Published in: Resume Writing Guidance

Regional Resume Guidelines for Vietnam in 2026

Author Proresumes Team

Published on: March 18, 2026

Applying for a work position in the manufacturing or tech sector in Vietnam?

Explore this guide and learn about the main resume sections and essential elements required in an effective Vietnamese resume.

Related: Regional Resume Guidelines for Job Applicants in Nepal

What is the name used for a job application document in Vietnam?

The job application document is often referred to as a CV by the Vietnamese population. The word CV is an abbreviation of curriculum vitae, which is a Latin word that means the course of life.

Moreover, the resume document is also known as Ho so Xin viec, which is a Vietnamese term and means resume. Many job applicants use this word to refer to both resumes and cover letters.

Regional resume standards followed by Vietnamese job seekers

Vietnam is part of the Asian continent and follows various Asian resume standards along with some Western resume guidelines. The guidelines include the following:

Resume Length

Similar to Asian and Western resume standards, the length of the Vietnamese CV is around 1 to 2 pages. According to career advisors, the following professionals should use a one-page resume:

1. Fresh graduates with zero work experience.
2. People who want to switch careers.
3. People who have less than 7 years of work experience.

Meanwhile, the following professionals can utilize a two-page resume in Vietnam:

1. Professionals in managerial positions.
2. People who have leadership roles.
3. People who have more than a decade of experience.
4. Freelance workers

Paper Size

The paper size that is utilized for the Vietnamese resumes is known as A4. The A4 paper size belongs to the German standard paper series known as ISO 216.

This paper size is preferred by a variety of Asian countries due to ease in sharing, printing, and accessibility. Moreover, the following are the set of dimensions used for resumes in Vietnam:

• 8.27 x 11.69 inches
• 21 x 29.7 cm
• 210 x 297 mm

Resume Format

The resume format that is mostly used for Vietnamese resumes or CVs is the reverse-chronological format. It is preferred by career advisors and recruiters because it is easy to scan.

Moreover, many Vietnamese job applicants also prefer using other resume formats, such as:

• Functional resume: To focus on the skills of a professional instead of their work details.

• Hybrid/Combination resume: To highlight both skills and work expertise in the same resume.

What are the primary languages used to write the details in a Vietnamese resume?

The Vietnamese people use two kinds of languages to add details in their resume, such as:

Vietnamese

It is the primary language for professional and informal communication in the country. Moreover, Vietnamese recruiters expect resumes with the Vietnamese language specifically for job opportunities in areas like:

• Local organizations
• Work positions requiring local interaction
• State-owned businesses

However, it is important to get your resume reviewed by native speakers or language experts if you’re a foreign candidate.

English

The second language used for resume content in Vietnam is American English. The US version of English is used when applying to foreign-affiliated organizations or multinational companies.

Moreover, the job applicants should be careful about the accuracy of the following language elements in their resumes:

1. US spellings and terminology
2. Grammar rules
3. Tone and structure

Don’t know how to tailor your Vietnamese resumes according to the US English? Connect with experts at Proresumes and avail free critical resume review or purchase premium resume packages.

Is a photo required in a resume in Vietnam?

Yes, unlike the Western resume standards, the applicant’s photo is a major requirement for Vietnamese CVs. The following are some of the Vietnamese industries that require an applicant’s photo:

• Entertainment
• Sales
• Marketing
• Customer services
• Government

Here’s a list of guidelines that should be considered by applicants for the resume picture:

• Use plain and decluttered backgrounds.
• Maintain warm yet professional facial expressions.
• Use a passport-sized picture in your resume.
• Dress in professional and dark attire for the picture.
• Don’t use beauty filters, makeup, or tools.

What are the general guidelines regarding references in a Vietnamese resume?

According to the Vietnamese resume writing standards, references can be a part of the resume. However, many multinational companies follow Western standards and don’t require references directly in resumes.

The best way to provide references according to modern resume standards is to prepare a references list. The list includes the following details of a reference, such as:

• Full name
• Organization
• Occupation
• Email ID
• Phone Number
• Credibility

What are the main resume sections used by job applicants in Vietnam?

Here’s a list of the main resume sections for a Vietnamese resume:

Contact and Personal Information

The topmost section includes details like:

• Full official name
• Phone number
• Email address
• Professional photo
• LinkedIn ID
• Website portfolio

However, some of the Vietnamese recruiters also demand the following information:

• Marital status
• Age
• Date of Birth
• Nationality
• Gender

Professional summary

The summary statement in the Vietnamese resumes is almost 4 to 5 lines long and highlights the following:

1. Top achievement
2. Best skills
3. Future aspirations
4. Length of experience

Work Experience

This section is formatted reverse-chronologically and focuses on highlighting the following:

• Company name
• Dates of employment
• Job title
• Main responsibilities
• Measurable work achievements
• Internship or apprenticeship experience

Education

The qualifications section in a resume in Vietnam highlights the following elements:

• Name of degree
• Name of institute
• Years attended
• Grades
• Relevant coursework or project
• Professional certifications

Additional Sections

The following are some of the extra sections that are used in a Vietnamese resume:

• Skills
• Hobbies or Interests
• References
• Volunteer work
• Language proficiency
• Certifications

How to maximize the impact of a resume in Vietnam in 2026?

Here’s a list of quick tips to optimize your resume in 2026:

• Always use sans-serif resume fonts like Calibri or Garamond.
• Tailor your resume according to the skills and expertise required.
• Always save a resume in a PDF format or use the .docx format.
• Avoid using any kind of informal language or tone in the resume.
• Always explain the gaps in your employment history.

Learn the western resume standards in 2026 through ProResumes career blogs.