The Key Differences Between Irish and US/UK Resumes
When you are applying internationally you need a different format CV and resume . If you need help, resume writing services in Ireland can guide you in aligning your document with local standards and professionalism.
1. Resume vs. CV — What's in a Name?
The first noticeable difference is in terminology. In Ireland, the term "CV" (Curriculum Vitae) is used almost exclusively, even for private-sector job applications. In contrast, Americans use "resume" for most applications, while "CV" is reserved for academic or research-based roles.
In the UK, the term "CV" is also standard. However, the structure of an Irish CV can still differ from both UK and US versions in tone, content, and formatting. So, while the terms might overlap, the expectations behind them do not always align. When applying internationally, your resume is your dynamic first impression, if you need help, resume writing services ireland can guide you in aligning your document with local standards and professionalism."
2. Length and Conciseness
In the US, resumes are expected to be concise—ideally one page, two at the most. Recruiters there value brevity, bullet points, and a sharp focus on measurable results.
Irish CVs are a little more relaxed in terms of length. Two pages is standard in Ireland, especially for professionals with several years of experience. This gives applicants more room to explain roles, accomplishments, and skills without the pressure of condensing it into a single page.
UK CVs similarly tend to be around two pages long, but in Ireland, recruiters tend to be slightly more forgiving if your experience warrants it
3. Personal Details
This is one of the clearest distinctions between countries:
- Ireland: It's typical to include basic personal information, such as your name, phone number, email address, and general location (e.g., Dublin, Cork). Including a LinkedIn profile is also common.
- United States: Including personal details is discouraged due to anti-discrimination laws. Never list age, marital status, or a photo.
- United Kingdom: Similar to Ireland, but photos are still generally avoided unless specifically requested.
In Ireland, while it's not mandatory to include your date of birth or a photo, some candidates still do — especially for client-facing roles — but it's becoming less common due to privacy concerns.
4. Profile Summaries
Irish CVs typically open with a personal statement or profile summary — a few sentences at the top that describe your experience, skills, and goals. This is similar to UK CVs.
In contrast, American resumes often jump straight into a “Professional Experience” section. When a summary is used, it's usually a "Career Summary" or "Objective", and even then, it's optional.
This personal profile is your chance to pitch yourself — a popular section that resume writing services in Ireland often help applicants perfect, especially if they struggle to balance tone and content.
5. Education vs. Experience – What Comes First?
- United States: For early-career professionals, education often appears before experience. Once you've gained a few years in the workforce, experience takes the lead.
- Ireland: Generally, work experience comes first, regardless of age or background — unless you’re a recent graduate.
- UK: Similar to Ireland, though some industries may still prefer education to be near the top.
Tailoring your resume to reflect this hierarchy is important, particularly if you're applying in Ireland after working in the US.
. Spelling and Language Differences
One of the more subtle but important differences is language style. US resumes use American English spelling ("organization", "analyze", "center"), while Irish and UK resumes use British English ("organisation", "analyse", "centre").
If you're submitting a CV in Ireland, always use British English. Inconsistent spelling or US phrasing can create an unprofessional impression or suggest you're using a generic resume
7. Tone and Formality
US resumes often use a more assertive and achievement-driven tone, with lots of action verbs like “spearheaded”, “maximized”, and “engineered”. While Irish employers appreciate confidence, CVs in Ireland generally lean toward a more modest, factual tone, with emphasis on teamwork and reliability.
Using phrases like "contributed to project success" or "supported the implementation of..." can sound more natural in an Irish context than overly aggressive phrasing.
8. References and Extras
- Ireland: It's common to write "References available on request" at the bottom of the CV, though including actual referees is also acceptable.
- United States: You should never include references on a resume. They're shared only if requested during later hiring stages.
- UK: Similar to Ireland; listing references or using the standard phrase is normal.
Extras like hobbies, volunteer work, and interests are also more common in Irish and UK CVs. In the US, they are usually omitted unless directly relevant.
Understanding the key differences between Irish, US, and UK resumes can save you time and help your application stand out for the right reasons. Each country has its own expectations around tone, structure, and formatting. While there's no one-size-fits-all rulebook, adapting your resume to meet local standards is always a smart move.
