Resume writing tips > How to prepare a resume to work abroad> How to prepare a Resume to work in Switzerland

How to prepare a Resume to Work in Switzerland

This is a short guide to help you. How to prepare a resume to work in Switzerland.

The key focus of your Swiss resume should be to persuade the employer to invite you for an interview. Therefore, your Swiss Resume /  CV is a marketing tool, which should be adapted to the market in which you intend to use it.

Speculative applications and Networking are usually successful in Switzerland.

If you seen an advertisement for a job you must telephone in advance to introduce yourself.

Prepare some relevant questions to ask it is very important to make a really good impression even on the phone you will not get a second chance.

Once you have called and left your name and number make sure you get your Swiss Resume / CV the next day to illustrate your punctuality, a quality highly appreciated by Swiss recruiters.

The structure of your Swiss Resume / CV can either be chronological, reversed chronological or functional.

Swiss recruiters attach great importance to work experience.

Check in advance what the main language (Swiss German, French or Italian) within the organisation is and write the CV
in this language (if possible).

Work permits in Switzerland

• Work permits have to be renewed every year.
• The permits are divided into four groups: A, B, C and F. For example, permit A is for seasonal workers and trainees.
• There is a fixed number of work permits for foreigners, allocated according to canton and company.

The application procedure in Switzerland

• Be prepared for questions about the company and your motivation for this particular job.
• In most cases your future boss will be present in your interview.
• Sometimes psychological and psychometrical tests are used in the Swiss application procedure.

The application letter in Switzerland

• The Swiss application letter is handwritten, well structured and short (maximum one page).
• The style is rather formal.
• Refer to the advertisement you are responding to.

Dos 

• Combine handshakes with eye contact when coming to a Swiss interview.
• Look interested – ask questions.
• Ask for clarification if you don’t understand the question.
• Provide examples to illustrate your achievements.
• Pay attention to a clean and neat appearance.

Don’ts 

• Be surprised when the interview lasts up to an hour.
• Sit until invited in a Swiss application interview.
• Criticise former employers.
• Go over the top – stay calm and stick to the facts.

Management culture in Switzerland

• The culture of companies can vary somewhat depending on whether they are in the German, French or Italian area of Switzerland.
• Swiss companies have a vertical hierarchy and decisions are taken at the top.
• Meetings are sharp, orderly, task-oriented and impersonal in Switzerland.
• Discussions are very precise, cautious and sometimes tend to be a little gloomy.
• The Swiss are considered hard but fair bargainers.
• Office hours are Monday to Friday, from 8.00 am to 5.30 pm.
• Business and private life are strictly separated in Switzerland.

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