Europass CV Template, Sample, & Format

A Europass CV can help present all your skills and talents clearly and understandably to potential employers across the EU. However, be aware: the Europass CV format differs from a typical British CV. 

This guide will present an expert Europass CV template, explain who can benefit from using the Europass CV editor, and discuss the pros and cons of the Europass CV creator. I will also present alternatives to the Europass CV format that can help your application stand out..

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Europass CV template & format

That’s a top-flight Europass CV example. Before heading to the guidelines, let’s define the Europass Curriculum Vitae for those unfamiliar with this format, especially if you're writing your first CV. 

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What is Europass CV?

A Europass CV is a standardised curriculum vitae (CV) format developed by the European Union. It enables people across Europe to present their qualifications in a clear and consistent way, making it easier for them to apply for jobs, education, and training.

And what exactly is Europass?

Europass is a platform that can be accessed by anyone interested in working or learning in the European Union. Whether you’re an EU citizen or from a non-European country, you can use the Europass CV editor to create a unified document for career opportunities.

Besides a CV, Europass allows you to create the following documents:

• Europass Language Passport, which demonstrates your proficiency in various languages.
• Europass Mobility, which highlights your educational experiences across Europe.
• Europass Certificate Supplement, which provides additional information about your qualifications and certifications.
• Europass Diploma Supplement, which describes your higher education in a detailed way. 

Should you use the Europass CV editor?

The Europass CV maker can be a helpful tool when you need a simple, standardised CV format. I outlined scenarios where using Europass is beneficial, as well as cases where it may not be the best choice:

When Europass can be useful

• Applying across Europe: Europass is widely recognised by EU employers and education institutions. If you’re sending applications to multiple European countries (for example, through the EU’s EURES portal), the standard Europass format is universally recognised.
• Foreign country or unsure of conventions: If you don’t know the local CV style (e.g., moving to Germany, Italy, Spain, or France), using Europass removes the guesswork. Its structure is familiar to recruiters throughout the EU.
• When requested: Some employers or programmes explicitly ask for a Europass CV. For instance, certain EU agencies or international scholarships (like Erasmus+) will request Europass. 
• Want a free tool: Europass is free (EU-funded) and provides a ready-made template. If you need a very basic CV, Europass offers a simple, cost-free solution.

When not to use Europass

• You want totand out: Because Europass is so standardised, it’s hard to make it eye-catching. If you need a creative or highly tailored design (for a competitive role), a custom CV template is better. 
• One-page CV: UK recruiters typically prefer concise one-page CVs. Europass documents tend to be longer (often 2–3 pages) since you can’t easily compress the fixed sections. The Europass CV format may force you to condense or omit important details.
• UK jobs: Europass is rarely used by UK applicants. British employers expect a personal profile at the top, and they’re not familiar with the Europass style. Submitting a Europass CV for a UK role can look odd or impersonal.

Europass CV: pros and cons

Understanding the advantages and drawbacks of Europass can help you decide if it is the right tool for your applications.

Europass CV: advantages

• European recognition: Many European employers and universities are familiar with Europass CV format, which can be reassuring for international applications.
• Free and easy to use: The Europass CV editor is completely free to use. 
• Multi-language support: You can instantly download your CV in any of 31 languages. This is handy if you’re multilingual or submitting applications in multiple EU countries.
• Comprehensive detail: Europass CV format features a thorough, reverse-chronological layout. It prompts you for key information in each section, helping ensure nothing important is missed.
• Useful for mobility: Because it’s recognised EU-wide, Europass is ideal if you’re moving between EU countries (e.g. via EURES). 

Europass CV: disadvantages

• Rigid, plain design: All Europass CVs look very similar: the format is monochrome, text-heavy, and visually bland..
• Limited customisation: You can only pick from a few basic templates and highlight colours. There’s no flexibility to change fonts, add graphics, or reorganise sections significantly. The lack of a personal summary section also means less opportunity to “sell” yourself upfront.
• Similar to everyone else’s: Recruiters may struggle to differentiate you when dozens of applicants use the same format.
• Excessive length: If you fill out every part, a Europass CV can run to multiple pages. This goes against the UK preference for brevity; a long CV can deter recruiters.
• Time/tech issues: To use Europass CV editor, you must first complete an online profile. Some users find this cumbersome or glitchy. Critics note that building a Europass CV requires two separate setups and that the interface isn’t very user-friendly.

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Europass CV format vs UK CV format 

Choosing the correct CV format can significantly impact how your application is perceived. Europass is standard across Europe, whereas UK CVs are more flexible, prioritising brevity, personal branding, and relevance. Understanding these differences helps you select the most suitable format based on your career objectives and target audience.

Key differences between a Europass CV and a standard UK CV:

Europass CV	Standard UK CV
Standardised format used across Europe; structured and uniform.	Flexible, tailored to role/industry; emphasises brevity and relevance.
No dedicated personal statement section; goes straight into personal details.	Starts with a personal statement/profile highlighting skills, goals, and value. Recruiters expect this section.
Often exceeds 2 pages due to fixed, detailed sections.	Typically 1–2 pages; concise and selective.
Skills are divided into explicit subsections (languages, communication, organisation, etc.). Includes detailed language levels (e.g., CEFR).	Skills usually integrated into experience or education sections. Only role-relevant skills are included; language only mentioned if necessary for the job.
Often includes photo, date of birth, nationality, gender—more personal information.	Photos are discouraged; minimal personal data included to avoid bias (usually just name, location, contact).
Plain, monochrome, highly structured. Limited design variations. Tone is factual and formal.	Allows creative layouts, colours, and fonts to support personal branding. Tone can be more dynamic, active, and personalised.

