In Ireland, a good CV is usually two pages or fewer, written in clear reverse-chronological order, tailored to the job, and without a photo or date of birth. Employers want to see quickly what you have done, what you can do, and how to contact you. This guide explains the common conventions in Ireland and the wider EU.
These are general guidelines, not strict rules. Industries differ, and the job advertisement always comes first. If an employer asks for something specific, such as a certain format, follow it.
Key takeaways
- Aim for two pages. One page can be enough early in your career; academic or senior CVs may be longer.
- Leave out your photo, date of birth, marital status and similar personal details unless the employer asks.
- List experience from newest to oldest and focus on results, not only duties.
- Tailor your CV to each job, and save it as a PDF unless told otherwise.
- Europass is optional. A clean, simple custom CV is usually fine.
The right length and layout
Irish recruiters often read many CVs in a short time. That is why two pages is the usual target. Keep your most relevant information on the first page. If you have only a little experience, one page is fine. Do not fill space just to reach two pages.
Use a simple layout with:
- A readable font at a normal size, for example 10 to 12 points
- Clear headings and consistent spacing
- Plain colours; one accent colour is enough
- Margins that leave room to breathe
Many companies use applicant tracking systems that read your CV automatically. Avoid text inside images, complicated tables and unusual symbols, because software may not read them correctly.
What to include
Contact details
Put your name, phone number, email address and city or county at the top. A full home address is not necessary. You can add a link to your LinkedIn profile or portfolio if it is up to date. Use a professional email address.
Personal statement
Write two to four lines about who you are, what you do and what you are looking for. Make it specific to the job. For example, mention the type of role and one or two strengths that match the advertisement.
Work experience
List jobs from the newest to the oldest. For each one, write the job title, the employer, the location and the dates. Under it, add a few short bullet points. Start with action verbs and focus on what you achieved, not just on what you were responsible for. Add numbers only if they are real and you can explain them.
Education and training
Add your qualifications, the school or college, and the years. If you studied outside Ireland, you can briefly note what the qualification is. Include relevant courses and certificates, especially those linked to the role.
Skills, languages and extras
Keep skills relevant: software, technical skills, languages and practical abilities. Mention your language level honestly. If you have a driving licence or the right to work in Ireland and it matters for the job, state it clearly. Add volunteering or interests only if they support your application.
What to leave out
In Ireland and across much of the EU, employers try to focus on skills and avoid anything that could lead to unfair bias. For this reason, most CVs do not include:
- A photo
- Date of birth or age
- Marital status or children
- Nationality (unless needed for work permission)
- PPS number, passport number or bank details
- Reasons for leaving past jobs
- «References available on request» (it is assumed)
This approach is also friendly to data protection. Under GDPR, personal data should be limited to what is needed. Sharing less personal information in your CV is a sensible habit. When you send your CV, send it only to people you trust, and be careful with websites that ask you to upload it.
A note on gaps and career changes
Many people have gaps in their work history because of study, caring, travel or looking for work. You do not need to hide them. Write a short, honest line such as «Career break: family care» or «Full-time study», and move on. If you are changing careers, use your personal statement to explain the link between your past experience and the new role, and put transferable skills near the top.
Is Europass worth using?
Europass is an EU format for CVs. It is optional. Some public bodies, EU institutions and training programmes like it, and it can be handy if you work across several countries. Most private employers in Ireland are happy with a normal, well-designed CV. If a job advertisement asks for Europass, use it. Otherwise, a clear custom CV is a good choice.
Tailoring and checking your CV
A generic CV is easier to write, but a tailored one works better. Read the advertisement, note the key skills and use the same words where they are true for you. Move the most relevant experience higher up.
Before you send it:
- Check spelling, grammar and dates. Read it out loud once.
- Make sure your contact details are correct.
- Check the length. The word counter helps you keep your personal statement short and your bullets tight.
- If you keep several versions, compare them with the text diff tool to see exactly what changed between them.
- Save as PDF and name it clearly, such as «CV — Name Surname.pdf».
Build your CV for free
If you would like a clean starting point, the CV maker lets you fill in your details and create a tidy, readable layout in your browser. Your information is not uploaded to a server, which is good for privacy. After you create it, review it carefully against the job advertisement.
One last reminder: this article gives general guidance based on common practice, and expectations differ between employers and sectors. When in doubt, look at the company’s website and job advertisement, and write in the same clear, professional tone. A short, honest, well-organised CV is better than a long one packed with details.
Frequently asked questions
Should I put a photo on my CV in Ireland?
Usually not. It is not expected, and many employers prefer CVs without photos. Follow the instructions of the employer if they ask for one.
Do I need a cover letter?
Often yes, unless the advertisement says otherwise. A short, tailored cover letter helps explain why you fit the role.
Can my CV be longer than two pages?
It can in some cases, such as academic or senior positions. For most jobs, two pages is the safe choice.
Should I include my full address?
It is not necessary. A city or county is usually enough, and it protects your privacy.
