
Regional Resume Guidelines for Job Applicants in Nepal
Got your eyes on a good career opportunity in the pirate or local industry in Nepal?
Learn how to build a Nepalese resume by exploring this guide and learn about the latest resume standards in Asia.
What is the name used for a job application in Nepal?
The job application document in Nepal is known as a CV or curriculum vitae. The word Curriculum Vitae is a Latin term that translates to the course of life. It is used as a name for the job application because it represents a professional’s career chronology.
Moreover, the short-form CV is used more by the Nepalese population since it is easy to pronounce. Apart from this, the French word resume which means summary, is also used to refer to the job application document in Nepal.
Regional resume standards followed by Nepalese candidates
The country Nepal belongs to the South region of the Asian continent. The population of the country follows various Asian and international resume standards that include:
Resume Length
The resume length for the Nepalese CVs or resumes is up to two pages. This standard of resume length is utilized by the majority of European, Asian, and American countries.
Career experts suggest adjusting the resume length according to the following situations:
One-page resume: Job applicants with less than five years of experience should use a one-page resume. These applicants can include junior-level professionals, graduates, or professionals who switch careers.
Two-page resume: Job seekers who have more than 10 years of expertise can use more than two pages. Applicants who can utilize the two-page format are either senior professionals or those at leadership positions.
Paper Size
The paper size that is used in Nepalese resumes is similar to every other Asian country except the Philippines. The A4 size is a part of the German paper series known as ISO 216.
Moreover, the dimensions of the Nepalese resume according to different units of measurement:
- Inches: 8.27 x 11.69
- Centimeters: 21 x 29.7
- Millimeters: 210 x 297
Resume Format
The primary resume format that is used for Nepalese job applications is the reverse-chronological format. It is preferred by hiring managers since it helps them scan an applicant’s current expertise in seconds. Moreover, the chronological format also helps applicants in highlighting every relevant work experience to show progress.
Meanwhile, many applicants who lack the experience required for the job often utilize the functional resume format. However, job candidates should be careful while using this functional resume format. Since it is reserved for people who are either new to their career or who want to switch.
What are the main languages used for resumes in Nepal?
The Nepalese population utilizes two main languages to write content for their resumes:
Nepali
It is the main language of the country and is often used for resumes when applying for the following positions:
- Local jobs
- Work requiring local interaction
- Local Government positions
- Local educational roles
However, the Nepali language utilizes the Devanagari script and is only used when it’s required by the organization or employer.
English
The version of English that is used for the Nepalese resume is Nepalese English. It is derived from British English and some Indo-Aryan languages. This standard Nepalese variety of English relies on British terminology, rules, and UK spellings.
This standard version of English can be used in a resume to apply in the following fields:
- Finance
- Private firms
- International education
- Non-governmental organizations
Pro Tip: Job applicants who are applying as foreign candidates can also use American English for resumes.
Are you planning to apply for a job at a Nepalese organization? Get help from ProResumes to create a resume in Nepalese or American English with 99% job interview guarantee.
Do the resumes in Nepal contain an applicant’s photo?
Yes, according to the local resume requirements, the applicant’s photo is an essential resume element. However, job applicants can confirm the photo inclusion requirement before submitting their CVs or resumes.
Moreover, applicants should also take care of the following rules regarding the picture:
- Avoid fancy lighting, excessive makeup, and filters.
- Always use the passport-size version of the picture.
- Utilize plain and clean backgrounds in blue or white.
- Dress in professional and dark attire.
- Maintain professional yet friendly facial expressions.
Are references required in a resume or CV in Nepal?
No, references aren’t directly a part of the Nepalese resume. However, they are valued by the recruiters and often submitted before the hiring decision is made.
The references are provided to the recruiters through a reference list that includes details of at least three professional references. The details are:
- Full name
- Relationship with the applicant
- Profession
- Contact details (phone number and email address)
- Organization
What are the parts utilized by job candidates for resumes in Nepal?
Following are the list of the main resume sections for a resume in Nepal:
Contact information
This section of the resume includes the following details of the applicant:
- Full name
- Phone number
- Email address
- Professional photo
- National citizenship number
- Work permit status (foreign candidates)
- LinkedIn profile
- Website portfolio
Meanwhile, here are some details that should be excluded from your resume:
- Age
- Marital status
- Religion
- Sect
- Gender
Professional summary
The career objectives or professional summary should consist of no more than three lines and highlight the following:
- Skills
- Achievement
- Experience
- Future Goals
Work Experience
The work experience section lists the following details, starting with the most recent experience first:
- Job title
- Name of organization
- Dates of employment
- Key responsibilities
- Key achievements
- Internship or apprenticeships experience
Education
The education section of the resumes in Nepal includes the following elements:
- Name of educational program
- Name of educational institute
- Year of Graduation
- Professional certifications
- Academic honors
- High school education (fresh graduates)
Additional Sections
Add the following sections to provide some extra details that enhance the resume’s value:
- Skills
- Certifications
- Language proficiency
Tips to optimize resumes in Nepal for the 2026 job market trends
Use the following tips to create the best version of your Nepalese resume:
- Never use informal language or tone in the resume.
- Explain the career gaps strategically.
- Avoid the use of graphics or columns to ensure ATS optimization.
- Ensure white space in the resume by keeping content concise.
- Avoid adding irrelevant hobbies to the resume.
Want to learn the best way to optimize your resume for success? Read resume guidance blogs at ProResumes.
| Resume Writing Standards | Checklist |
| Profile photo | Yes |
| Paper size | A4 |
| Spellings/ Language | English and Nepali |
| Resume Length | One to Two pages |
| Document name | Often requires citizenship information, unlike many Western countries |
| Personal Data | Optional |
| Hobbies & Interests | No |
| Country-specific Trend | Often requires citizenship information, unlike many western countries |
| References | No |