CV, application and job interview in European countries

A complete Austrian application usually contains:

• a cover letter written for this specific job – addressed to a named contact person, with the correct title (e.g. “Dear Dr Müller”),
• a CV – short and clear, ideally one A4 page, at most two; many companies accept or even ask for the Europass CV,
• copies of your diplomas, certificates and references,
• an application photo – optional, but still common in Austria.

Write in German unless the ad asks for another language. Applications are almost always sent by email or online; some employers also welcome a short application video.

The interview: learn about the company beforehand, be on time and bring your CV, certificates and proof of previous jobs. Interviews may be held in person, by phone or online. The AMS has an interactive application portal with tips and examples (in German).

Diplomas: for most jobs, the employer decides how to assess your qualifications. For regulated professions (e.g. nurses, doctors, teachers) you need formal recognition – the official contact point is berufsanerkennung.at.

A Belgian application usually contains:

• a CV – your personal details, the job you want, work experience with achievements and education (most recent first), training, skills and your language levels on the European scale (CEFR); you can use the Europass CV,
• no photo – unless the job requires it or the employer asks for one,
• a cover letter written separately for each application and tailored to the company and the vacancy – it should show your personality and what makes you different from other candidates.

Apply in the language of the region: Dutch in Flanders, French in Wallonia, German in the German-speaking area. In Brussels both Dutch and French are used.

Diplomas: to have a foreign diploma recognised, contact NARIC-Vlaanderen if you want to work in Flanders, or use the equivalence portal of the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles for French-speaking Belgium.

A Bulgarian application usually contains:

• a CV – the Europass CV format is recommended,
• a short cover letter – employers usually ask for one,
• references from previous employers,
• documents on your education – translated into Bulgarian and authenticated.

Write in Bulgarian unless the ad says otherwise – most employers expect it.

Diplomas: a foreign diploma must be authenticated in the country that issued it and come with a legal Bulgarian translation – the same applies to professional licences. The Bulgarian ENIC-NARIC centre NACID recognises foreign higher-education degrees and keeps the list of regulated professions in Bulgaria.

A Croatian application usually contains:

• a CV in chronological order – personal data, education, skills and work experience, typed on a computer; the Europass CV is a good format,
• a photo – not necessary, but you can add one (e.g. a passport photo),
• references from former employers – usually not required, but a good idea to enclose if you have them.

Write in Croatian unless the employer asks otherwise. For public-sector jobs you normally also need proof of qualifications (diplomas, certificates), a certificate that you have no criminal record, and proof of nationality and residence.

The interview: before you go, find out about the employer’s activity, how the workplace is organised and the dress code.

Diplomas: the ENIC/NARIC office at the Agency for Science and Higher Education (AZVO) assesses foreign higher education qualifications for the labour market and gives information on regulated professions, for which a formal recognition is needed.

A Cypriot application usually contains:

• a CV – the Europass CV has spread quickly among Cypriot employers,
• a covering letter that states the job title and the vacancy number.

The interview: if you do not speak Greek, it is usually held in English, unless you and the employer share another language.

Diplomas: KYSATS is the competent authority in Cyprus for recognising higher education qualifications and is part of the ENIC-NARIC network. For regulated professions you apply to the competent authority for your profession; the contact point is the National Reference Body for Professional Qualifications at the Department of Labour.

A Czech application usually contains:

• a cover letter – brief and to the point, focused on the job: why you want it and what you can offer the employer,
• a structured CV – personal data (name, phone number, email; the city where you live is enough as an address), education, professional experience (the most important part – list the positions you held), other skills such as languages and certificates, and references with names and contact details of previous employers; you can use the Europass CV.

Most employers require an active knowledge of Czech, so applications are normally written in Czech.

The interview: the selection procedure is fairly formal, so dress appropriately. Bring your CV and copies of all your certificates as a portfolio. Some employers also use psychological tests.

Diplomas: the Czech ENIC-NARIC centre is part of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports – see the ENIC-NARIC page for the Czech Republic. The ministry’s page on recognition of qualifications and education in the EU (in Czech) covers regulated professions.

A Danish application usually consists of:

• a CV,
• a motivation letter adapted to the specific position.

The Europass CV and cover letter editor can help you prepare documents that employers across Europe understand.

Diplomas and regulated professions: some professions in Denmark require an authorisation, and you can get an official assessment of your foreign education. Workindenmark explains where to apply on its page on work permits, authorisation and assessment.

