🇩🇿How to Write a CV for Jobs in Algeria

Quick facts: CVs in Algeria

These are common practices; they vary by employer and industry. If a job ad asks for something specific, follow the ad.

What to include

What to leave off

• ID card number or birth certificate — They belong in the hiring file later, not on the CV.
• Full street address — Wilaya and commune are enough.
• A half-Arabic, half-French CV — Choose one language per version.
• An informal photo — Photos are expected, so keep it professional.
• Skills you do not have — Tests and interviews expose them quickly.

ATS and CVs in Algeria

In Algeria, most employers still read CVs by hand, whether they arrive by email or are dropped off in person. However, large energy and hydrocarbons companies, telecom operators, foreign firms and private banks may collect applications through a portal or an ATS, and job boards such as Emploitic filter by keywords and level. A well-structured CV wins in both situations.

• Use a single-column template; the Photo template places your picture cleanly.
• Use clear French headings: État civil, Formation, Stages, Expérience professionnelle, Langues.
• Write the full diploma name and field (e.g. Master en Génie Civil) for filtering.
• Reuse the ad's keywords when you genuinely have the skill.
• Send a clearly named PDF and an email subject that names the job.
• Try the CV checker before sending.

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CV example

Examples by job

Applying for jobs in Algeria

Where to look for work in Algeria:

• Emploitic: one of the best-known Algerian job boards for qualified roles.
• ANEM: the national employment agency, important for registering as a jobseeker and for professional integration schemes.
• LinkedIn: useful for foreign companies, the energy sector and managers.
• Personal networks and referrals: still play a big role, so keep your CV ready.

The hydrocarbons and energy sector attracts many engineers, and selection often involves several stages and tests. Handing in a printed CV directly at companies is still common in many cities, so keep clean printed copies. Registering with ANEM is often a useful first step for graduates who want access to the national integration schemes. After an offer, expect an administrative file (diplomas, national service status, civil documents); requirements vary. Foreign nationals generally need a work permit arranged through the employer via official procedures; check government sources. Compare with our France and Tunisia guides.

CV language

In Algeria's private sector, French is the most common CV language, especially at large companies, in industry and in banking. The public sector and administrations often work in Arabic, and some competitions and application files are in Arabic. English is increasingly requested in energy, IT and foreign companies, so if the ad is in English, send an English CV.

Our builder outputs French or English and is preset to French for Algeria. You can type in Arabic and it translates; for an Arabic copy for public-sector applications, use the CV translator and review it.

CV or resume?

Algerians say CV, and Arabic ads may say "السيرة الذاتية". The format is close to the French one but with more personal details: date of birth, civil status and national service. "Resume" is hardly used. Public-sector hiring files often require official documents alongside, or instead of, a CV. For foreign companies applying in English, a shorter version with fewer personal details usually works better, as in our CV examples.

Cover letters in Algeria

A cover letter (lettre de motivation) is common in Algeria, especially for internships, unsolicited applications and applications to large companies. Keep it to one formal page in French, or in Arabic if the organisation works in Arabic. When applying by email, write a short paragraph in the body and attach your CV and letter as PDFs. You can draft one in Arabic or English with the cover letter generator.

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