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

Iran has a large and educated workforce, with over 60 universities and a strong tradition of engineering, medicine, and sciences. The formal labour market is dominated by state-owned enterprises, the public sector, and a significant private sector spanning manufacturing, petrochemicals, banking, and construction. Writing an effective CV (résumé or رزومه in Persian) for the Iranian market requires adherence to local formatting conventions, attention to personal information requirements, and an understanding of which employers and sectors shape hiring norms.

The Iran CV Format

The Persian term رزومه (rézume, from the French résumé) is the standard word used across all sectors. The document is formatted in Farsi (Persian) for the domestic market, running right-to-left. Two pages is the norm for experienced professionals. Fresh graduates typically submit a one-page document. A separate application form (فرم درخواست کار) may also be required by larger employers.

For international organisations, joint ventures, or roles in free trade zones such as Kish Island or Qeshm, an English-language CV is appropriate and often expected.

Language of the CV

Write in Farsi for all domestic government, public sector, and most private sector positions. Use English for international organisations, foreign joint ventures operating in Iran's oil and gas sector, and free trade zone employers. For academic and research positions, a bilingual format (Farsi with English abstracts) is common.

Professional Photo

A professional photo is required on Iranian CVs. Place it in the top-right corner (standard for right-to-left layouts, appearing at the top-left visually in RTL documents). The photo must be formal: professional attire, neutral background, and taken recently. Women should follow hijab conventions in the photograph for domestic employer applications.

Personal Information

Iranian CVs include detailed personal information. Standard fields are:

• Full name (نام و نام خانوادگی)
• Date of birth (تاریخ تولد) in Solar Hijri calendar (Shamsi)
• Place of birth
• Father's name (نام پدر) — common on formal applications
• Marital status (وضعیت تأهل)
• Military service status (وضعیت نظام وظیفه) — mandatory for male applicants
• National ID number (کد ملی) — may be required for formal institutional applications
• Phone and email
• Address

Military service status is critical for male candidates. "Exempt" (معاف), "completed" (پایان خدمت), or "deferred" (معافیت تحصیلی) must be stated clearly. Employers cannot legally hire a man who has not resolved his military service status.

Education

List in reverse chronological order with institution name, city, degree (مقطع تحصیلی), field of study, and graduation year in Shamsi calendar. The most recognised universities in Iran are:

• دانشگاه تهران (University of Tehran) — the country's flagship institution, covering all major disciplines
• دانشگاه صنعتی شریف (Sharif University of Technology) — Iran's most prestigious engineering and technology institution
• دانشگاه صنعتی اصفهان (Isfahan University of Technology) — strong in engineering and natural sciences
• دانشگاه فردوسی مشهد (Ferdowsi University of Mashhad) — leading university in Khorasan province
• دانشگاه امیرکبیر (Amirkabir University of Technology) — well regarded for electrical, chemical, and civil engineering
• دانشگاه علوم پزشکی تهران (Tehran University of Medical Sciences) — the premier institution for medicine and health sciences

The Iranian grade system uses a 20-point scale (نمره‌بندی ۲۰). A معدل (GPA equivalent) of 16 or above out of 20 is considered strong and should be included. Doctoral and master's graduates typically list their thesis title and supervisor name.

Work Experience

List in reverse chronological order: employer name, job title, dates of employment (Shamsi), and three to five bullet points describing key responsibilities and achievements. Quantify contributions where possible.

Major employers in Iran's formal sector include: National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC / شرکت ملی نفت ایران), Mobarakeh Steel Company (فولاد مبارکه اصفهان), Iran Khodro (ایران‌خودرو), SAPCO, Bank Mellat (بانک ملت), Bank Melli Iran (بانک ملی ایران), MAPNA Group, and Iran Telecommunications Company (مخابرات ایران). Academic and research experience at institutions like the Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology (IROST) is also valued.

Skills and Languages

List technical skills relevant to your field, then language proficiency. For English proficiency, IELTS and TOEFL scores are recognised and respected; state the score and year taken. CEFR levels (B2, C1, C2) are also understood in academic and international contexts. Professional certifications valued in Iran's key sectors include:

• PMP (Project Management Professional) for oil, gas, and construction project management
• ISO 9001 lead auditor for manufacturing and industrial quality roles
• CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner) and ACCA for banking and financial audit
• IICL certifications for shipping and container inspection

Cover Letter

A cover letter (نامه پوشش / معرفی‌نامه) is expected for formal applications. Keep it to one page, formal in tone, and addressed to the HR department or hiring manager by name. For government and public institution applications, the letter is often a required component of the application package rather than an optional addition.

Declaration

A declaration of authenticity is standard on Iranian CVs. The final line confirms that all information provided is accurate and complete, followed by the applicant's name, city, date (in Shamsi), and signature.

Common CV Mistakes in Iran

• Missing military service status: Male candidates who omit their military service status will be screened out at the verification stage. Always state it explicitly.
• Using Gregorian dates without Shamsi equivalent: Domestic employers work in the Solar Hijri calendar. List dates in Shamsi; Gregorian dates in parentheses are a useful addition for international readability.
• Omitting the معدل: Employers expect to see your GPA equivalent. A score above 16/20 is a positive signal and should be displayed prominently.
• Using informal Farsi: Professional Persian is expected. Colloquial or abbreviated writing signals poor attention to formality.
• Listing every short-term job: Iranian CVs should reflect a coherent professional narrative. Omit irrelevant short-term work rather than padding length.
• Ignoring the photo requirement: A CV without a photo is considered incomplete by most Iranian employers.