How to Write a CV in Egypt: Format & Guide 2026

Egypt's labor market combines a large public sector governed by Arabic-language norms, a dynamic private sector that increasingly favors English or bilingual documents, and a growing startup and technology ecosystem centered on Cairo and Alexandria. Knowing which conventions apply to your target sector is the most important step before writing your CV.

Document Name and Length

The document is called a CV (Curriculum Vitae) in the private and international sectors. In Arabic-language public institutions, it may be referred to as السيرة الذاتية (al-Sīra al-Dhātīya). Standard length is two to three pages for experienced professionals and one to two pages for recent graduates. Academic CVs are longer.

Language

Choose the language based on your target employer:

• Private-sector multinationals and international NGOs: English strongly preferred
• Domestic private companies: English, Arabic, or bilingual acceptable
• Egyptian government ministries and public authorities: Arabic

If you apply to a bilingual environment, an English document with Arabic equivalents for key credentials is a practical approach.

Professional Photo

A professional photo is standard in Egyptian CVs across all sectors. Use a passport-style photograph with formal attire and a plain or neutral background. This convention applies in both the public and private sectors.

Personal Information

Include: full name (in both English and Arabic transliteration if applying bilingually), date of birth, nationality, phone number, professional email address, and a LinkedIn profile if relevant. Some employers, particularly in Gulf-connected private companies, also expect marital status and number of children.

Education

Egypt's most prestigious institutions carry significant weight with recruiters:

• Cairo University (CU): the largest and most recognized public university, with strong programs in medicine, law, and engineering
• American University in Cairo (AUC): the most recognized private English-medium university; a strong signal for international employers
• Alexandria University: engineering, medicine, and sciences
• Ain Shams University: a large Cairene public university with respected faculties across disciplines
• German University in Cairo (GUC): technology and applied sciences, well-regarded by multinational employers
• Nile University: technology and innovation focus in the New Administrative Capital area

State the exact degree, institution, faculty, graduation year, and grade (GPA or percentage classification). Egyptian degree systems use percentage grades or GPA on a 4.0 scale; include both where possible.

Work Experience

Present experience in reverse chronological order. Each role should include: job title, company name, duration, and measurable achievements. Quantify performance where possible: "Managed a portfolio of EGP 12 million across eight corporate accounts."

Name well-known Egyptian employers clearly: the National Bank of Egypt, Banque Misr, Commercial International Bank (CIB), Vodafone Egypt, Telecom Egypt, the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC), and the Suez Canal Authority carry strong recognition. For multinationals, name the parent brand alongside the local entity.

Skills and Languages

List Arabic and English proficiency levels explicitly. For English, use CEFR levels (C2, C1, B2) or internationally recognized certifications such as IELTS or TOEFL. Employers in sectors connected to Gulf countries value Arabic proficiency as much as English. Other languages, including French and German, are a meaningful differentiator in banking and tourism.

Technical skills should name specific software, platforms, and tools. For engineering and IT roles, be precise: programming languages, engineering software (ANSYS, AutoCAD), and certifications (PMP, CCNA) should be stated explicitly.

Key Sectors

Egypt's most active hiring sectors include: oil and gas (EGPC, BP Egypt, Shell Egypt), banking and financial services (National Bank of Egypt, EFG Hermes, Banque Misr), telecommunications (Vodafone Egypt, Orange Egypt, Etisalat Misr), construction and real estate (Orascom, Talaat Moustafa Group, El Sewedy Electric), tourism and hospitality, and an expanding technology sector in the Smart Village and the new administrative capital.

Declaration of Authenticity

A brief declaration confirming the accuracy of the information is common at the end of Egyptian CVs, particularly when applying to public-sector roles or international organizations. It typically reads: "I hereby certify that the information provided in this CV is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge."

Cover Letter

A cover letter is expected for formal applications in the private and international sectors. In the public sector, a formal application letter may be required as a separate document. Tailor the cover letter to the specific position and mention any relevant referral where appropriate, as professional networks play a significant role in Egyptian hiring culture.

Common CV Mistakes in Egypt

• Using a single language inappropriately: submitting an Arabic-only CV to an international employer or an English-only CV to a government institution reduces your chances immediately
• Omitting a professional photo: the absence of a photo is unusual and can create an unfavorable impression in most sectors
• Vague degree descriptions: failing to state the faculty, major, and grade weakens academic credentials considerably
• No quantified results: Egyptian employers, particularly in banking and commercial sectors, expect measurable outcomes for each role
• Overly long CVs: private-sector recruiters rarely read past three pages; focus on the most relevant experience