CV tool

French CV builder that follows French-language conventions

A CV for a French-speaking employer is not an English CV run through a translator. The section names, the length, the way languages are rated and the photo rules all differ. Sira CV gives you French headings and layouts so you can focus on the content.

Create my CV in French

French section names and order

"Profil" or "Résumé" for the short summary at the top, often under a clear job title.
"Expérience professionnelle" for work history, most recent first.
"Formation" for education: diploma, institution and year (for example, Master, BTS, Licence).
"Compétences" for skills, and "Langues" for languages.
"Centres d'intérêt" is optional; keep it short and relevant, or leave it out.

Length and style

Juniors and recent graduates are usually expected to fit on one page; experienced candidates can use two. French CVs often use short noun phrases for achievements ("Mise en place d'un tableau de bord…") rather than full sentences starting with "I".

Language levels: use the CEFR

Employers in France and Belgium widely understand the CEFR scale (CECRL in French): A1–A2 basic, B1–B2 independent, C1–C2 proficient. Write "Anglais : C1" or "Anglais : courant (C1)" instead of vague words, and name a test score (TOEIC, TOEFL, DELF/DALF) if you have one.

Photo and personal details by country

France and Belgium: a photo is optional. Many applicants leave it out; if you add one, keep it professional.
Canada (including Quebec): leave out the photo, age, date of birth and marital status.
Tunisia, Morocco and Algeria: French is common for private-sector CVs; a photo and date of birth sometimes appear but are optional.

The lettre de motivation

Many French-speaking employers still expect a cover letter (lettre de motivation), often in a fairly formal register. With a purchased CV you can generate one from your CV and the job ad, in French, and choose the formal tone.

Frequently asked questions

Is a French CV different from a Canadian French resume?

Yes. In Canada, including Quebec, a photo and personal details such as age are left out, and the document is often called a CV or curriculum vitæ. In France, a photo is optional. See the country guides for details.

Can I write my CV in French if the interface is in English?

Yes. The interface language (English, Arabic or French) and the CV language are separate. You can write the CV in any of 12 languages.

How do I describe a foreign degree on a French CV?

Keep the original name of the degree and the country, and add a short, widely understood equivalent in brackets where one exists, for example "Bachelor of Science (Bac+3)". Use an official equivalence only if you have one.