EN

CS

DE

MBA

Diplomas, references and proof of good conduct in job applications in Europe

What do you send with a job application in Europe – copies of your diplomas, references or a criminal record certificate? Here is what employers usually expect.

Diplomas in your application

Usually not at the first stage – in many countries a CV and a cover letter are enough, and you bring copies of your diplomas to the interview. But in some countries employers expect copies with the application, and the public sector often asks for proof of qualifications. Never send originals, and always do what the ad asks.

What differs between countries

Copies usually go with the application in:

Germany – copies of certificates and references; you may need German translations,
Austria – copies of diplomas, certificates and references,
Switzerland – copies of diplomas and certificates of employment; Swiss employers attach great importance to them,
Ireland – copies of your qualifications and references,
Bulgaria – documents on your education, translated into Bulgarian and authenticated.

In Croatia private employers sometimes want copies of diplomas, while public-sector jobs normally require proof of qualifications.

Only on request or at the interview in:

Spain and the Netherlands – do not attach them, bring them to the interview,
Italy, Sweden and Norway – only if the employer or the ad asks for them,
Czech Republic, Romania and Finland – bring or have copies ready for the interview,
Slovenia – do not attach original certificates or references.

Translations and recognition

Translations: EURES warns that for some jobs, for example in the public sector, you may need a certified translation of your qualification. In France it is worth having qualified translations of your diplomas ready.
Non-regulated jobs: in the EU you do not need to ask for permission or start any administrative procedure – the employer assesses your qualifications.
Regulated professions (for example doctors or nurses): you must have your qualification recognised before you can work. The authority must confirm receipt of your application within 1 month and decide within 3 months of receiving your documents. Check the EU regulated professions database first.
Explaining a foreign degree: the ENIC-NARIC centres (a network of 56 countries) give information on foreign qualifications, also to employers. Some offer a document that helps employers understand your degree – for example a statement from UHR in Sweden or a credential evaluation from IDW (Nuffic) in the Netherlands.

Practical tips

Scan your diplomas, transcripts and references now and keep them in one folder – or in your Europass library.
Send clear copies when the ad or local custom calls for them, and keep the originals ready for the interview.

References, recommendation letters and criminal record checks

References are common in Europe, but how you give them differs: some employers want written references with your application, others ask only later for names of people they can contact. A criminal record certificate is not a standard part of every application – it is usually requested for specific jobs, for example in the public sector or work with children.

References and recommendation letters: what differs between countries

Our country pages, based on EURES and national sources, show three main approaches:

Written references matter a lot. In Germany work references (Arbeitszeugnisse) are customary, and you may need German translations. In Switzerland employers attach great importance to certificates of employment from previous employers. In Greece you may be asked for two or three recommendations from people with recognised academic or professional standing.
Referees on request. In Finland name two referees or write that references are available on request. In the United Kingdom do not put other people’s contact details on your CV – write “references available on request”. In Sweden send references only if the ad asks for them.
Bring them, don’t send them. In the Netherlands do not attach certificates and references – bring them to the interview. In Italy they are only sent on request. In Estonia references are not obligatory, but they may increase your chances; in Croatia they are usually not required, but a good idea to enclose if you have them.

In Slovakia employers ideally like to see formal or informal recommendations from former employers, and in Czechia a structured CV includes references with names and contact details of previous employers.

Criminal record certificates

Only when there is a legal basis. Under the GDPR, data on criminal convictions may be processed only under the control of official authority or when EU or national law allows it with appropriate safeguards. So an employer cannot simply ask everyone for one.
Work with children. EU rules (Directive 2011/93) say that employers recruiting for work involving direct and regular contact with children are entitled to request information on certain convictions, in line with national law.
Public sector. In Croatia, for example, public-sector jobs normally also require a certificate that you have no criminal record.
Fewer formalities in the EU. A certificate of no criminal record is one of the public documents covered by EU rules that remove the need for an apostille when you present it in another EU country. You can also ask for a multilingual standard form as a translation aid.

Practical tips

Ask former employers, internship supervisors or professors before you give their names – and tell them which job you are applying for.
Check how long it takes to get a criminal record certificate in your home country and how old it may be. Order it early if the job involves children or the public sector.