Your step-by-step guide 

Your CV is often the first impression you make on employers. Within seconds, they decide whether to keep reading. 
A strong CV opens doors because it shows one thing: you fit the position. 

To make your CV truly convincing, you need two things: 

  1. Clarity about yourself – who you are, what you can do, and where you want to go. 

  1. A clear structure that makes your strengths immediately visible. 

Before you start writing, take a short self-assessment. It helps you define your goals and highlight your strengths in your CV. 
This allows you to present yourself not just as anyone with a CV, but as the right person for this position. 

Before you write your CV, reflect on who you are, what you can do and where you want to go. 

These questions will help you gain clarity and focus your application:

  • Who am I? What are my strengths, talents and interests?
  • What have I achieved so far – studies, internships, part-time jobs, projects?
  • Where do I want to go – which activities, industries or roles appeal to me?
  • What does success mean to me – and which conditions (working hours, growth, income) do I need? 

Once you know your answers, you can set the right priorities in your CV. 
Anything irrelevant distracts – focus on what matters for the role. 

Worksheet Self-Assessment

Key Message Canvas

Recruiters usually spend only one to two minutes on a CV. 
In that time, it must clearly show – you are the right fit. 

This takes focus and a professional layout that highlights your strengths. 

Layout & Readability 
A professional CV is clearly structured and easy to scan. Recruiters should understand the key facts at a glance.

  • Use simple, readable fonts (e.g. Arial, Calibri, Helvetica)
  • Font size 10–11 pt; headings 12–14 pt
  • Separate sections clearly
  • Keep enough white space – less text often reads better
  • Use consistent formatting throughout
  • 2–4 bullet points per position, focused on results
  • File name: «CV_FirstnameLastname.pdf»
  • For online uploads: simple structure, minimal graphics, no text boxes
  • Length: students 1 page, graduates max. 2 pages 

A good CV follows a logical order. It starts with contact details, then highlights your profile, education and work experience, followed by projects, skills, languages or volunteering – depending on relevance. 
Remember: a CV is more than data – it is your personal marketing tool.

Contact Details 

  • Include: name, location (postcode + city), email, mobile number, LinkedIn / portfolio
  • Leave out: marital status, religion, political affiliation
  • Residence permit: mention only if relevant. If you are not Swiss, show that you are eligible to work in Switzerland. 
    Example: Residence permit B with valid work authorisation 

Profile – About Me 
This section comes right after your contact details (and photo). It is your personal introduction – the first text recruiters read and often the reason they keep reading.

  • Write 3–5 concise sentences summarising your background, strengths and one achievement.
  • Avoid vague phrases like “motivated” or “team player” – use concrete examples.
  • Tailor it to the job – which requirements do you match?
  • Follow this formula: background + strengths + evidence + target role 

Examples

  • B.Sc. Business Information Technology (HSLU) with focus on Data Analytics. Experience in project management and process optimisation through internships. Bachelor thesis on automating reporting processes. Seeking entry in Business Intelligence
  • Master’s student in Design Management with project experience in Service Design. Strengths in creativity, concept development and user-centred processes. Led an innovation workshop with 40 participants. Seeking entry in innovation or project management. 

Education or Work Experience – Which Comes First?

  • Education first – if it’s your strongest argument.
  • Experience first – if internships or part-time jobs fit better. 
    Each entry should include: role, organisation, period, and 2–3 bullet points with results.
  • Use active verbs, numbers and outcomes. 

Examples of Bullet Points

  • Coordinated events (150 participants), managed budget CHF 5 000.
  • Analysed customer data (SQL, 20 000 records) → reduced churn by 8 %
  • Implemented social-media campaign → reach +25 %, 3 000 new followers in 2 months.
  • Optimised workflows → processing time reduced from 5 to 3 days. 

Projects, Skills, (IT) Tools and Languages
Projects and skills are especially important for students and career starters to demonstrate practical experience.

  • Projects: title, context, tools, outcome. 
    Example: Capstone project: energy forecast (Python) → accuracy 92 %.
  • IT/Tools: include level (e.g. Excel – advanced).
  • Languages: start with native language, add CEFR level (A1–C2). 

Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)

Volunteering & Hobbies 
Volunteering or club work shows commitment and personality. 
Example: Board member of a student association; organised 12 events per year. 

Application Photo – Your Appearance (optional but common in CH) 
A professional photo reinforces a positive first impression.

  • Look approachable, well-groomed and competent.
  • Adapt your expression and posture to the role:
    • Professional role: approachable
    • Leadership role: confident
  • Invest in a professional photo shoot.
    • Tip: The Careers Service offers free photo sessions at the Career Fair “Kontaktgespräch.”
  • Clothing: simple, appropriate, no loud patterns; bring a few options.
  • Glasses: avoid reflections. 

When your CV is ready, check the order and your online presence.

  • Re-read the job ad carefully.
  • Submit documents in logical order: motivation letter → CV → certificates/diplomas.
  • Review your online profiles: update LinkedIn, ensure details match your CV, and check privacy settings on social media.

Many CVs fail not because of missing skills but because of avoidable errors. Avoid the following pitfalls: 

  • Text blocks that are too long
  • Unclear dates or job titles
  • Only soft skills without evidence
  • Overly complex designs that reduce readability