Writing a strong CV for the Swiss market

In Switzerland, the CV stays factual, complete and polished. It includes details that would be avoided in France - photo, date of birth, nationality - and a work permit is expected as soon as you don't hold Swiss citizenship. The table below sums up these conventions field by field.

Should you put a photo on a Swiss CV?

Yes. The professional photo is still customary in Switzerland and its absence still surprises many recruiters. Choose a recent, understated, good-quality photo - not a cropped holiday snapshot.

Should you state your age and nationality?

Yes, both are still common on a Swiss CV. The date of birth goes in the personal details at the top of the CV, and nationality is usually stated - it also determines the question of the work permit.

Which work permit should you mention?

If you don't hold Swiss citizenship, state your permit (B, C, G or L). It's information the recruiter actively looks for: giving it upfront spares them an uncertainty and spares you being screened out by default.

One page or two?

Two pages are accepted in Switzerland, especially after a few years of experience. Stay concise nonetheless: readability comes before exhaustiveness, and every line must add something.

Should you state your languages?

Yes, and it is often decisive. Switzerland is multilingual: clearly state your level (e.g. on the A1–C2 framework) in French, German, English and any other useful language. For a role in German-speaking Switzerland, a good level of German changes everything.

How to structure the CV?

Favour reverse-chronological order (the most recent experience first), clear titles and dates in month/year format. A clean CV, without frills, gets past both the recruiter's eye and the automated screening software (ATS).

Personal information: what the Switzerland market expects

These are market customs, never obligations: the editor always leaves every field up to you.

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