European CV (Europass) to fill in online
Fill in your CV in the European format straight from your browser: enter your details section by section, see a live preview and download the PDF for free. The template follows the Europass structure that public bodies, schools, universities and many employers across Europe know well.
- Free, no sign-up
- Live preview and a PDF ready to send
- Your draft stays saved in your browser
What is the European CV
The European CV, known as the Europass CV, is a standard format promoted by the European Union to present experience, education and skills in the same way across all member states. Every candidate uses the same sections in the same order, so readers know exactly where to find information, even when the CV comes from another country.
The WizardsCV template follows this structure in a clean, readable layout. It is not the official European Commission service: it is an independent editor that lets you create a European-format CV in minutes, without creating an account.
The sections of the Europass CV
These are the typical sections of the European format. Fill in only the ones you need: an empty section is better than a padded one.
- Personal information
- Name, contact details, city and, if you like, a link to LinkedIn or a portfolio. Date of birth and photo are optional.
- Profile or career objective
- Two or three lines saying who you are and what job you are looking for. It is the first thing people read: make it specific.
- Work experience
- From the most recent, with job title, employer, city, dates and main tasks in short bullet points.
- Education and training
- Qualifications, courses and certifications, with institution, year and, if useful, grade.
- Language skills
- Mother tongue and other languages with Common European Framework levels (A1 to C2).
- Digital skills
- Software and tools you actually use, with an indicative level.
- Other skills
- Communication and organizational skills, driving licence, volunteering, projects or publications.
How to fill in the European CV in 6 steps
- Click “Fill in the European CV”: the editor opens with the Europass template already selected.
- Enter your personal information and a short professional summary.
- Add your work experience starting from the most recent, with 3-6 concrete tasks for each.
- Complete education, courses and certifications.
- List your languages with European levels and your digital and soft skills.
- Check the preview, choose colour and font, and download the PDF.
Language levels in the European format
In the Europass CV, languages are described using the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) levels. Be honest: your level is often checked at the interview.
| A1 | Beginner: you understand and use very simple everyday expressions. |
|---|---|
| A2 | Elementary: you communicate in simple, routine situations. |
| B1 | Intermediate: you manage most work and travel situations. |
| B2 | Upper intermediate: you interact fluently and write clear, detailed texts. |
| C1 | Advanced: you use the language flexibly and effectively, including at work. |
| C2 | Proficient: you understand and express yourself with ease in any context. |
Europass or modern CV: which should you choose?
The European format is not always the best choice. It depends on who will read your CV.
Choose the European format if…
- You are applying for public sector jobs, calls or competitions.
- You are applying to schools, universities, scholarships or EU projects.
- The job ad explicitly asks for a “European format CV”.
- You are applying in another European country and want a recognizable format.
Choose a modern CV if…
- You are applying to private companies, startups or creative agencies.
- You have a lot of experience and want a more concise document.
- You want to give more space to results, projects or a portfolio.
- The job ad does not specify a format.
Want to learn more about the differences? Read the Europass vs modern CV guide
Tips for an effective European CV
- Do not fill in every section for the sake of it: leave out those that add nothing.
- Describe tasks with action verbs and concrete results, not lists of adjectives.
- Keep the CV to 2 pages if possible: the European format tends to get long.
- Adapt your profile and skills to each application.
- In Italy many people add a data processing consent line at the end (EU Regulation 2016/679): include it if the job ad asks for it.
Before sending it, check that the PDF can be read by recruitment software with the free ATS checker
Frequently asked questions
Is the European CV mandatory?
No. It is mainly required for public sector competitions, calls, schools and universities. For private companies a modern CV works well too, as long as it is clear and well organized.
Is this the official Europass website?
No. WizardsCV is an independent editor that uses the structure of the European format. The official European Commission portal is europass.europa.eu.
Should I add a photo to the European CV?
It is not mandatory. It is common in Italy, but many companies prefer CVs without photos. If you add one, choose a professional photo with a neutral background.
Can I edit the European CV after downloading it?
Yes. Your draft stays saved in your device's browser: go back to the editor, change what you need and download the PDF again.
Does the European CV work with ATS software?
Yes, if the PDF contains selectable text and clear section titles, like the one generated by WizardsCV. You can check it with the free ATS checker.
