The right question isn't "which is better"
In several European countries, Italy in particular, the "European CV" was for years synonymous with a CV. Many candidates still use it out of habit, while others consider it outdated. The truth is that the two formats serve different purposes: the right format is the one the reader expects and the one that best highlights what you offer.
In this guide we look at what Europass really is today, what we mean by a modern CV, and how to choose case by case.
What is the Europass CV
Europass is a European Union initiative offering free tools to present skills and qualifications in a way that is understood across Europe. The Europass CV template has a standard structure: personal information, work experience, education and training, language skills (with self-assessment based on the Common European Framework of Reference), digital skills and other skills.
Since 2020 Europass is no longer the old Word form with the blue column on the left: it is filled in online on the official portal, where you can create a profile, choose between a few designs and download your CV as a PDF. The portal is available in all official EU languages.
Advantages of Europass
- Recognisable across Europe: readers know exactly where to find each piece of information.
- Complete: the guided structure helps you forget nothing, which is useful if you're writing a CV for the first time.
- Clear language levels: the self-assessment grid (understanding, speaking, writing) is a shared standard.
- Free and official: it doesn't depend on private platforms.
Limits of Europass
- It tends to be long: the structure invites you to fill in every section, even irrelevant ones. Four- or five-page Europass CVs are not unusual.
- Little room for results: the template encourages describing duties rather than concrete achievements.
- A "bureaucratic" image: in the private sector, especially in international companies, start-ups and creative fields, some recruiters associate it with low-effort applications.
- Every CV looks the same: it is standard by definition, so it's hard to stand out.
What is a modern CV
A "modern CV" isn't a specific template but an approach: a shorter document (1-2 pages), built around the role you're applying for, with an opening profile, experience described through results and a clean design that guides the eye.
Modern doesn't have to mean colourful or full of icons. The modern CVs that work best have a clear hierarchy (headings, spacing, one accent colour), can be read in a few seconds and remain compatible with recruiting software (ATS).
Advantages of a modern CV
- Concise and targeted: it puts only what matters for that role up front.
- Highlights results: the structure leaves room for numbers, projects and impact.
- Customisable: you can change the order of sections to suit your profile (e.g. skills at the top if you're changing careers).
- More memorable: a polished design signals attention to detail.
Limits of a modern CV
- Design can get in the way: complex columns, charts and text inside images may be misread by ATS.
- Not always accepted in formal contexts: some public calls explicitly require the European format.
- It takes more editing: deciding what to cut is the hardest part.
Quick comparison
- Length: Europass often 3-5 pages; modern 1-2 pages.
- Structure: Europass fixed; modern flexible.
- Focus: Europass completeness; modern relevance and results.
- Design: Europass standard; modern customisable.
- ATS compatibility: good for both, as long as the modern CV uses a clean layout.
- Where it works best: Europass in the public sector, EU calls and mobility programmes; modern in the private sector.
Public sector and EU programmes
If you're applying to a public body or a formal call for applications, always read the notice: it tells you which format is required. Many calls in countries such as Italy ask for a "CV in European format", while others simply ask for a dated and signed CV.
Increasingly, public recruitment happens through online portals where you fill in your CV directly in the profile fields. In that case the document format matters less: what matters is completing every section carefully, because those fields are what the selection board reads.
When the European format is required, use it: a modern CV, however good-looking, may be considered non-compliant.
Private sector
In the vast majority of private companies nobody will ask for Europass. Here a modern, concise and targeted CV almost always has the edge:
- Multinationals and large companies: a clean modern CV, in English if the ad is in English, compatible with ATS.
- Small and medium-sized businesses: a clear modern CV, one page if possible. The owner or manager often reads it personally, and conciseness makes the difference.
- Start-ups and digital: a modern CV with links to your portfolio, GitHub or projects.
- Creative fields (design, communications, fashion): a more personal design, together with a portfolio. For portal applications, prepare a simpler version too.
Applying abroad
Europass was created for European mobility and is useful for Erasmus+, EU traineeships, volunteering programmes and applications to EU institutions. For a private-sector job abroad, follow local customs instead:
- UK and Ireland: a 2-page CV, with no photo or date of birth.
- Germany, Austria, Switzerland: a tabular CV ("Lebenslauf"), often with a professional photo, very orderly and with precise dates.
- France: a concise CV, often one page, with a cover letter.
- United States: a one-page "resume" (two for senior profiles), with no photo or personal details.
How to choose in 30 seconds
- Does the notice or job ad ask for the European format? Use Europass.
- Is it an application for an EU programme or a public body? Europass is a safe choice.
- In all other cases, especially in the private sector, use a modern, targeted CV.
- If in doubt, prepare a modern CV with the same standard sections as Europass (experience, education, languages with European levels, digital skills): it will feel familiar to anyone.
How to have both without doubling the work
The content is the same: only structure, length and design change. The most efficient approach:
- write your experience with results, your education and your skills once;
- from that base, create a concise modern CV for the private sector;
- keep a more complete European-format version for public calls.
On WizardsCV you enter your details once, switch between templates (modern, European and creative) and download the PDF for free, with no sign-up.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Europass CV still valid in 2026?
Yes. It is an official, up-to-date and free European Union tool. It is especially suited to public-sector applications, calls and EU programmes; in the private sector a more concise CV is often preferred.
Do recruiters reject Europass CVs?
No, a CV isn't rejected because of its format. But a long, generic Europass CV can hide the important information, while a targeted modern CV puts it in plain sight during the first few seconds of reading.
Can I use a modern CV for a public-sector job?
It depends on the notice: if it asks for the "European format", use Europass. If you apply through an online portal where you fill in your profile, the file format matters less.
Is a modern CV ATS-compatible?
Yes, if the layout is clean: standard section headings, selectable text and no information inside images or complex tables.
