Spanish CV format: how to write a CV for Spain

EURES, the EU's job mobility network, states that there is no single template for a Spanish CV and that it should be adapted to each job offer. You may change the order of the sections, for example putting experience before education when experience matters more for the role. It describes three basic orders: ascending chronological to show progress when you have little experience, descending chronological (most recent first) when you have a lot of experience or want a similar job, and functional when you have worked in sectors that are not clearly linked.

The CV should be typed, well laid out, clear and concise, ideally within two A4 pages. EURES recommends direct language, simple sentences and no acronyms or abbreviations. A typical order is contact details and a short profile, work experience with two to four achievements per job, education, languages with CEFR levels (A1 to C2) and skills.

Because each version should answer one offer, rebuild your profile and achievements around the posting with the job-specific resume optimizer.^[1]

Article 4.2.c of Spain's Workers' Statute (Estatuto de los Trabajadores) gives workers the right not to be discriminated against, directly or indirectly, in access to employment on grounds of marital status, age, racial or ethnic origin, social condition, religion or beliefs, political ideas, sexual orientation and identity, trade union membership, language within Spain, disability or sex. Article 17 declares null and void any employer decision that causes such discrimination.

EURES says it is not compulsory to attach a photograph, although it may be useful for some jobs. You can leave out details the law protects and the employer does not need at this stage: marital status, children, religion, and identity numbers such as your DNI, NIE or social security number. If you add a photo for a customer-facing role, keep it recent and professional; the AI headshot generator can create one from your own selfies.^[1][2]

Some companies use their own application form, but EURES notes that it is common practice to send a CV and a cover letter, both for advertised jobs and speculative applications. Unless otherwise indicated, both should be in Spanish, typed and on A4. The letter should be concise and formal, written for the company and the offer: avoid standard letters that could go to any employer. Highlight the parts of your CV that answer the company's needs.

Selection is usually based on interviews, sometimes with psychometric or job-related tests, and EURES warns that companies often only contact candidates who pass the selection stage. The cover letter builder writes your letter in the same design as your CV, and interview prep prepares likely questions from the offer.^[1]

The State Public Employment Service, SEPE, works with the employment services of the autonomous communities, whose websites publish vacancies, training courses and job-search guides. Empléate brings together vacancies from public and private job sites in one place. Private boards such as InfoJobs, Indeed and LinkedIn list many roles.^[1]