Curriculum Vitae
While some companies provide an application form, it is more common practice
to submit a CV and a covering letter. This may be done when replying to a
vacancy notice or press advertisement and also when submitting a spontaneous
application.
Although there are no hard and fast rules on how to write your CV, this
section includes some advice. It must be structured, clear, concise and written
using a word processor. It is best to use no more than two DIN A4 pages. It is
not necessary to attach a photograph, although this may be useful for some
positions. Only attach qualifications and certificates if requested. These may
be brought to the interview. Language: Use plain and simple language, avoid
using acronyms and abbreviations.
In the Spanish business world, companies often only contact candidates who
have passed the recruitment or selection stage.
Structure
Personal Details: name, nationality, full address, telephone number
(stating international dialling code), e-mail address, etc.
Training: Include academic and further training. You should normally
include a separate paragraph with details of your knowledge of foreign languages
and IT. For academic training, mainly include the qualification or
qualifications relating to the job you are applying for, mentioning the awarding
body, place of study and date on which you obtained your qualification.
Experience: this may be listed in chronological or reverse
chronological order and also according to professional fields. Give the name of
the company, job title, dates and the tasks performed.
Further details: This is optional and used to provide any information
which may prove relevant to the job, for example whether you have a driving
licence, are free to travel, etc. References are not normally included although
you could use the expression ‘se facilitaran referencias en caso de ser
solicitadas’ (references will be provided if called for interview).
Model CVs and advice on how to write your CV are available on most public
employment websites in Spain.
The Europass CV is a good alternative to conventional CV models, particularly
when you are seeking a job in another European country. It allows the candidate’s
personal details, skills and qualifications to be submitted in a standard
European format. It is available in 25 European languages.
Covering Letter
More than a mere formality, this is how you present yourself to the company
and provide them with a first impression. Unless otherwise indicated, both the
letter and the CV must be in Spanish and word processed. Use a single sheet of
A4 paper. Be concise, using formal language. The letter must be directly related
to the post applied for. Avoid standard letters.
Structure
Upper left hand: Sender’s name, surname, date of birth, address and
telephone number. Below, also on the left, write the name of the company and the
person to whom it is addressed. Below this, write the place and date of the
letter. The job reference is written beneath.
Opening: use expressions such as ‘Muy Señor Mío’ or ‘Estimado
Sr./Sra’:
Main text of the letter: You should explain why you are applying for
the job and highlight the aspects of your CV that make you particularly suitable
for that position.
Signing off: use formal expressions such as: ‘En espera de sus
noticias, le saluda atentamente’.
Sign the letter and write your name and surname.
Selection Process
In Spain, selection processes are normally based on personal interviews and
occasionally accompanied by psychometric and/or vocational tests.
Due to the importance of this interview, it is advisable to prepare yourself
properly by finding out what the company does and considering the aptitudes and
outlooks that will make you a good candidate. The interview may be held with a
single interviewer or several interviewers at the same time, depending on the
company and the position.
Psychometric and/or vocational tests, if carried out, normally constitute the
first part of the selection process, which ends with a personal interview.
Last edited: 02/08
Source: European Union
© European Communities
Reproduction is authorised.
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