How to create a Europass CV online?

To start creating a CV Europass, you need to go to the main Europass website and set up your free account. Once the account is created, you can start making your own Europass profile immediately. 

Here’s how to do it:

• Visit the Europass CV online creator.
• Register and create your profile to access all available tools and resources. 
• Fill in each section and click “save” when you’re done.
• Select one of the four Europass CV templates. You can also select an accent colour and set the text size. 

Alternatively, you can create a European CV that resembles a standardised Europass CV template using a dedicated CV builder.

Here’s how to create a CV aligned to European standards:

1. Fill out your Europass CV personal information 

The Europass CV template does not include a personal statement (or CV profile) at the top, as traditional CVs used in the UK typically do. 

To start, fill in the following personal details:

1. Full address
2. Phone and email
3. Website
4. Instant messaging

By ticking 'Additional Fields,' you can also provide data on your sex, date of birth, and nationality, although none of it is necessary.

2. Write your Europass CV job description

Since there is no personal statement on your Europass CV template, you must use the work experience section to illustrate your merits as an employee. That's what makes a good CV.

Here’s how to do it right:

• Pick your type of application and the job you are applying for. Enter the appropriate dates and employer details.
• List 5 to 9 bullet points in the ‘main activities and responsibilities’ field. Focus on the ones that outline your achievements and impact as an employee. 
• Use the PAR (Problem-Action-Result) formula to describe your achievements. Start with your most substantial achievement and work down in order of importance.
• Make sure not to repeat bullet points between jobs, as these Europass CVs can get long anyway. 
• Highlight the employer's key requirements from the job advertisement, supporting your points with quantifiable data and evidence.
• Focus on internships, volunteering, and transferable skills relevant to the new role if you’re writing a CV with no work experience.

3. List education on your Europass CV template

Recording your education details on a Europass CV is slightly more detailed than in a normal job application. Enter the dates, qualification name, and the equivalent European Qualifications Framework level for the qualification. 

• If you are a student or fresh out of school, feel free to add bullet points in the ‘Main subjects / occupational skills covered’ field to describe how you excelled and what you achieved.
• If you have several years of professional experience, only list your degree. Use more space to elaborate on your recent achievements.

Learn more about European Qualifications Framework levels on the European Commission site.

4. Make a list of your Europass CV skills

What else should you include in a CV? Definitely a list of skills. In the Europass CV, unlike the standard UK CV outline, the skills section is broken down into languages and abilities.

Here’s what this section is divided into: 

• Mother Tongue
• Foreign Languages
• Communication Skills
• Organisational / Managerial Skills
• Job-Related Skills
• Digital Skills

For the Foreign Languages, you can choose your own self-reported proficiency, but remember to upload your certificate if you have one. For the remaining four skills sections, try to break them down into this formula:

As previously mentioned, Europass CVs can become lengthy, and copying and pasting skill lists is unnecessary.

Expert tip: Focus on elaborating what you are truly good at. You can also add extra sections by clicking on Additional Information in the right-hand menu, and include sections such as Certifications, Citations, Conferences, Courses, Honours and Awards, Memberships, Presentations, Projects, Publications, References, or Seminars in your Europass CV.

5. Upload attachments to the Europass CV editor

A range of attachments must be uploaded with your Europass CV for you to reap maximum benefits from this programme. 

Make sure you have the correct:

• Diplomas/certificates: Use each education entry to upload supporting documents, such as transcripts or GCE certificates. You need a certificate or diploma supplement to explain them to your employer.
• Certificate supplement: A certificate supplement explains what your education means to employers. It is an appendix to your original certificate (like GCSE), issued by the awarding body, and should be submitted with it.
• Diploma supplement: A diploma supplement offers your employer details about your higher education degrees, explaining your transcript. It's issued by the same university that awards your degree.
• Europass mobility: If you are going on an exchange between universities, schools, NGOs, or two companies, contact the organisation sending you abroad and ask them to contact their National Europass Centre.

6. Prepare a compelling Europass cover letter

Each Europass CV is accompanied by a cover letter directly within the system. You have separate fields to input your opening paragraph, main body, and closing paragraph. A cover letter offers a great opportunity to stand out by including some storytelling and highlighting your achievements, which is especially important in the absence of a personal statement.

Follow this cover letter formula:

• Opening Paragraph (60–80 words): List how many years of experience you have and provide the strongest argument for being the best candidate.
• Main Body (120–200 words): Outline the 2–3 most important achievements you have had in your field.
• Closing Paragraph (40–60 words): Display a genuine interest in the company and explain what you can do for them. Be confident and ask for an interview.

Ready to create your CV without the stress? With LiveCareer UK CV builder, you don’t need to be an expert at CV writing. Our tool offers step-by-step guidance and pre-written examples for your industry, helping you complete your CV more quickly and confidently.

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Thank you for reading my article. Good luck with creating your CV!

How we review the content at LiveCareer

Our editorial team has reviewed this article for compliance with LiveCareer’s editorial guidelines. It’s to ensure that our expert advice and recommendations are consistent across all our career guides and align with current CV and cover letter writing standards and trends. We’re trusted by over 10 million job seekers, supporting them on their way to finding their dream job. Each article is preceded by research and scrutiny to ensure our content responds to current market trends and demand.

Sources

• Europass Website
• Jobversity: P-A-R Examples
• Europass: Description of the eight EQF levels