How to Write a CV in English — Professional Guide for Arabic Speakers 2026
Table of Contents
Why Do You Need an English CV?
In the Saudi and Gulf job market, an English CV has become almost mandatory:
- 70%+ of major companies in Saudi Arabia use English as their working language
- 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 templatesRelated CV Templates
CV Template: Fresh Graduate
Create a professional resume for fresh graduates with no experience. Download a ready-to-edit CV template designed specifically for new graduates, highlighting capstone projects, internships, and skills.
CV Template: Programmer
Create a resume for programmers and software developers. A ready technical CV template that highlights programming languages, GitHub projects, and Backend/Frontend experience with ATS compatibility.