Make a job application in English when studying abroad

🔄 Cập nhật lần cuối: 08/10/26

Making a job application in English while studying abroad is a skill you will need right from the first semester, whether to apply for a part-time job, an internship or a job after graduation. A standard set of documents including CV/résumé and cover letter written correctly in the "recruitment culture" of the host country will help you pass the application screening process much easier than translating the original Vietnamese CV. This article summarizes writing styles, differences by country, and common mistakes Vietnamese international students make.

CV or resume? Understand correctly before writing

In the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, people often call a job application a CV (in Australia they also use "resume"). In the US and Canada, a summary of experience for most jobs is called a résumé, while a “CV” is usually for academic and research resumes, is longer and lists scientific publications. In essence, both are concise documents that show employers in a few dozen seconds: who you are, what you've done, and why you're suitable for this position.

Most important: there is no one CV for every job – tailor it to the job description of each position.

Standard English CV structure for international students

According to the instructions of Prospects (a reputable student career site in the UK) and many university career centers, a student CV usually includes the following sections, arranged in reverse chronological order (newest first):

1. Contact details: full name, home country phone number, professional email (avoid a nickname address), LinkedIn link or portfolio. Just write down the city/area, no need for detailed home address when posting your CV publicly.
2. Personal profile / Summary: 2–4 short introductory sentences: what major you are studying, outstanding strengths, goals and the type of job you are applying for.
3. Education: school, major, time, academic results if good (expected GPA, Honors), related subjects or projects.
4. Work experience: including part-time jobs, internships, jobs in Vietnam. Each 2–4 bullet point position begins with an action verb (managed, organized, improved...) and has a specific result.
5. Skills: language (native Vietnamese is a real advantage), software skills, professional certifications.
6. Activities / Volunteering: clubs, Vietnamese student associations, volunteering - evidence of soft skills.
7. References: many places do not require references to be included in the CV; Prepare 1–2 people (lecturers, former managers) to provide information when asked.

In terms of length, Prospects advises CVs in the UK to be no more than two A4 pages; SEEK (Australia) suggests that new graduates should summarize it on one page; In the US, student resumes are usually only one page.

Write bullet points of experience so that it is "powerful"

Instead of writing “Serve at a restaurant”, describe it with a recipe verb + done + result. For example: “Served up to 80 customers per shift in a fast-paced restaurant, maintaining positive feedback from regular guests.” Numbers and results help employers visualize your capabilities, even with simple part-time jobs. If you are work part-time while studying abroad, record your achievements now to easily include them in your CV later.

Differences when applying for a job in the UK, US, Australia, and Canada

Many CV habits in Vietnam (photo pasting, date of birth, marital status) are not appropriate in English-speaking countries, where anti-discrimination laws in recruitment are quite strict.

This is general practice; Always prioritize individual guidance in job postings.

Should visa status be recorded?

Some career centers in the US recommend not including visa status in the resume, so that you can actively discuss in the next round. However, when the application form asks directly about right to work, you must answer honestly. Find out in advance your work rights according to visa type - see more articles Post-graduation jobs abroad and types of work visas and Extend student visa and post-graduation work visa.

Automatic profile filtering system (ATS)

Large businesses often use CV filtering software. To avoid being unfairly eliminated, use a simple layout, common fonts, clear section titles (Education, Experience, Skills), limit tables and complex text boxes, and naturally include keywords in the job description. Submit PDF files unless the employer requests another format.

Write a cover letter in English

If your CV is a summary of facts, then your cover letter is where you show your motivation and suitability. The University of Dundee's guidance for international students advises keeping letters to one A4 page, short sentences, clear "Business English" style rather than flowery language.

• Introduction: state the position you are applying for, where you heard about it, and a short sentence why you are interested.
• Body letter (1–2 paragraphs): choose 2–3 most important requirements in the job description and demonstrate with specific examples from study, part-time work, and extracurricular activities.
• Closing letter: express your desire to be interviewed, thank the reader.
• Address: try to find the employer's name. According to British custom, "Dear Sir or Madam" goes with "Yours faithfully", while letters sent by name go with "Yours sincerely".

AI tools can help you frame, but "similar" messages are easy to recognize. Please write from your own real experience.

Mistakes that Vietnamese international students often make

• Translate the original Vietnamese CV: keep photo, date of birth, hometown, general "career goals".
• Send a CV everywhere: don't tailor keywords to each position.
• Spelling and grammar errors: ask native friends or the academic support center to proofread; Uniform English-British or American-English spelling.
• Without LinkedIn: LinkedIn profile syncs with CV to help recruiters quickly check. Combined with work Build a network of relationships when studying abroad for more opportunities to be featured.
• Submitting your application too late: Internship and graduate scheme programs often open applications a year in advance. See more articles Internship and co-op while studying abroad to plan.

A practical note: the final interview round (assessment center, onsite interview) sometimes takes place in another city, or you are invited to interview at the Vietnam office if you are considering it. return home or stay after studying abroad. When you need to fly urgently, VeDuHoc's team of more than 30 Bookers hunts for tickets from many airlines, including ticket back home close to the date, and if you find a better price after you have paid, HVSC will refund the difference. You can focus on preparing for the interview.

Frequently asked questions

Does a CV for a part-time job need to be written as carefully as a formal job application?

It can be shorter (usually one page), but it still needs to be clear, have no spelling errors, and state appropriate skills such as communication, customer service, and available time to work.

Should I put a photo on my English CV?

In the UK, US, Australia, and Canada, it is customary not to post photos, except for some specific industries such as acting and modeling. Please follow specific requirements if the job posting clearly states.

If you don't have work experience, what should your CV say?

Focus on academics, projects, group projects, club activities, volunteering, language and software skills. Describe what you did and the results, just like you would with a job.

Is a cover letter required?

It's not required everywhere, but if the job posting requires or allows attachments, a letter written specifically for that position often helps the application stand out more.

A good English resume does not need to be complicated, it just needs to be accurate, honest and written specifically for each position. Start with your original CV this semester and make the most of the school's career services. And when you need to travel for interviews, admission or returning home, VeDuHoc is always ready to support via hotline/Zalo 090.1800.918 or hotline Frequently asked questions about study abroad tickets.

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