A typical Estonian application contains:

• a CV – A4 format, a common font such as Arial or Times New Roman in 10–12 points, no longer than two pages; you can also use the Europass CV,
• a covering letter – explain your career goals, your key strengths and relevant experience, why you fit the employer and what makes you different from other candidates,
• references – not obligatory, but they may increase your chances,
• a photo – not compulsory.

The interview: learn about the company beforehand, be ready to answer questions and prepare your own questions for the employer. Bring your documents. Some employers also ask you to do a general test or an aptitude test during the interview.

Diplomas: for most jobs, the employer decides how to assess your qualifications. The Estonian ENIC/NARIC Centre (Education and Youth Board, Harno) assesses foreign higher education qualifications and is the assistance centre for professional recognition – contact it if your profession is regulated.

A Finnish application usually contains:

• a CV – no more than two A4 pages, with your most recent job and education first; a photo is optional but quite common these days; name two referees or write that references are available on request; the Europass CV is fine,
• a cover letter – at most one page, explaining why you want the job and why you are suitable for it.

Check in the ad which language the employer expects – many jobs require Finnish or Swedish.

The interview: it is very common to hold it remotely. Prepare your own questions in advance and have copies of your certificates ready.

Diplomas: in jobs without statutory qualification requirements, the employer decides whether your qualifications are suitable. For regulated professions – and to have the level of a higher education degree recognised – contact the Finnish National Agency for Education (Opetushallitus).

A French application usually contains:

• a CV of no more than two pages – civil status, the job you want and your strengths, work experience (reverse chronological order is preferred), education, language and computer skills, interests; you can also use the Europass CV,
• a cover letter (lettre de motivation) of no more than one page, usually typed – show your interest in the company and how your profile matches the job.

Apply in French unless the ad says otherwise, and state your level in reading, writing and speaking. Have qualified translations of your diplomas ready. France Travail’s website has online services to help you prepare your CV and applications.

Diplomas: the official information centre on foreign qualifications is ENIC-NARIC France, run by France Éducation international.

A complete German application (Bewerbung) usually contains:

• a cover letter – no longer than one A4 page,
• a CV in table form (tabellarischer Lebenslauf) – in reverse chronological order, at most two pages, with contact details, work experience, education and language skills; the Europass format is recommended,
• copies of your certificates and references – work references (Arbeitszeugnisse) are customary in Germany; you may need German translations,
• a photo with a neutral background – still common in German applications.

The interview: learn about the company beforehand and be ready to explain why you chose this occupation and this employer.

Diplomas: for regulated professions (e.g. nurses, doctors, teachers) you need formal recognition. The federal portal Recognition in Germany has a Recognition Finder that shows which authority is responsible for your profession, and a hotline.

A Greek application usually contains:

• a short CV of 1–2 pages – the Europass CV is the most common format, but many Greek companies use their own application forms instead. List your languages with your level and certificates,
• a typed cover letter of no more than one page, with your handwritten signature,
• two or three recommendations from people with recognised academic or professional standing.

The interview: learn about the company beforehand and be ready to explain why you are a suitable candidate.

Diplomas: for most jobs the employer judges your qualifications. Foreign academic degrees are recognised by DOATAP. For regulated professions (e.g. doctors, lawyers, engineers) you need recognition from the competent authority – see Your Europe on recognition of professional qualifications.

A Hungarian application usually contains:

• a CV – in Hungarian and, depending on the job, also in English; one or two pages with your personal data, education (most recent first), work experience, IT and language skills and driving licence; you can use the Europass CV,
• a cover letter addressed to the organisation advertising the job – signed by hand if you send it on paper.

Diplomas: diplomas of EU citizens are generally recognised. For recognition of foreign degrees, and of professional qualifications under the EU directives, contact the Hungarian Equivalence and Information Centre of the Educational Authority (Oktatási Hivatal) – contact details are on the ENIC-NARIC page for Hungary.

In Iceland you normally send a CV with your application. The Directorate of Labour recommends:

• a CV – usually 1–2 pages, most recent education and jobs first; you do not need to list everything, only what matters for this job; add referees who can assess your work, e.g. your current or previous boss, colleagues or teachers; check spelling carefully,
• a cover letter (letter of introduction) – half a page to one page, focused on the job and why your skills fit it, not on your life story.

