In the global job market, details matter. If you apply to a US company with a 5-page European CV including your photo and marital status, it might be discarded instantly. Conversely, a 1-page US resume might look 'thin' to a German recruiter.

USA: The 1-Page Resume

Goal: Brevity and Impact.
Format: No photo. No age. Focus on achievements.
Why PDF? To ensure your carefully adjusted margins and fonts lock in place. A Word doc might shift your layout to 2 pages on the recruiter's screen, ruining your aesthetic.

Europe: The Europass CV

Goal: Comprehensive Detail.
Format: Photo (often). Detailed education history. Language skills.
Why PDF? The Europass standard often involves complex tables. Converting to PDF ensures these tables don't break.

Universal Rule

Whether it's a CV or Resume, always name your file professionally: FirstName_LastName_CV.pdf. Never submit Doc1.docx.