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

Iraq's labour market is dominated by the public sector and the oil and gas industry, with Baghdad, Basra, and Erbil as the primary centres of formal employment. The Kurdistan Region operates its own administrative and economic framework, with a more internationally connected hiring culture. Whether you are applying to a state institution, an international energy company, or a private business, understanding the Iraq CV format and what employers specifically expect is essential for a competitive application.

The Iraq CV Format

The Arabic term سيرة ذاتية (seera zatiyya) is the standard term for a CV in Iraq. For roles in international companies and the Kurdistan Region, the term CV or resume is used interchangeably. The standard length is two pages. For government and public sector positions, a longer document including a list of all qualifications, certificates, and official courses is acceptable. For private sector and oil-sector roles, keep the document focused and concise.

Language of the CV

Write in Arabic for all Iraqi government agencies, state-owned companies, and most domestic private sector positions. For positions with international oil companies (IOCs) operating in Iraq, such as BP, Shell, TotalEnergies, or ExxonMobil, submit in English. The Kurdistan Regional Government administration accepts both Kurdish (Sorani) and Arabic CVs; many private employers in Erbil and Sulaymaniyah prefer English. When in doubt, prepare both an Arabic and an English version.

Professional Photo

A professional photo is required on Iraqi CVs. Place it in the top-right corner of the document. The photograph should be formal, recent, and taken against a neutral background. Professional or business attire is expected. Submitting a CV without a photo is considered incomplete for most employers in the Iraqi market.

Personal Information

Iraqi CVs include a detailed personal information section. Standard fields are:

• Full name (الاسم الرباعي — four-part name is standard in Arabic documents)
• Date of birth
• Place of birth
• Nationality
• Religion (common on formal applications)
• Marital status
• Address (governorate and city)
• Phone number and email
• National ID number (for government applications)

For male applicants, military service status must be addressed. Include whether service was completed, deferred, or exempted. For Kurdistan Region applications, a four-part name may be formatted differently following Kurdish naming conventions.

Education

List degrees in reverse chronological order: institution, city, degree title, and year of graduation. The most recognised universities in Iraq are:

• University of Baghdad (جامعة بغداد) — the largest and most prestigious public university, covering all major disciplines
• University of Basra (جامعة البصرة) — strong in engineering, petroleum engineering, and marine sciences
• University of Mosul (جامعة الموصل) — historically significant institution for sciences and humanities
• University of Technology (الجامعة التكنولوجية) — Baghdad-based, specialising in engineering and applied sciences
• Salahaddin University (جامعة صلاح الدين) — the largest university in the Kurdistan Region, based in Erbil
• University of Sulaimani (جامعة سليمانية) — respected institution in the Kurdistan Region

The Iraqi grading system uses a 100-point scale and a classification system (امتياز, جيد جداً, جيد, مقبول — Distinction, Very Good, Good, Pass). Include your classification and percentage grade. For postgraduate degrees, list your thesis title and supervisor name.

Work Experience

List in reverse chronological order: employer name, job title, dates of employment, and a description of key responsibilities and achievements. Use numbers and specifics where possible. Iraqi recruiters value formal institutional experience, training courses completed, and any exposure to international standards.

Major employers in Iraq's formal market include: Iraq National Oil Company (INOC / الشركة الوطنية النفطية العراقية), South Oil Company (شركة نفط الجنوب), North Oil Company (شركة نفط الشمال), Zain Iraq, Asiacell, Korek Telecom, Trade Bank of Iraq (TBI), National Bank of Iraq, and international oil companies operating under service contracts, including BP, Shell Iraq, TotalEnergies, and Schlumberger (SLB).

For Kurdistan Region roles, private sector employers such as KAR Group, Mass Group Holding, and Ibrahim Agha Group are among the most visible corporate employers.

Skills and Languages

Technical skills should be listed clearly. For oil and gas roles, proficiency with Petrel, PIPESIM, or AVEVA is valued. For engineering and construction, project management certifications (PMP from PMI, or PRINCE2) carry weight with international contractors. Language proficiency should include IELTS or TOEFL scores if you have taken them; this is particularly important for roles with IOCs. Professional certifications relevant to Iraq's key sectors include:

• NEBOSH IGC (International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety) for oil, gas, and construction HSE roles
• PMP (Project Management Professional) for infrastructure and energy project management
• ACCA or CPA for accounting and financial management
• Cisco CCNA or CCNP for IT and telecommunications roles

Cover Letter

A cover letter is expected for formal applications to Iraqi government bodies and large private sector employers. Keep it formal in tone, one page maximum, and address the relevant directorate or HR department by name where possible. For international company applications, a professional English-language cover letter should accompany the English CV.

Declaration

A declaration of authenticity is standard on Iraqi CVs. The final section confirms that all provided information is accurate and complete. This is followed by the applicant's full name, city, date, and signature (handwritten on printed copies). For government applications, a notarised or official seal on supporting documents is sometimes required separately.

Common CV Mistakes in Iraq

• Omitting military service status: Male applicants who do not address their military service status will face delays or disqualification, particularly in government hiring.
• Missing the four-part name: Standard Arabic naming convention in Iraq uses a four-part name. Using only a two-part name on a government application is a formality error.
• No photo on the CV: A CV without a photo is considered incomplete. This is a basic local convention that must be followed.
• Generic responsibilities with no specifics: Listing duties without quantified outcomes or project details weakens the application significantly against candidates who demonstrate impact.
• Ignoring language requirements of the employer: Submitting an Arabic CV to an international oil company or an English CV to a government ministry signals unfamiliarity with the market.
• Outdated contact details: Ensure your phone number includes the international dialling code (+964) if submitting to international employers.