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

Jordan occupies a strategic position as one of the Middle East's most educated and service-oriented economies, with Amman functioning as a regional hub for banking, telecommunications, NGOs, and international organisations. The formal labour market is shaped by a large public sector, a strong financial services industry, a significant UN and international development presence, and a growing technology and BPO sector. Understanding the Jordan CV format, what personal information is expected, and what employers at Arab Bank, Zain Jordan, and major international organisations look for is essential for a competitive application.

The Jordan CV Format

The Arabic term سيرة ذاتية (seera zatiyya) is universally used. For applications to international companies, UN agencies, and NGOs, the term CV is used in English. The standard document length is two pages for most professionals. Fresh graduates may submit a one-page CV. Academic and research applications typically follow a longer academic CV format, including publications, presentations, and research interests.

Language of the CV

Write in Arabic for Jordanian government ministries, public institutions, and most domestic private sector companies. For international organisations, NGOs, UN agencies (UNHCR, UNDP, UNICEF, WFP all have significant offices in Amman), multinational companies, and technology firms, submit in English. Many Jordanian professionals prepare both versions. If the job posting specifies a language, match it precisely.

Professional Photo

A professional photo is required on Jordanian CVs. Place it in the top-right corner of the document. The photograph should be formal and recent, with professional attire and a neutral background. For applications to international organisations and NGOs that promote diversity practices, a photo may be optional; check the application instructions. For all domestic employers and government positions, include the photo.

Personal Information

Jordanian CVs include comprehensive personal information. Standard fields are:

• Full name (as it appears on official documents)
• Date of birth
• Place of birth
• Nationality
• Marital status
• Gender
• National ID number (الرقم الوطني) — required for government and public sector applications
• Address (city and governorate)
• Phone number and email

For male applicants, military service status is relevant. Jordan has universal military service for men (though many are exempted); stating whether service was completed, deferred, or exempted is expected in government applications. Do not include your national ID number on CVs submitted to international companies or NGOs.

Education

List degrees in reverse chronological order: institution name, degree, field of study, and graduation year. The most recognised universities in Jordan are:

• University of Jordan (الجامعة الأردنية) — the largest and most prestigious public university, strong in medicine, law, engineering, and humanities
• Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST / جامعة العلوم والتكنولوجيا الأردنية) — Irbid-based, strong in engineering, pharmacy, and applied sciences
• German Jordanian University (GJU / الجامعة الأردنية الألمانية) — growing reputation in applied sciences, engineering, and business, with strong European links
• American University of Madaba (AUM) — smaller institution with regional recognition for business and information technology
• Yarmouk University (جامعة اليرموك) — respected for arts, social sciences, and Arabic studies

For degrees from foreign universities, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (وزارة التعليم العالي والبحث العلمي) provides formal equivalency assessments (معادلة شهادة). This equivalency certificate is often required for government employment and professional licensing.

The Jordanian grading system uses a percentage and classification scale: Excellent (ممتاز, 90–100), Very Good (جيد جداً, 80–89), Good (جيد, 70–79), Acceptable (مقبول, 60–69). Include your GPA and classification.

Work Experience

List in reverse chronological order: employer name, job title, dates of employment (month and year), and bullet points describing key responsibilities and quantified achievements. Major employers in Jordan's formal sector include: Arab Bank (البنك العربي), Jordan Kuwait Bank, Housing Bank for Trade and Finance (البنك العقاري الأردني), Zain Jordan, Orange Jordan, Umniah, JET (Jordan Express Tourist Transport), Jordan Phosphate Mines Company (JPMC), Arab Potash Company (APC), Arab Fertilizers and Chemicals Industries (KEMAPCO), and the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation.

For international organisation experience, list the agency (UNHCR, UNDP, UNICEF, ILO, World Bank), your role, contract type (national professional officer, consultant, associate), and a clear description of the project or programme you contributed to.

Skills and Languages

Technical skills should be listed specifically. For Arabic language, state whether your proficiency is in Modern Standard Arabic (MSA / اللغة العربية الفصحى) and specify any regional dialect fluency if relevant. For English, IELTS, TOEFL, or CEFR levels are understood. Professional certifications valued in Jordan's key sectors include:

• CPA or ACCA for accounting and financial management
• PMP (Project Management Professional) for project management in development, construction, and infrastructure
• SHRM or CIPD for human resources professionals
• CISA or CISM for information security roles
• NEBOSH IGC for occupational health and safety in industrial sectors

Cover Letter

A cover letter is expected for most formal Jordanian applications, including those to government entities and international organisations. For UN and NGO roles, cover letters are often required and given significant weight in the selection process. Keep it to one page, address the hiring manager or HR director by name, and explain specifically why you are suited to that role and organisation.

Declaration

A declaration of authenticity is standard on Jordanian CVs. Place it at the end of the document, confirming that all information provided is accurate and complete. Follow it with your full name, city, date, and signature (handwritten on printed copies, typed on digital submissions).

Common CV Mistakes in Jordan

• Missing the declaration: For government and public sector applications, the authenticity declaration is a standard requirement. Omitting it signals unfamiliarity with local norms.
• No photo on the CV: A CV without a photo is considered incomplete for virtually all domestic Jordanian employers.
• Not including the degree equivalency certificate: Foreign degree holders who have not obtained a Ministry of Higher Education equivalency may be rejected for government roles. Obtain this before applying.
• Generic descriptions of responsibilities: Use specific, quantified language. "Managed a team of 8 in designing UNHCR registration procedures that processed 12,000 beneficiaries" is far stronger than "Worked on registration activities."
• Using one language version for all applications: Arabic for domestic roles and English for international organisations are separate requirements. Submitting an English CV to a government ministry will create problems.
• Listing irrelevant personal information: For international organisations, omit national ID number, religion, and marital status unless specifically required. These fields are standard for domestic applications but can be counterproductive for international ones.