In Finland, a CV is regarded as a basic document that exactly shows what somebody has done. It can never be sent without a covering letter. For the letter and the CV you can choose between Finnish or Swedish, or English for more internationally oriented positions. Finnish and Swedish are however preferred and once you make a choice, stick to the language chosen.

On top you put your name and if you prepare your CV in Finnish the word ‘Ansioluettelo’ (Finnish for ‘Curriculum Vitae’). Alternatively, you can also write your CV in English (as shown here) or Swedish.

A photo is not required, but is getting more common.

It may sound like an open door, but …Do not forget to give your address and telephone number (including international access code).

You start the actual CV with your personal information: place and date of birth, your civil status, nationality, and other information such as driving license.

Write down your education in reverse chronological order (most recent activity first).

Explain briefly your main tasks in your current as well as your previous jobs.

Add here your special skills including your linguistic abilities, and your publications – if applicable.

Foreign job seekers are expected to have a basic understanding of either Finnish or Swedish, but for instance in the IT branch you stand a fair chance of finding work when you are capable of speaking just English (but think of the social events and how much you miss out on those!).