Swiss CV: how to write a CV for Switzerland.

Recommended structure

• Personal and contact details, with a professional photo if you decide to include one.
• A short profile: two or three lines on your experience and your goal.
• Professional experience in reverse chronological order, with concrete achievements.
• Education and qualifications.
• Languages with your level in each, based on the Common European Framework (CEFR levels A1–C2).
• Technical skills and, where relevant, activities or volunteering.

Details commonly included in Switzerland

In Switzerland, it is common to state your nationality and, where applicable, the type of work permit you hold, as this helps the employer assess the hire. Your date of birth and marital status often appear too, but they are not mandatory. A photo is common; if you include one, make sure it is professional and recent.

The complete application dossier

As well as your CV, many companies expect a cover letter (Motivationsschreiben), your employment references (Arbeitszeugnisse) and your most relevant diplomas, often combined into a single, well-ordered PDF. Check that the file names and the order of the documents are clear.

Length and language

Two pages are usually enough for most profiles. Write your CV in the language of the job advert and tailor the keywords to the role: many companies use applicant tracking systems that search for those terms.

Checklist before you send it

• Complete dates, with no unexplained gaps.
• Achievements with figures or results wherever possible.
• A professional email address and a phone number with the international dialling code.
• Consistency with your LinkedIn profile.
• A proofread by someone else.