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How to Write a CV in English — Professional Guide for Arabic Speakers 2026
Table of Contents
Note: Achievement examples and their numbers are illustrative, not statistics or user results. Use only your own factual information.
Why Do You Need an English CV?
In the Saudi and Gulf job market, an English CV has become almost mandatory:
- Follow the language of the vacancy and employer instructions; English is not required for every role.
- ATS systems in multinational companies are programmed in English
- Aramco, SABIC, STC and others require English CVs
- LinkedIn works in English and links your CV to your profile
| Company Type | Required Language |
|---|---|
| Foreign & multinational companies | English only |
| Major Saudi companies (Aramco, SABIC, Banks) | English or both |
| Government sector | Arabic (sometimes English too) |
| Local SMEs | Usually Arabic |
Differences Between Arabic and English CVs
| Element | Arabic CV | English CV |
|---|---|---|
| Text direction | RTL (right-to-left) | LTR (left-to-right) |
| Fonts | Tajawal, Cairo | Calibri, Arial, Garamond |
| Dates | Hijri or Gregorian | Gregorian only |
| Photo | Optional | Not preferred internationally |
| Length | 1-2 pages | 1 page (preferred) |
Important: Don't literally translate your CV. Rewrite it in English with a style that suits Western professional culture.
Steps to Write an English CV
1. Contact Information
Name, title, phone (+966), professional email, city, LinkedIn.
2. Professional Summary
Start with title or certification, mention years of experience, add one impactful number. 3-4 lines max.
3. Work Experience
Use past tense for previous roles, present tense for current. Start each bullet with a strong action verb.
4. Education & Certifications
Most recent first. Include GPA if impressive.
5. Skills & Languages
List skills from the job description. Don't exaggerate.
Common Mistakes When Writing an English CV
1. Literal Translation from Arabic
- ❌ "I was responsible for doing the sales"
- ✅ "Increased sales revenue by 35% within 6 months"
2. Grammar Mistakes
- ❌ "I managed..." in every bullet point
- ✅ "Managed...", "Developed...", "Led..."
3. Unnecessary Information
Don't include: nationality, religion, marital status, date of birth, or "References available upon request"
How to Write an English CV with Astr
Astr fully supports English CV writing:- Select English when starting
- Enter your information (AI helps with phrasing)
- Choose from professional templates
- Download PDF for free
FAQ
Do I need both Arabic and English CVs?
Yes. Prepare two versions — Arabic for government and local companies, English for major and international companies.How do I translate my CV from Arabic to English?
Don't use Google Translate. Use Astr which translates with AI while preserving correct professional terminology.
What's the best English CV template?
A classic single-column template is the safest and most ATS-compatible choice.
Create your English CV now | Browse templates