How to write a CV in two languages

Many employers in the Gulf and around the world ask for a CV in English, and some also want it in Arabic or another language. Keeping two separate files in step is slow, and the two versions soon drift apart.

Start with one structure

Write the sections once: summary, experience, education and skills. Each job has the same bullets in both languages, in the same order. That way a recruiter who reads either version sees the same story.

Write side by side

Put the two languages next to each other and write each bullet in both before moving on. With CV Shop the two columns stay lined up, and each column gets the right reading direction, so Arabic reads right to left and English left to right.

Accountant CV exampleSee a full example in English and Arabic

Keep the facts, not the words

A good second version is not a word-for-word copy. Use the job titles and phrases people really use in that language. Keep numbers, dates and names exactly the same. If you don't have a number yet, leave a placeholder like [X%] and fill it in later — never guess.

Check before you send

• The same jobs, dates and contact details in both versions.
• One page for a US résumé, two at most for most other places.
• A simple template that applicant tracking systems can read.

Start your CV