See the Directorate’s guide to CVs and letters of introduction; you can also use Europass. Translate your documents into English and/or Icelandic before you come.

The interview: be ready to answer questions about everything in your CV.

Diplomas: the ENIC-NARIC office evaluates foreign higher education free of charge (evaluation of foreign higher education). For regulated professions you need a separate licence.

A typical Irish application contains:

• a CV of one to two pages – you can use the Europass CV,
• a cover letter, typed on plain A4, that highlights your personal qualities and relevant experience,
• copies of your qualifications and references,
• a photo only if the application form asks for one.

Application forms are widespread, and employers often want an insight into what you do outside work.

The interview: it may be held by one person or by a panel, by phone or face to face. Find out about the company beforehand – EURES calls this “crucial” – and bring copies of your CV, qualifications, references and any other documents you may need.

Diplomas: NARIC Ireland (hosted by QQI) has a free online database that compares foreign qualifications with the Irish National Framework of Qualifications – over 2,000 qualifications from more than 170 countries. For regulated professions (e.g. nurses, doctors, teachers), the Irish authority for your profession decides on recognition.

An Italian application usually contains:

• an up-to-date CV tailored to the job – the Europass CV is widely used. A photo is not needed unless the employer asks for one, and certificates or references are only sent on request,
• a personalised cover letter (lettera di presentazione) showing your strengths, goals and why you fit the role,
• your consent to the processing of personal data – CVs sent to companies must contain it.

Send your application by email or through the channel named in the ad; in some areas it still helps to hand your CV to the HR manager in person.

Diplomas: for most jobs the employer judges your qualifications. Information on recognising foreign academic qualifications comes from CIMEA, the Italian ENIC-NARIC centre. For regulated professions (e.g. doctors, nurses, teachers) you need formal recognition from the competent Italian authority – see Your Europe on recognition of professional qualifications.

A typical Latvian application contains:

• a CV – no longer than two pages; you can use the Europass CV,
• a motivation or cover letter – employers often ask for one,
• a photo – it is up to you whether to include one.

Write in Latvian unless the ad asks for another language.

The interview: interviews in Latvia are usually formal. Arrive on time, look neat and tidy, and it is fine to shake hands when you arrive.

Diplomas: the Academic Information Centre (AIC, the Latvian ENIC/NARIC) recognises foreign diplomas and runs the assistance centre for the recognition of professional qualifications. In a regulated profession you need recognition before you start work.

Liechtenstein has no official guide to application habits of its own – the EURES page on Liechtenstein is still being prepared. In practice:

• German is the official language, so be ready to apply and work in German unless the job ad says otherwise,
• prepare a clear CV and cover letter – the Europass tools can help,
• keep copies of your diplomas and references at hand.

Diplomas: the ENIC-NARIC centre for Liechtenstein is the Office of Education (Schulamt) – see the ENIC-NARIC page on Liechtenstein. Recognition of professional qualifications for regulated professions is governed by a separate law of 13 December 2007; the EU database of regulated professions shows which professions are regulated.

For most jobs you send a CV and a covering letter, sometimes take selection tests and then go to an interview. For manual jobs, a CV and an interview are often enough.

• CV – personal data, contact details, work experience, education, skills, hobbies and references; try to fit it on one A4 page. The Europass CV is increasingly popular in Lithuania.
• Covering letter – one A4 page, written for this company: introduce yourself briefly, say why you want the job and why you are the right person, and back it up with facts.

The interview: find out about the employer and its activities, prepare 2–3 concrete examples of your experience or achievements, and think about your salary expectations in advance.

Diplomas: the Centre for Quality Assessment in Higher Education (SKVC, the Lithuanian ENIC/NARIC) assesses and recognises foreign qualifications.

• Cover letter – personal, carefully written, punchy and relevant, for one specific position. Explain why you chose this employer.
• CV – usually 1–2 pages, with a professional photo, your training, experience and language skills. You can use the Europass CV.
• Be accurate – the skills you declare, especially languages, will be checked.
• Language – apply in French, or in English for multinational companies, unless the ad says otherwise.

Diplomas: for regulated professions – crafts, commercial and liberal professions, health professions, educators and carers – you need recognition of your foreign qualifications from the Department for the Recognition of Diplomas at the Ministry of Education, Children and Youth. The fee is €75, plus €300 if you need compensatory measures (adaptation period or aptitude test); you usually get an answer within 2 to 6 weeks. Details on guichet.lu.

