The first step to being offered a job in Switzerland is to have an excellent CV (curriculum vitae). Switzerland has many specific requirements for a CV that can enhance your chances of finding a job. Here is what you should know about writing a Swiss CV.
Useful websites for writing CVs in Switzerland
Do you need some extra help creating the perfect CV? There are various companies that offer CV help and advice, such as:
In Switzerland, CVs are designed to be as clear and coherent as possible. Employers look out for CVs that are simple and clear in their design and format. It is not recommended to embellish the content of your CV with buzzwords or jargon; instead, list all the relevant experience you have and let your abilities speak for themselves.
The way you design and structure your CV is up to you, but generally most people follow the following structure:
Personal information
In the first section of your CV, you should include:
- Full name and date of birth
- Nationality
- Residence status
- Marital status
- Contact information (phone, email, LinkedIn)
- A professional headshot
- A short description of yourself, aspirations and field of expertise
Education and qualifications
The next section provides your employer with details about your education. This usually relates to higher education. It is recommended to include in your education section the exact details of your course including specialisms, the qualifications you’ve received (such as a degree or vocational certificate), and the location where you earned the qualification.
Work experience
In this section, you are advised to list all of your work experience that is relevant to the job you are applying for. This can be presented in either reverse chronological order or in degrees of importance/relevance to the role. It is a good opportunity to list the responsibilities you had in each position and to highlight your relevant experience.
Notable skills and languages
The final section is for you to list any awards or skills that you have not mentioned in other sections. This can be your proficiency in languages, any relevant awards you have won or any hobbies that can give a greater insight into your character. Bear in mind, Swiss hiring managers do not approve of long or verbose descriptions of hobbies, especially if they are not relevant to the position on offer.
Do I include references in my CV?
In Switzerland, it is advised to have three referees included on your CV. These referees must provide their full contact details and must be willing to provide references to you when requested by the employer. Some employers will allow you to submit pre-written references alongside your application.
Swiss CV template
A template can be a helpful starting point if you are struggling to put together your CV. Many of the websites listed above offer well-formatted Swiss CV templates that can be adapted for a multitide of different applications.
Do’s and don’ts for writing a CV in Switzerland
There are many things that you should and shouldn’t do on a Swiss CV in order for your application to be a success. These are:
- Do write your CV in the language that was used to write the job description.
- Don’t include your personal address or details of your Swiss bank.
- Do tailor your CV for each individual job application.
- Don’t write “to whom it may concern” at the beginning of your cover letter - take the time to find out who the CEO, head of recruitment or head of human resources is.
- Do be concise, practical and clear with all qualifications.
- Don’t be verbose or use overly flowery language.