Swiss CV format: how to write a CV for Switzerland

SECO's guide for job seekers says a tabular CV is normally enough, created on a computer. The most important information goes into the first third, and within each block the relevant items come first: for one person that is the vocational qualification, for another the languages or IT skills. List the most recent entries first, but group further training by topic rather than by date. Put the dates on the left in month and year, without days.

The typical blocks are personal details, work experience, schools and training, further training, languages, IT skills and other skills. For each role, give the job title first, then the employer and place, and take titles and dates from your work references so that both match. SECO advises backing claims with figures and naming your area of responsibility in every role.

To match one posting precisely, the job-specific resume optimizer compares your CV with the ad and shows what to bring forward.^[1]

Swiss practice is more traditional than in many countries. SECO's list of personal details includes date of birth, marital status and the number and birth years of children, with the place of origin optional; EURES adds nationality. A photo is part of the usual application, and SECO notes that a CV with photo plus a covering letter is enough for a first email contact.

The law limits what an employer may do with that information. Under Article 328b of the Code of Obligations, an employer may process data about an employee only where it concerns suitability for the job or is needed to perform the employment contract. The Gender Equality Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, including by reference to marital status, family situation or pregnancy, and the ban applies expressly to hiring. If you need a professional photo, the AI headshot generator creates one from your own selfies.^[1][2][3][4]

According to SECO, a complete dossier always contains a covering letter, a tabular CV, copies of all work references, a copy of your vocational or university qualification and copies of further diplomas. A certificate of good conduct, an extract from the criminal record or a handwriting sample are enclosed only on request. Send copies, which do not need to be certified. The covering letter should fit on one A4 page; build it in your CV's design with the cover letter builder.

The Arbeitszeugnis (certificat de travail, certificato di lavoro) carries a lot of weight. Under Article 330a of the Code of Obligations, employees may request at any time a reference on the nature and duration of the job, the quality of their work and their conduct; on request it is limited to nature and duration. SECO advises always asking for a reference, or at least that confirmation, when you leave, because your references should cover your career without gaps.

Referees are different: SECO says they do not belong on the CV. Name them when asked, usually your last two employers. For email, send PDFs; when you send everything at once, SECO suggests one document of no more than five pages and 2 MB.^[1][3]

EURES points job seekers to Job-Room, the online service of the public employment service, and notes that people living in Switzerland can register free of charge with their regional employment office (RAV, ORP or URC). Private employment agencies are normally free for job seekers. Private boards such as jobs.ch and jobup.ch list many roles.^[2]