MARKET TRENDS

The Definitive Swiss CV Checklist: 24 Points Recruiters Expect

Updated
Jun 17, 2025 5:30 PM

A Swiss CV is more than a summary of your work history. It is a reflection of how well you understand the local job market — one that values precision, clarity, and structure. Whether you are applying from abroad or already based in Switzerland, submitting a CV that doesn’t meet expectations can eliminate you from consideration before a human even reviews it.

This 24-point checklist has been developed based on what Swiss recruiters consistently expect from serious applicants. Use it as your final review before sending any application.

1–6: Personal Information

  1. Full name — First and last name clearly stated at the top.
  2. Professional title — A job title aligned with the role you’re applying for.
  3. Photo — A recent, professional-quality portrait (standard in Switzerland).
  4. Date of birth — Optional, but still commonly included.
  5. Nationality and permit status — Especially important for non-Swiss citizens.
  6. Contact details — Mobile number, email address, and LinkedIn profile (if relevant).

7–11: Professional Summary

  1. Brief profile statement — 3–5 lines outlining your value proposition.
  2. Tailored to the role — Not a generic summary copied across applications.
  3. Focus on outcomes, not tasks — Highlight achievements, not just duties.
  4. Avoid soft-skill clichés — Words like “team player” or “motivated” must be backed by evidence.
  5. Include keywords — Match language from the job description to pass ATS filters.

12–17: Work Experience

  1. Reverse chronological order — Most recent position first.
  2. Clear structure — Include job title, company, location, and dates (month + year).
  3. Bullet-pointed achievements — Focus on measurable outcomes.
  4. Consistency in formatting — Dates, titles, and layout aligned across roles.
  5. No unexplained gaps — Address any periods longer than 3–6 months.
  6. Swiss terminology where relevant — Adapt job titles or responsibilities to local equivalents when needed.

18–21: Education & Skills

  1. Educational degrees — With school name, location, and dates.
  2. Professional certifications — Include only those relevant to the role.
  3. Languages — With CEFR level (e.g., German B2, English C1).
  4. Software/tools — Prioritize industry-relevant platforms (e.g., SAP, Salesforce).

22–24: Final Checks Before Sending

  1. File name is professional — Format as Firstname_Lastname_CV.pdf.
  2. PDF format — Always submit as PDF to preserve layout and prevent edits.
  3. No grammar or formatting errors — Proofread multiple times; errors suggest lack of attention to detail.

Summary

Swiss employers are not looking for creativity in your CV — they are looking for clarity, relevance, and structure. A well-written CV should communicate, at a glance, that you understand Swiss business culture and can be trusted to deliver results.

Use this checklist as your quality control. If you’re unsure whether your CV passes the test, SwissResume offers tailored CV reviews, AI-powered analyzers, and industry-specific templates built to match Swiss expectations.

Professionalism starts on page one. Make sure yours speaks the right language.

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