Quick facts: CVs in France
| Document name | ⓘ | Called a CV; a concise format is the norm |
|---|---|---|
| Usual length | ⓘ | One page is very common; two for long experience |
| Photo | ◐ | Sometimes included, never required |
| Date of birth | ◐ | Not needed; some people show only their age |
| Nationality | ◐ | Useful if you need to clarify your right to work |
| Marital status | ✗ | Usually left out nowadays |
| ATS | ◐ | Large companies and job platforms often use ATS |
| Language | ✓ | French, except at international firms advertising in English |
| Paper size | ⓘ | A4 |
| Driving licence (Permis B) | ◐ | Listing Permis B is common, especially for roles involving travel |
| Europass | ◐ | Accepted, but the concise French CV is far more common |
These are common practices; they vary by employer and industry. If a job ad asks for something specific, follow the ad.
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Jordan Miller
Software engineer with 5 years of experience building scalable web services and APIs in Python and TypeScript. Led the migration of a monolith to microservices and cut infrastructure costs by 28%. Comfortable owning features end to end, from design docs to on-call.
- Led the migration of a Django monolith to 9 containerized services, reducing AWS costs by 28%
- Built a real-time appointment API handling 3M requests per day with 99.95% uptime
- Cut p95 page load time from 3.1s to 1.2s by redesigning caching and database queries
- Mentored 3 junior engineers and introduced a code review checklist adopted team-wide
- Shipped 20+ customer-facing features in React and Node.js for an e-commerce platform
- Automated deployments with GitHub Actions, reducing release time from 2 hours to 15 minutes
- Raised unit test coverage from 45% to 82%
Python • TypeScript • React • Node.js • PostgreSQL • AWS (Lambda • ECS • S3) • Docker • Kubernetes • CI/CD • System design • REST & GraphQL APIs
Modern ⭐
Use this templateJordan Miller
Software engineer with 5 years of experience building scalable web services and APIs in Python and TypeScript. Led the migration of a monolith to microservices and cut infrastructure costs by 28%. Comfortable owning features end to end, from design docs to on-call.
- Led the migration of a Django monolith to 9 containerized services, reducing AWS costs by 28%
- Built a real-time appointment API handling 3M requests per day with 99.95% uptime
- Cut p95 page load time from 3.1s to 1.2s by redesigning caching and database queries
- Mentored 3 junior engineers and introduced a code review checklist adopted team-wide
- Shipped 20+ customer-facing features in React and Node.js for an e-commerce platform
- Automated deployments with GitHub Actions, reducing release time from 2 hours to 15 minutes
- Raised unit test coverage from 45% to 82%
Python • TypeScript • React • Node.js • PostgreSQL • AWS (Lambda • ECS • S3) • Docker • Kubernetes • CI/CD • System design • REST & GraphQL APIs
Executive
Use this templateJordan Miller
Software engineer with 5 years of experience building scalable web services and APIs in Python and TypeScript. Led the migration of a monolith to microservices and cut infrastructure costs by 28%. Comfortable owning features end to end, from design docs to on-call.
- Led the migration of a Django monolith to 9 containerized services, reducing AWS costs by 28%
- Built a real-time appointment API handling 3M requests per day with 99.95% uptime
- Cut p95 page load time from 3.1s to 1.2s by redesigning caching and database queries
- Mentored 3 junior engineers and introduced a code review checklist adopted team-wide
- Shipped 20+ customer-facing features in React and Node.js for an e-commerce platform
- Automated deployments with GitHub Actions, reducing release time from 2 hours to 15 minutes
- Raised unit test coverage from 45% to 82%
Python • TypeScript • React • Node.js • PostgreSQL • AWS (Lambda • ECS • S3) • Docker • Kubernetes • CI/CD • System design • REST & GraphQL APIs
Minimal
Use this templateJordan Miller
Software engineer with 5 years of experience building scalable web services and APIs in Python and TypeScript. Led the migration of a monolith to microservices and cut infrastructure costs by 28%. Comfortable owning features end to end, from design docs to on-call.
- Led the migration of a Django monolith to 9 containerized services, reducing AWS costs by 28%
- Built a real-time appointment API handling 3M requests per day with 99.95% uptime
- Cut p95 page load time from 3.1s to 1.2s by redesigning caching and database queries
- Mentored 3 junior engineers and introduced a code review checklist adopted team-wide
- Shipped 20+ customer-facing features in React and Node.js for an e-commerce platform
- Automated deployments with GitHub Actions, reducing release time from 2 hours to 15 minutes
- Raised unit test coverage from 45% to 82%
Python • TypeScript • React • Node.js • PostgreSQL • AWS (Lambda • ECS • S3) • Docker • Kubernetes • CI/CD • System design • REST & GraphQL APIs
Photo
Use this templateWhat to include
Name, phone, email and city. Age and nationality are optional, and Permis B is often listed.
A clear line under your name naming the role you are targeting. It tells the reader who you are at a glance.
