How to Write a CV in Albania: Format & Tips for 2026
Albania's job market has grown significantly since the country began EU accession negotiations, and employer expectations for CVs have evolved alongside it. Both private companies and public institutions now follow relatively standardized conventions, with the Europass format serving as a widely recognized baseline, especially for public sector applications.
Albanian CV Basics
The document is called a CV (Curriculum Vitae) in Albania, not a resume. Standard length is one to two pages for most roles. Entry-level candidates and recent graduates should aim for one well-structured page, while senior professionals may extend to two pages. Academic and research positions may justify a longer academic CV.
Albanian CVs are typically written in Albanian (Shqip) for domestic employers. For multinational companies operating in Albania, international organizations, or positions requiring international coordination, an English-language CV is expected or at least strongly preferred.
Personal Information
Albanian CVs include personal information that would not appear on a Western European or North American resume:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Nationality
- Marital status (increasingly optional at modern companies)
- Home address (city is sufficient)
- Phone number
- Email address
- LinkedIn profile (recommended for corporate and international roles)
Professional Photo
A professional photograph is common on Albanian CVs and is generally expected, particularly in private sector and customer-facing roles. Use a passport-style photo: professional attire, neutral background, recent and clearly cropped. Some larger international companies operating in Albania are moving away from photos in line with their global HR policies.
Education
List your education in reverse chronological order. Include:
- Institution name
- Degree type and field of study
- City and country
- Graduation year
Albania follows the Bologna Process (Bachelor, Master, PhD structure). Degrees from the University of Tirana, Polytechnic University of Tirana, or the University of Shkodra are well recognized nationally. Foreign degrees, particularly from EU countries, Germany, the UK, Italy, or the United States, are highly valued.
The Matura Shtetërore (State Maturity exam) is the equivalent of a high school diploma and can be listed for entry-level positions where higher education is not required.
Work Experience
Reverse chronological order is standard. For each position list:
- Employer name and sector (if not obvious)
- Job title
- Employment dates (month and year)
- City and country
- Three to five concise bullet points on responsibilities and achievements
Albanian employers respond well to specific, quantified accomplishments. State numbers where possible: budget managed, team size, revenue impact, or percentage improvements.
Skills and Languages
Language skills are very important in Albania. Clearly list:
- Albanian (native)
- English (proficiency level)
- Italian (widely spoken in Albania, especially in business)
- Greek (relevant in southern Albania and for the Greek business community)
- Other languages
Use the CEFR framework for language levels (A1 through C2) for applications to international organizations or when applying with a Europass CV.
Technical skills such as Microsoft Office, accounting software, or programming languages should be listed concisely.
The Europass CV Option
The Europass CV format is frequently used in Albania, especially for:
- Public sector job applications
- EU-funded project positions
- Applications to international NGOs or development organizations
The Europass template is available in Albanian at the official EU website. For private sector applications, a well-designed custom CV is often more effective than the functional Europass format.
Common CV Mistakes in Albania
- One generic CV sent everywhere without adaptation to the specific role or employer
- Omitting language skills in a country where multilingualism is a genuine advantage
- Poor formatting such as dense paragraphs with no bullet points
- Including irrelevant personal information such as religion or ID numbers
- Not listing the Europass format when applying for public sector or EU project roles where it is preferred