How to Write a CV in Lebanon: Format & Resume Guide 2026

Lebanon's labour market reflects the country's complex multilingual character and economic pressures. Despite severe economic challenges since 2019, Lebanon retains a highly educated workforce, significant diaspora networks, and a tradition of professional service exports across banking, law, engineering, and healthcare. A Lebanese CV (سيرة ذاتية in Arabic, CV or resume in French/English contexts) must navigate the country's trilingual professional environment with precision.

The Lebanese CV Format

Two pages is the standard for experienced professionals. Recent graduates may use one page. The format closely follows French and Francophone Arab conventions: a personal information block with photo, a professional profile or objective, work experience in reverse chronological order, education, skills, languages, and an optional declaration. Lebanon does not use the Europass format.

Language of the CV

Lebanon is functionally trilingual: Arabic, French, and English are all used professionally. The language of your CV should match the employer's working language:

• Write in Arabic for government institutions, many NGOs, and traditional sectors such as retail and construction
• Write in French for Francophone business environments, law firms, and established family-owned conglomerates
• Write in English for banks, audit firms, tech companies, and international organisations

For most professional positions, an English or French CV is the safer choice. Many Lebanese professionals submit bilingual CVs (French/English or Arabic/English) to cover both audiences.

Photo Convention

A professional photo is required on a Lebanese CV. Place it in the top right corner of the personal information section. Use a formal headshot on a neutral background in business attire. The photo convention mirrors the Francophone Arab standard and is expected across all sectors.

Personal Information

Include: full name, date of birth, nationality, email, phone number, and residential address (area and city). Marital status and gender are commonly included. Religious affiliation, while socially influential in Lebanon's sectarian system, should not be included on the CV itself. Include your Lebanese national ID number only on government application forms, not on standard CVs.

Education

Lebanese universities are well-regarded regionally and internationally. Major institutions:

• American University of Beirut (AUB, الجامعة الأمريكية في بيروت) — the most internationally prestigious university, strong in medicine, engineering, and business; graduates carry strong signals globally
• Lebanese American University (LAU, الجامعة اللبنانية الأمريكية) — the second major American-style university, strong in business, law, and pharmacy
• Saint Joseph University (USJ, Université Saint-Joseph de Beyrouth) — the leading French-language institution, strong for law, medicine, and science
• Lebanese University (LU, الجامعة اللبنانية) — the public university, most widely attended by Lebanese nationals
• Haigazian University and Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK) — recognised private institutions

Grades at AUB and LAU use a 4.0 GPA scale; USJ uses the French grading system (0–20, where 12/20 is passing and 16/20 is excellent). List your GPA or final grade with the institution's scale clearly noted.

Work Experience

Reverse chronological order is standard. List employer, position, dates, and achievements. Key employers in Lebanon:

• Banque du Liban (BDL) — the central bank, the most prestigious public sector employer
• Bank Audi, BLOM Bank, Byblos Bank — major commercial banks with strong domestic and regional brand recognition
• Deloitte Lebanon, KPMG Lebanon, PwC Lebanon — the Big Four (minus one) audit and consulting practices, valued credentials
• Touch (Zain Lebanon) and Alfa (MTC Lebanon) — the two major telecoms operators
• Middle East Airlines (MEA) — the national carrier, a prestigious employer

Given the economic crisis since 2019, many Lebanese professionals also have significant remote work experience with international companies; this should be listed clearly with the client company and nature of the engagement.

Skills, Languages, and Certifications

Lebanese professionals are notable for multilingual proficiency. List Arabic, French, and English separately with CEFR levels (A1–C2) or DALF/DELF, IELTS, or TOEFL scores. Additional languages (Spanish, German, Italian) are common and should be listed.

For finance, the Lebanese CPA qualification (from the Lebanese Association of Certified Public Accountants, LACPA) is the local professional standard. ACCA, CFA, and CMA are widely pursued and recognised. For engineering, the Order of Engineers and Architects of Beirut (OEA) registration is legally required for licensed engineering practice. For legal professionals, Bar Association membership is required.

Declaration and Cover Letter

A one-line declaration of authenticity is conventional at the end of Arabic-language CVs. A cover letter is expected for senior-level, banking, and professional services applications. Keep it to one page. French-language cover letters should follow the formal French business letter format with the sender's and recipient's addresses at the top.

Common CV Mistakes in Lebanon

• No photo: The photo is expected across virtually all Lebanese employer types.
• Submitting only one language version for a bilingual employer: Many Lebanese firms operate in both English and French. A bilingual CV or a clearly labelled English version with a French summary is appreciated.
• Not noting the GPA scale: Lebanese universities use different grading scales (4.0 at AUB/LAU, 20-point at USJ). Always specify the scale to avoid confusion.
• Omitting remote work experience: Since the economic crisis, significant professional experience with international clients conducted remotely is valid and valued — do not omit it.
• Using objective statements: Replace "I am looking for an opportunity to grow..." with a two to three sentence professional summary of your specific expertise.