French CVs are concise, typically one page, and value a strong opening profile ("accroche") over a generic objective statement.
French law prohibits requiring a photo, but in practice most French CVs include one. If you add a photo, use a professional portrait. If applying to large multinationals with Anglo-Saxon HR practices, you may omit it.
French recruiters expect a 2–3 sentence profile at the top — not an "objective" but a summary of what you bring. "Responsable marketing B2B avec 5 ans d’expérience en SaaS, spécialisé en stratégie de contenu et SEO."
One page is standard in France for most professionals. Senior executives (15+ years) may use two. Never exceed two pages.
Use the CECR/CEFR framework (A1–C2). French employers expect standardized levels, especially for English proficiency. "Bilingue" means truly bilingual — don’t overstate.
| France | UK / US | |
|---|---|---|
| Photo | Common (optional) | Never |
| Length | 1 page | 1 (US) / 2 (UK) |
| Opening | Accroche (profile) | Personal statement |
| Handwritten cover letter | Dying tradition | Never |
| "Loisirs" (hobbies) | Sometimes included | Rarely |