Asia-Pacific · APAC · region guide
How to write a CV for jobs in Asia-Pacific
How to write a CV or resume for Asia-Pacific in 2026: Australian and New Zealand norms, Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia, and English-language roles in Japan.
The short answer
Australia and New Zealand set the English-language standard across Asia-Pacific: a two- to three-page resume or CV, achievement-focused, with referees and no photo. In Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia, international employers expect a similar achievement-led CV of about two pages, though a photo and more personal details are still common with local firms. Japanese companies use their own standard forms, while multinationals in Japan accept an English resume.
Lead guides
The countries that set the rules in Asia-Pacific.
Start with the guide closest to where you're applying. The table below shows which one each neighbouring country follows.
Common across Asia-Pacific
- Achievement-led, reverse-chronological CV or resume
- 2 pages in Asia, 2 to 3 in Australia and New Zealand
- Work rights or visa type stated clearly
- Referees often listed in Australia and New Zealand
- Photo: no in Australia and New Zealand, often seen in Asia with local employers
Other countries in Asia-Pacific
| Country | Follow | What's different |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore | AUAustralia | About 2 pages, international style. State your work pass status (for example Employment Pass) or citizenship and permanent residence. A photo is optional. |
| Hong Kong | AUAustralia | About 2 pages. A photo is common with local firms, optional with multinationals. State your visa status and notice period. Chinese language skills are a plus. |
| Malaysia | AUAustralia | 2 to 3 pages. A photo and nationality are commonly included. Many roles ask for expected salary in the application. |
| Japan | AUAustralia | Japanese employers use a standard rirekisho form and a separate career history document (shokumu keirekisho). For multinational and English-language roles, an English resume in the international style is accepted. |
Reviewed by the PenworthCV writing team, October 2026. Always follow the instructions in the job ad.
FAQ
Asia-Pacific CV questions
Not for Australia and New Zealand. In Singapore it's optional; in Hong Kong and Malaysia it's common with local employers. Follow the job ad or company norm.
We write English-language resumes for international and multinational roles in Japan, not Japanese-language forms.
Yes for job applications. Australia uses both words; Singapore, Hong Kong and New Zealand mostly say CV.
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