How to Write a CV in English in Morocco
An English CV is not a French or Arabic CV translated word for word — the structure, the tone and even the length are different. This guide covers what recruiters in Morocco expect when a job posting asks for a CV in English.
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Written and reviewed by Mourade Boulanouar — Founder & Head of Teaching, EnglifyLast reviewed
In short
An English CV is not a French CV translated: keep it to one or two pages, drop the photo and personal details, put a short professional summary at the top, and describe achievements with strong verbs and numbers instead of listing duties. Translate job titles into their English equivalents, and keep the cover letter to three short paragraphs. Recruiters in Morocco asking for an English CV expect this Anglo-Saxon format.
Key facts
- One to two pages, no photo, no marital status
- Short professional summary instead of a French-style profile
- Achievements with action verbs and numbers, not duty lists
- Translate job titles rather than keeping French ones
- Cover letter: three short paragraphs maximum
- Prepare to speak about every line at interview
Related questions
Structure it differently from a French CV
A typical French CV in Morocco often starts with a photo, personal details and a long "objectif" paragraph. English-language CVs, especially for international or remote roles, usually drop the photo and birth date, and open with a short professional summary of two to three lines instead of an objective statement.
- Contact details: name, city, phone, email, LinkedIn — no photo, no marital status, no age
- Professional summary: 2–3 lines on your role, years of experience and one strength
- Work experience: most recent first, with results, not just duties
- Education, then skills and languages
Write achievements, not job descriptions
The biggest gap between a translated CV and a strong English CV is verbs. "Responsible for the sales team" describes a duty; "Grew regional sales by managing a team of six" describes a result. Start each bullet with a strong past-tense verb and, where you can, a number.
- Weak: In charge of customer support.
- Strong: Handled 40+ customer requests weekly, reducing response time.
- Weak: Worked on marketing campaigns.
- Strong: Coordinated three marketing campaigns across social media and email.
Avoid literal translations from French
- "Formation" → training or education, not "formation"
- "Stage" → internship, not "stage"
- "CV" personal pronoun trap: don't write "I am dynamic and motivated person" — say "a motivated professional with..."
- "Diplômé de..." → "Graduate of..." or simply list the degree and institution
Keep it to one page (two only if senior)
English-speaking recruiters, especially for international and remote positions, expect a one-page CV for under 10 years of experience. Cut older or irrelevant roles rather than shrinking the font.
The cover letter — shorter than you think
An English cover letter is typically three short paragraphs: why this company, why you fit the role with one concrete example, and a simple closing asking for an interview. Avoid the very formal opening and closing phrases used in French business letters ("Je vous prie d'agréer...") — English closings are much plainer: "Best regards" or "Kind regards" is enough.
Language level to state honestly
Do not write "fluent" if you are not. Use CEFR levels if you know yours (B2, C1) or plain terms recruiters understand: "professional working proficiency", "conversational", "intermediate". Overstating your level is discovered in the first minute of an English interview.
Before you send it
- Run it past a spell-checker set to English, not French
- Read it out loud — awkward translated phrases are easier to hear than to see
- Ask someone who speaks English well to check tone, not just grammar
- Match the CV's English level to what you can actually demonstrate in an interview
Frequently asked questions
- Should I include a photo on an English CV?
- No, for international, remote or English-language roles a photo is not expected and can even work against you with some recruiters who follow anti-bias hiring guidelines.
- Is it fine to write my CV in English but use French job titles?
- Translate job titles into their standard English equivalent where one exists, and add the original title in brackets only if it is a well-known local title with no direct equivalent.
- How long should an English cover letter be?
- Three short paragraphs, under one page — English hiring managers generally read cover letters faster and expect them shorter than the French tradition of a full-page letter.
- What if my written English is stronger than my spoken English?
- Be honest about the gap on your CV and prepare for it: many roles that ask for an English CV will also include a short English interview, so it's worth practising speaking before you apply, not just polishing the document.
- How much do English lessons cost in Morocco?
- At Englify, small-group online English classes are the most affordable option and private one-to-one classes cost more per hour, because a private teacher works with one student only. Current group and private prices are confirmed on WhatsApp (+212 724 744 137) and on our prices page, since they depend on the format, the number of hours per week and the length of the plan. The trial class is free and no card is required.
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