FoliumHow to write a CV for a job in Switzerland
Swiss employers expect a complete, well-organised CV, usually two pages, often with a professional photo, your date of birth, nationality and, if you're not Swiss, your work permit. Write it in the language of the job ad: German, French or Italian. Folium puts a photo in any template, shows your date of birth as a date or as your age, and creates a copy of your CV in another language.
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What a Swiss CV usually includes
A typical CV in Switzerland has:
- Personal details: name, address or city, phone, email, date of birth, nationality and, for foreign applicants, the work permit (e.g. B or C).
- A professional photo: not mandatory, but still common and expected by many employers.
- Experience in reverse-chronological order, then education, languages with levels (e.g. C1) and IT skills.
- References at the end: two or three names with contact details, with their agreement, or a note that they're available on request.
In Switzerland the CV is part of an application file (Bewerbungsdossier, dossier de candidature): a cover letter, the CV, work certificates from previous employers and copies of diplomas. Keep the CV to about two pages; one is fine for students and early-career candidates.
How Folium helps with a CV for Switzerland
| What Swiss employers expect | In Folium |
|---|---|
| A professional photo | Photo in all 30 templates, with crop and shape, or hidden with one click |
| Date of birth or age | Optional date-of-birth field, shown as a date or as your age |
| Nationality and work permit | “Add custom section”, e.g. Personal details or Work permit |
| A CV in German, French or Italian | “Translate CV” creates a copy in another language (free account) |
| References and a cover letter | A custom References section; AI cover letter draft (free account) |
| PDF or Word | Both free, no watermark |
See also which countries expect a photo on a CV and ATS-friendly resume templates for large employers' online forms.
Build your CV for Switzerland
Photo · date of birth or age · permit and references · free
Start building — freeFrequently asked questions
Do I need a photo on a Swiss CV?
It isn't mandatory, but a professional photo is still common in Switzerland and many employers expect one. In Folium you can add it to any template, crop it, and hide it for applications where you'd rather leave it out.
Should I include my work permit?
If you're not Swiss, yes: recruiters want to know whether you already hold a permit, such as B or C, or would need one. Put it with your nationality near your personal details, for example in a custom section.
Which language should my Swiss CV be in?
The language of the job ad, which is usually the language of the region: German, French or Italian. International companies often accept English. With a free account, “Translate CV” creates a copy in another language for you to review.
What goes in the application besides the CV?
A Swiss application file usually includes a cover letter, the CV, work certificates from previous employers and diplomas. Folium covers the CV and a cover letter draft; attach certificates and diplomas as separate PDFs.
How long should a Swiss CV be?
Usually two pages; one page is fine for students and early-career candidates. Put the most recent and relevant roles first.