Bilingual Cv Guide

A bilingual CV is not two CVs glued together — it is one document serving two different readers. The common mistake is a haphazard pairing that produces two cramped, unusable pages.

The steps

1. Decide the primary language based on the target company
2. Lay the two languages out in parallel columns or on separate pages
3. Keep exactly the same order and sections in both versions
4. Check that dates and job titles match across both
5. Export each version separately if the employer only accepts one file

Practical tips

• Parallel columns suit short content; separate pages suit long content
• Do not translate official qualification names — cite them as-is with a short gloss
• Match the design of both versions so it reads as a single document
• A QR code to the other version saves space

Common mistakes to avoid

• Mixing languages within a single line, which makes the text hard to follow
• Information that diverges between versions, so contradictions stand out
• A layout that cannot handle both reading directions

Frequently asked questions

Should I send a bilingual CV or two separate versions?

If the advert does not specify, send one version in the language of the advert. A bilingual CV is most useful for printed dossiers and interviews.

Which language goes first?

Whichever language the company actually works in. In an English-speaking environment, English goes first even if the hiring manager is Arabic-speaking.