Understand the European job market before writing your CV

Before you start writing, you must define your career targets. The European job market is diverse, meaning that a one-size-fits-all approach won’t help you land your dream job.

Define your target country, sector and employers

• Geographical targets: narrow your focus to a maximum of two preferred countries, regions and cities. This intense focus allows you to become an expert in that local market.
• Sector fit: analyse which sectors are thriving in your chosen region and how your unique Imperial skills—particularly your STEM, entrepreneurial or global mindset—can meet their demand.
• Target employers: research and list your target employers, aiming for a focused list of around 10 key companies per city. Get familiar with their local recruitment timeline and requirements, as these often vary wildly from global programs.
• Mindset: remember, success is about deep, targeted knowledge, not high-volume, generic applications.

How to write a European CV that stands out

While many international employers in Europe, such as those in the Netherlands and Luxembourg, will accept the concise, experience-focused UK-style CV format in English, applications for local roles in countries like France and Germany require key adjustments.

Key European CV requirements

1. Citizenship or visa status: European firms prefer to know your status upfront. State your citizenship or current visa permissions clearly to avoid any uncertainty for the hiring team.
2. Photo and personal information: in many parts of Europe, especially Southern Europe and France, including a professional picture and sometimes a date of birth remains a traditional expectation. While this practice is slowly declining, following local conventions shows cultural awareness.
3. Language proficiency: go beyond listing just "French: fluent." You must detail your language and technical skills proficiency accurately using clear levels (e.g., basic, intermediate, fluent, native) and mention any relevant training or courses.
4. Multilingual documents: if applying to a country like France or Germany, create a language-specific CV. Even if you submit the English version, you can embed a link toward your French or German CV to demonstrate commitment to the local language and culture.
5. Context and achievements: ensure that you give context to your degree, modules and work experiences, especially if they are less known in your target location. Crucially, your achievements must be quantifiable—focus on the impact and results (explain the what/why/how) of your work.

How to write a standout European cover letter

In the UK, cover letters are often seen as secondary, but in Europe, they are frequently a traditional and formal expectation, carrying significant weight. Formalities are very important, so your tone must be respectful and your structure precise.

A strong European cover letter serves as your professional introduction and short personal statement. It’s your chance to highlight:

• Who you are. Start by establishing your name, most recent studies or role and a unique detail about your professional or academic background.
• What you offer. Summarise your Unique Selling Points (USPs) and achievements, ensuring they are tightly tailored to the role and the company's specific needs. It's about what you can offer versus what you hope to gain.
• Global mindset and experience. Use the letter as an opportunity to explain your global mindset and emphasise your international and entrepreneurial experiences gained at university or in a relevant role, positioning these experiences as an asset to their cross-border operations.
• Conclusion. Wrap up with your career goals and finish with a question to politely "send the ball back" to the interviewer, encouraging a follow-up conversation.

European graduate scheme and internship timelines: when to apply

The European recruitment timeline for graduate schemes and internships can be more structured and slower than the UK’s, requiring early and sustained effort.

September – January: applications open

• Graduate programmes and internships advertised
• High volume of postings in finance, consulting and FMCG

January – February: high season for European job recruitment

• Online tests, assessment centres, case studies and interviews taking place during these months

March – May: offers and contracts given

• Graduate programme offers released
• Internship agreements signed (especially in France and Germany)

July – September: internship and graduate schemes start

• Majority of internships begin in July – September
• New recruitment wave opens for the following January

Hints and tips for the European graduate scheme and internship timeline:

• The high season for applications starts in September and runs through to January. Consulting often closes first, followed by Finance and then FMCG.
• The bulk of interviews and assessment centres typically falls between January and February.
• Always apply directly via the local website (e.g., BCG Germany) to ensure your application reaches the correct local recruitment team, which is key for timely processing.
• If you are looking for an internship that requires an Extended Programme (which adds several months of student status, often mandatory for specific agreements like the French convention de stage), you must factor this into your timeline and negotiate a summer start date.

By mastering these distinctions, you unlock opportunities that truly value work-life balance and deep specialisation.