- Two pages is the standard; one page for graduates.
- No photo, date of birth or marital status.
- Write achievements, not duties, with numbers.
- Mention your work authorisation in a single neutral line.
Irish and British recruiters expect a CV that is close to the American résumé: short, achievement based and free of personal details. Adding your photo, father's name or religion can count against you.
The rules
How to write bullet points
Use action, task and result. Instead of "Responsible for testing", write "Cut release bugs by 30% by automating regression tests in Selenium". Recruiters skim, so the first words of each bullet matter most.
Work authorisation
Ireland uses employment permits, such as the Critical Skills Employment Permit; the UK uses the Skilled Worker visa with licensed sponsors. Add one line under your contact details, for example "Eligible for the Critical Skills Employment Permit" or "Will require visa sponsorship". Honesty saves time on both sides.
Mistakes to avoid
- Objectives like "seeking a challenging role". Use a profile instead.
- Listing every tool you have ever used.
- Unexplained gaps. A one line reason is enough.
Common questions
Is a cover letter needed?
Often yes for Ireland and the UK, especially in larger companies.
Should I write CV or résumé?
CV is the usual term in Ireland and the UK.
Can I use a CV template from the internet?
Yes, if it is simple and readable by applicant tracking systems.
CV to @swapnil_in_germany on Instagram.Sources
I moved to Germany for my master's, collected more than 1,000 rejections, and then got multiple job offers within six months. I work in digital marketing in Germany and help international professionals get hired in Europe. Read my story.