CV format for jobs in Pakistan and the Gulf

Employers in Pakistan and the Gulf read CVs a little differently from those in the US or UK. They often expect a photo and personal details, and they care about visa status and notice period. This is the format that works.

CV makerResume builderEngineer resume

The sections, in order

  1. Name, job title, phone (with country code), email, city
  2. Photo (passport style) in the corner
  3. Profile: two or three lines
  4. Work experience, newest first
  5. Education and certifications
  6. Skills and languages (English, Urdu, Arabic and level)
  7. Personal details: nationality, date of birth, visa status, notice period, driving licence
  8. References: available on request

Gulf-specific tips

Pakistan-specific tips

Frequently asked questions

Should I add a photo to my CV in Pakistan or Dubai?

Yes, a professional passport-style photo is common and often expected.

How long should a CV be for Gulf jobs?

Two pages at most; one page for early-career roles.

Can I make my CV in Word?

Make it here as a PDF; if an agency asks for Word, convert it with our PDF to DOCX converter.