A Maltese application usually contains:

• a CV in English – typed, at most two pages; EURES recommends the standard European format (Europass CV). Include personal details, education, languages, skills, career history and hobbies,
• a covering letter or email – concise, no longer than a few paragraphs.

English is the normal language for applications, but Maltese is also accepted.

The interview: after reading your CV, the employer may invite you to an interview – sometimes to more than one. Some employers ask for a medical examination before you start.

Diplomas: the Malta Qualifications Recognition Information Centre (MQRIC) at the MFHEA compares foreign qualifications with the Malta Qualifications Framework and the European Qualifications Framework. You apply online; the fee is €15 if your programme is already listed and €65 for a new foreign programme (fees shown in October 2026).

A Dutch application usually contains:

• a CV – professional and concise, at most two A4 pages: personal details, education, work experience (most recent first), hobbies and volunteer work; you can use the Europass CV,
• a cover letter of one A4 page – why you are applying, why you are suitable and that you would like to be invited for an interview.

Applications in Dutch are more appreciated, unless the ad says otherwise. Do not attach certificates and references – bring them to the interview.

The interview: the emphasis is on your motivation – why have you chosen this job with this company? Expect one or two interviewers and often more than one round; you will usually be able to ask questions. Dutch employers tend to reply fairly quickly – if you have heard nothing after 14 days, contact the company.

Diplomas: a credential evaluation from IDW (Nuffic) compares your foreign diploma with the Dutch education system, so employers understand its level.

A typical Norwegian job application includes:

• a CV – a short overview of your education, work experience, language skills, courses, certifications and other relevant skills; the Europass CV can help,
• a cover letter – common in Norway: explain how your qualifications make you a good match for the job,
• supporting documents – diplomas, certificates, references and licences, if the employer asks for them.

Employers look for professional qualifications, teamwork skills, independence and motivation.

The interview: it may be in person or online. You will usually be asked about your experience, your motivation and how you would approach work tasks.

Diplomas: recognition of foreign education is often useful but not always needed to start work. For regulated professions you need approval from the competent authority. The Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills (HK-dir) is Norway’s ENIC-NARIC centre and assistance centre for regulated professions.

A typical Polish application contains:

• a CV – as concise as possible, one or at most two A4 pages, with your personal data, work experience, education and qualifications; you can use the Europass CV,
• a consent clause at the end of the CV – a formal statement that you agree to the processing of your personal data for the recruitment, with a reference to the GDPR (Regulation (EU) 2016/679); Polish employers require it,
• a cover letter (list motywacyjny) – explaining why you are applying for this particular job; it is a little more personal than the CV, usually one A4 page and signed by hand.

Selection: the employer first chooses candidates on the basis of their documents and then invites them to an interview. The interview may include a knowledge test to check your qualifications.

Diplomas: the Polish ENIC-NARIC centre is NAWA (Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange), which deals with the recognition of foreign degrees. For regulated professions, the authority responsible for that profession decides; if your training differs substantially, it may require an adaptation period of up to 3 years.

A Portuguese application usually contains:

• a CV in reverse chronological order, one or two pages long; a photo is often appreciated. If you do not speak Portuguese, you can write it in English. The Europass CV works well,
• a short, simple cover letter – never longer than one A4 page.

The interview is the main selection method. Employers focus on your professional experience and on how much you know about the company – prepare examples and read about the firm beforehand.

Diplomas: for most jobs the employer judges your qualifications. Foreign higher-education degrees can be recognised through the Directorate-General for Higher Education (DGES) – automatic, level or specific recognition, applied for online. For regulated professions (e.g. doctors, nurses, engineers) you need professional recognition; the Assistance Centre for Professional Qualifications helps, and you can start the procedure before you move. See also Your Europe on recognition of professional qualifications.

A Romanian application usually contains:

• a CV in Romanian – the EURES network in Romania recommends the Europass CV; if the job requires a foreign language, send the CV in that language,
• a cover letter – optional, at most one page.

The interview: bring your CV and documents that prove your education and qualifications – diplomas, training certificates, papers from previous jobs.

Before you start: by law you need a medical certificate showing you are fit for the job. For some occupations – e.g. work at height, healthcare staff, security guards, work with toxic substances – a psychological test is compulsory.

