Personio ATS Resume Format Guide: Tips for European Job Applications
Personio is a leading European HR platform that combines HRIS and ATS functionality, widely used by companies across Germany, UK, Netherlands, and other European markets. Its GDPR-first approach and European hiring conventions make it distinct from US-centric ATS platforms. This guide helps you optimize for Personio.
Personio in the European Market
Personio dominates the European SMB HR market, serving over 10,000 companies. It's particularly popular in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, UK, Netherlands, and Spain. The platform is designed to comply with European labor laws and GDPR requirements.
European hiring conventions differ from North American ones. Resumes (often called CVs in Europe) may include a photo, date of birth, and nationality—elements uncommon in US resumes. Personio's forms and parsing accommodate these European standards.
The platform integrates with European job boards (StepStone, XING, Indeed EU) and supports multilingual applications, reflecting the multi-language European market.
Personio Parsing and GDPR Compliance
Personio's parsing engine extracts standard CV/resume data from DOCX and PDF files. The system is designed to handle both European CV formats (with photos and personal details) and international resume formats.
GDPR compliance is built into Personio's DNA. Candidate data is handled according to strict privacy rules, including data retention limits, right to deletion, and consent management. You may be asked to consent to data processing during the application.
Personio stores your data for a limited period (typically defined by the company, often 6-12 months) after which it's automatically deleted unless you consent to longer retention. This is different from US ATS platforms that may retain data indefinitely.
| European vs US Convention | European (Personio) | US Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Document name | CV (Curriculum Vitae) | Resume |
| Photo | Common/expected in DACH region | Not included |
| Date of birth | Sometimes included | Not included |
| Data retention | GDPR-limited (6-12 months) | Often indefinite |
| Length | 2-3 pages common | 1-2 pages preferred |
| Language | May need local language + English | English |
Formatting for European Applications
When applying to European companies through Personio, research the specific country's CV conventions. DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) companies often expect a photo, personal details, and a structured, detailed CV of 2-3 pages.
UK companies through Personio follow conventions closer to US standards—no photo, focused on achievements, 2 pages maximum. Netherlands and Nordic countries tend to prefer concise, skill-focused CVs.
Regardless of country-specific conventions, maintain ATS-friendly formatting: single-column layout, standard headings, and clear text hierarchy. If including a photo (for DACH applications), place it in the header area without disrupting the text flow.
Pro Tips
Research the specific country's CV conventions—European norms vary significantly between countries
For DACH region applications, include a professional photo and personal details as expected
For UK applications through Personio, follow closer to US resume standards without photo or personal details
Include language skills prominently—multilingual ability is valued in European markets
Be aware of GDPR consent requirements and data retention policies when applying through Personio
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applying with a US-style resume to a DACH region company that expects European CV format
Not including language skills when applying to European companies
Ignoring GDPR consent notices during the Personio application process
Using only English when the position requires local language proficiency