How do I write the perfect Swedish CV?

Applying for a job in a foreign country can be daunting, particularly in uncertain economic times. In a new series of articles, The Local will be joining with our jobs partner Stepstone, to help you navigate the Swedish employment market. This week, Frida Lindblom of career advisors Min Karriär gives tips on CV writing.

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How should I approach my CV?

You should think of it as the document that gets you the interview - nothing more. This means that you should ensure that the competences or qualifications that are relevant for the job are really visible. Think of it as though you are selling your competence and that your CV is your sales letter. Try to spark the reader's interest - don't let it be a dry document that nobody wants to read.

Think about how your international experience can help the company and try to think of other duties you have carried out during your career. These are the things that can make a difference.

How is a Swedish CV different from an American resumé, for example? How much should you show off?

I wouldn't say that CVs are very different in Sweden to in the US. A good CV generally contains the same kind of thing. Stereotypically, an American CV is more of a list of achievements while we in Sweden try to encourage applicants to give more information about exactly what they've done in each job.

It's never wrong to boast but make sure that it's about situations that are relevant to your potential employer. If you've led a big project, write it on your CV, even if it wasn't viewed as such a big project in the company you did it for. As long as you give concrete examples and you can show a clear benefit to an employer, boast away - people don't do this nearly enough in Sweden.

If you're looking for a job in Sweden, when should a CV be written in Swedish and when should it be in English?

You should do what it says in the ad or what you have agreed with the person you have spoken with regarding the company. It can be worth sending two CVs, one in English and one in Swedish, as it could end up being read by different people with different languages.

How much personal information should be included? Should you write your date of birth, marital status etc? Should you include information about leisure activities (e.g. 'I sing in the church choir')

No, you should only include in your CV information that is absolutely relevant for the job concerned. Focus on angling your CV for the position and the company in question. The company should judge you purely on your competence and not whether you are married or were born in 1952. There is unfortunately a large risk that you could be excluded on the basis of such irrelevant things.

How should foreign qualifications be handled - should they be 'translated' to Swedish equivalents (e.g. Bachelors = kandidat)

Translate them if you like, but the fact is that most large Swedish companies have English as their working language and therefore they also use English titles and qualifications. If you think it might be a problem, call the employer and ask. Don't be afraid of contacting them before sending your application - you might get very useful information that you can use to your advantage.

Three quick tips for CV writing:

1. Make it selling
2. Don't pack it - make it easy to read
3. Target it as much as possible to the job you're applying for.