Diplomas: the National Centre for Recognition and Equivalence of Diplomas (CNRED) evaluates foreign degrees against the Romanian education system and deals with recognition for regulated professions.

Slovak employers expect a well-prepared CV and, ideally, formal or informal recommendations from former employers. Your application should include:

• a CV – bring a version in Slovak; you can create it with Europass,
• a cover letter – formal, at most one A4 page and signed by hand, briefly stating your qualifications and skills for the job and your work experience or education,
• a professional email address in your contact details.

Diplomas: recognition of foreign qualifications is handled by the Ministry of Education. Its recognition navigator tells you step by step what to do and includes a database of regulated professions and application forms. For academic recognition of study periods abroad, the national NARIC centre can advise you.

A Slovenian application usually contains:

• a cover letter – up to one page, adapted to what the employer expects,
• a CV – clear and to the point, one to two pages; the ESS recommends the Europass CV,
• a suitable photo – EURES advises adding one.

Do not attach your original certificates or references from employers. Write in Slovenian unless the ad says otherwise – some employers also accept English. Before you are hired, you will have a medical examination.

The interview: treat it like a business meeting – prepare well and be on time. The ESS has tips on job-search skills, including CVs, video CVs and a handbook on job interviews (in Slovenian).

Diplomas: if you want to use a qualification from abroad for a job, you can ask for an assessment of education (vrednotenje izobraževanja) at the ENIC-NARIC Centre of the Ministry of Education, Science and Youth – see education assessment and recognition. Regulated professions have their own recognition procedure.

A typical Spanish application has two parts:

• a CV – typed, A4, best kept to two pages; simple sentences, no unexplained abbreviations. A photo is optional. Do not attach copies of your diplomas – bring them to the interview. The Europass CV is a good alternative,
• a cover letter in Spanish (unless the ad says otherwise) – formal, short and written for this specific job, not a standard letter.

The selection process: besides interviews, many employers use job-related tests and psychometric tests – according to EURES, 75% of Spanish companies use psychometric tests. Learn about the company before the interview.

Diplomas: for most jobs the employer judges your qualifications. To work in a regulated profession you need recognition: EU citizens with a degree leading to a regulated profession can apply under the EU directive on professional qualifications. For degrees from outside the EU, the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities offers homologation and equivalence (homologación, equivalencia).

A Swedish application is short and to the point:

• a personal letter (personligt brev) – very short, no more than one A4 page, saying clearly which job you are applying for,
• a CV of 1–2 pages, most recent first: personal details, education, work experience, positions of responsibility, language and computer skills, driving licence and interests; you can use the Europass CV,
• certificates and references – only if the ad asks for them; otherwise write that references are available on request.

Read the ad carefully and adapt your application to it. Job ads are usually in Swedish, and employers expect an application in Swedish unless the ad says otherwise.

The interview: learn about the company, prepare your own questions and bring copies of your certificates and references. Expect questions about your education, work, interests, strengths and weaknesses. You may meet a panel – for example an HR officer, a union representative and a future colleague – and there may be several rounds or tests.

Diplomas: the Swedish Council for Higher Education (UHR) evaluates foreign qualifications – you can download a statement to send to employers – and is Sweden’s ENIC-NARIC office, with information on regulated professions.

A typical Swiss application contains:

• a typed cover letter – no longer than one A4 page; end it by suggesting a personal interview,
• a CV of at most two pages, with a photo; highlight your language and computer skills,
• copies of your diplomas and certificates of employment (references from previous employers) – Swiss employers attach great importance to them.

The Europass tools can help you prepare a clear CV and cover letter.

Diplomas: to work in some professions in Switzerland you need recognition of your qualification. Which body is responsible depends on your profession – the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) explains the procedure on its page on the recognition of foreign qualifications.

The National Careers Service gives this advice for a UK CV:

• include your name, phone number, email address and, if you have one, a link to a professional profile such as LinkedIn,
• do not include your age, date of birth, marital status or nationality,
• do not put other people’s contact details on your CV – write “references available on request”.

The interview: read the job description carefully, research the company and prepare examples from your experience. For competency questions, use the STAR method (situation, task, action, result). For online interviews, test your computer and connection beforehand and be ready 5–10 minutes early. More interview tips.

Diplomas: UK ENIC, managed by Ecctis for the UK government, compares international qualifications with the UK system (Statement of Comparability). To check whether your profession is regulated and who the regulator is, use the Regulated Professions Register.