Cambodia's job market in 2026 follows specific CV conventions that blend international standards with local preferences. Employers across Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and provincial areas expect particular formatting and information that differs from Western standards. Understanding these requirements increases your chances of landing interviews at both local companies and international organizations operating in Cambodia.
Essential CV Format and Structure for Cambodia
Your CV should follow a chronological format with personal information at the top, including full name, phone number, email, and current address in Cambodia. Include a professional headshot photo (3x4 cm) in the top right corner, as this remains standard practice across most Cambodian employers in 2026. The total length should not exceed two pages, with clear section breaks and consistent formatting throughout.
Use Arial or Times New Roman font in 11-12 point size with 1-inch margins on all sides. Create distinct sections using bold headings and maintain consistent spacing between entries. Most successful applicants submit their CV as a PDF to preserve formatting when viewed on different devices.
Personal Information and Contact Details Requirements
Start with your full name in large, bold text at the top of the page. Include your Cambodian phone number (starting with +855), professional email address, and current residential address with district and province clearly stated. Add your date of birth, nationality, and marital status, as these remain commonly requested details by Cambodian employers.
Include links to your LinkedIn profile and any relevant professional portfolios or websites. If you hold multiple citizenships or work permits, clearly state your legal status to work in Cambodia to avoid confusion during the screening process.
Education Section and Academic Credentials
List your education before work experience, as Cambodian employers place significant emphasis on academic qualifications. Start with your highest degree and work backward, including institution names, degree titles, graduation years, and GPA if above 3.5. For international degrees, include brief explanations of the grading system used.
Include any relevant coursework, academic projects, or thesis topics that relate to the position you're seeking. If you studied at recognized institutions like Royal University of Phnom Penh, University of Cambodia, or international universities, highlight these prominently as they carry significant weight with local employers.
Work Experience and Achievement Documentation
Present work experience in reverse chronological order with exact job titles, company names, locations, and employment dates (month/year format). Include 3-4 bullet points for each role focusing on specific achievements rather than job descriptions. Use action verbs and quantify results wherever possible, such as "Increased sales by 25% over 6 months" or "Managed team of 8 staff members."
For each position, include the company's industry and size if it helps establish context for Cambodian employers. Highlight any experience working with international clients, NGOs, or development projects, as these are particularly valued in Cambodia's job market.
Language Skills and Technical Competencies
Create a dedicated languages section listing Khmer, English, and any other languages with proficiency levels (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Native). Most employers expect at least basic Khmer conversational ability for local positions, while international organizations prioritize English fluency. Use standardized descriptors rather than percentage ratings for language skills.
List technical skills relevant to your target position, including software proficiency, digital tools, and industry-specific competencies. Include certifications with issuing organizations and expiration dates where applicable, particularly for IT, finance, or specialized technical roles common in Cambodia's growing economy.
Additional Sections and Local Considerations
Add sections for volunteer work, particularly if you've contributed to community development or NGO projects in Cambodia. Include professional references with names, titles, companies, and contact information, as reference checking remains standard practice. Consider adding interests or hobbies that demonstrate cultural awareness or community involvement.
Avoid including salary expectations, reasons for leaving previous jobs, or overly personal information beyond what's culturally expected. Ensure all dates are consistent and use the DD/MM/YYYY format commonly used in Cambodia rather than the American MM/DD/YYYY format.
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