Two or three sentences on your experience and strongest asset. Tailor it to each role.
Newest first, with month and year. Show results, with numbers where you have them.
Degree, institution and year. For foreign degrees you can add the French equivalent level (e.g. Bac+5 for a master's) if you are sure of it.
Use CEFR levels such as B2 or C1. French and English usually matter most.
Technical skills first. Interests are optional but common on French CVs when they say something about you.
What to leave off
- Long CVs — One page is usually enough, especially with under ten years of experience.
- Literal machine translations — Clumsy French makes a poor impression; have the wording checked.
- Marital status and excess personal detail — Not expected and adds nothing.
- One CV for every application — French recruiters appreciate a CV tailored to the role.
ATS and CVs in France
In France, large employers, platforms such as Welcome to the Jungle and Indeed, and company career portals often rely on applicant tracking systems or screening tools. Smaller firms may read CVs by hand, but these rules help either way:
- Use correct French section headings: Expérience professionnelle, Formation, Compétences, Langues.
- Choose a single-column template with no text inside images or shapes.
- Include keywords from the job ad, but only for skills you really have.
- Use a clear file name such as Prenom_Nom_CV.pdf.
- A PDF is usually the safest format.
- Run your file through the CV checker before sending.
A focused one-page CV makes life easier for both the software and the recruiter. Keep dates consistent and avoid abbreviations a French reader may not recognize.
CV example
Jordan Miller
Software engineer with 5 years of experience building scalable web services and APIs in Python and TypeScript. Led the migration of a monolith to microservices and cut infrastructure costs by 28%. Comfortable owning features end to end, from design docs to on-call.
- Led the migration of a Django monolith to 9 containerized services, reducing AWS costs by 28%
- Built a real-time appointment API handling 3M requests per day with 99.95% uptime
- Cut p95 page load time from 3.1s to 1.2s by redesigning caching and database queries
- Mentored 3 junior engineers and introduced a code review checklist adopted team-wide
- Shipped 20+ customer-facing features in React and Node.js for an e-commerce platform
- Automated deployments with GitHub Actions, reducing release time from 2 hours to 15 minutes
- Raised unit test coverage from 45% to 82%
Python • TypeScript • React • Node.js • PostgreSQL • AWS (Lambda • ECS • S3) • Docker • Kubernetes • CI/CD • System design • REST & GraphQL APIs
Examples by job
Applying for jobs in France
Widely used job sites in France include Indeed, LinkedIn, Welcome to the Jungle (especially for startups and tech), APEC (for managers and professionals, known as cadres) and the public employment service France Travail.
- Trial and notice periods: these usually depend on the contract and type of role, so say when you could start.
- Contract types: ads often mention CDI (permanent), CDD (fixed-term) or stage (internship).
- Internships and alternance: work-study programmes are an important entry route for students and graduates.
- Work permits: if you are from outside the EU, you will usually need authorization, and requirements vary by situation. Check official French government websites or the consulate.
Networking and recommendations carry weight, so keep your LinkedIn profile consistent with your CV. Start in the CV builder with French selected, and see our Switzerland guide if you are considering Geneva or Lausanne.
Many companies also recruit through campus job fairs, a good opportunity for graduates to meet employers directly.
CV language
In France, a CV in French is expected for most jobs. English may be acceptable at international companies, startups and tech roles when the job ad itself is in English.
Our builder outputs CVs in French or English, so you can enter your details (even in Arabic) and choose French as the output language. Automatic translation is a strong starting point, but it is wise to have a fluent speaker review the final wording. Applying in North Africa as well? See our Morocco guide.
CV or resume?
In France the document is simply called a CV; "resume" in the American sense is not used. The French CV is close to a resume in brevity, often one page, but may include interests and a driving licence. Long academic CVs are reserved for research positions. See our CV examples.
The job title at the top of a French CV matters: it tells the reader in a second what you are looking for.
Cover letters in France
The cover letter (lettre de motivation) is still common in France and is often requested or appreciated. Keep it under a page and formal, roughly in three parts: you, the company, and what you can achieve together. Some modern employers rely on the CV alone or a few form questions instead. You can draft one with the cover letter generator, then translate and polish it.
FAQ
Do I need a photo on a French CV?
No, it is optional. Some candidates include one, but many employers do not expect it.
How long should a French CV be?
One page is very common, especially for graduates and mid-level profiles. Two pages suit long experience.
Should I write Permis B?
If you hold a driving licence, listing Permis B is normal and common, and it is most useful for roles involving travel.
Can the builder write my CV in French?
Yes. Choose French as the output language, even if you enter your details in Arabic or English, and review the final wording.
Should I include my date of birth?
It is not necessary. Some people show only their age, and many leave it out.
Is a lettre de motivation required?
Not always, but many roles still ask for one. If the ad requests it, keep it under a page.
Can I apply in English in France?
Yes, if the ad is in English or the company is international. Otherwise French is expected.
Is the builder free?
Yes, it is free with no sign-up, and exports PDF and Word.
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