoid common mistakes when creating my Europass CV ?

To avoid mistakes, make sure you understand each section and provide accurate and up-to-date information. Proofread your CV several times to correct any spelling or grammatical errors and, if possible, ask another person to proofread it as well.