Finland is known for its excellent quality of life, highly competitive job market, and a strong economy. If you’re planning to work in Finland, you’ll need to create a compelling CV that stands out to potential employers. In this article, we’ll discuss the key elements of a Finnish CV, formatting guidelines, customization tips, and other important aspects to help you craft a winning CV.
Understanding the Finnish Job Market
The Finnish job market is highly competitive and requires a high level of skill, education, and language proficiency. It’s essential to understand the specific requirements of the job market in Finland to tailor your CV accordingly.
Research the industry and company you’re interested in, and make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that employers are looking for.
Key Elements of a Finnish CV
A well-structured CV is crucial to making a good impression on potential employers. Here are the key elements that should be included in your Finnish CV:
- Personal Information: Include your name, contact information, and nationality.
- Professional Objective: Summarize your career goals and how they align with the job you’re applying for.
- Education: List your educational background, including degrees, institutions, and dates.
- Work Experience: Detail your employment history, highlighting relevant positions, tasks, and accomplishments.
- Skills: Showcase relevant skills and proficiencies, such as languages, software, or industry-specific expertise.
- Additional Information: Mention any other information relevant to the job, such as volunteer work, hobbies, or certifications.
Formatting Your Finnish CV
A well-formatted CV is essential to making a strong impression on potential employers. Here are some formatting tips for your Finnish CV:
- Length: Keep your CV between 1-2 pages, or up to 3 pages for extensive work experience or multiple qualifications.
- Layout: Use headings, subheadings, and bullet points to organize information and enhance readability.
- Font and Font Size: Choose a simple, professional font (e.g., Arial or Times New Roman), with a font size between 10 and 12 points.
Customizing Your CV for Specific Job Applications
A generic CV won’t make a strong impression on potential employers. To increase your chances of success, customize your CV for each job application.
Research the company and position you’re applying for and adjust your CV to highlight the skills, experience, and qualifications that are most relevant to the job.
Dos and Don’ts for Finnish CVs
Here are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind when creating your Finnish CV:
- Do use a professional tone and clear, concise language.
- Do proofread your CV to eliminate any spelling or grammar errors.
- Do use action verbs and quantifiable achievements to showcase your experience.
- Don’t include irrelevant personal information, such as marital status or religious beliefs.
- Don’t exaggerate or lie about your qualifications or experience.
- Don’t use overly casual language or informal abbreviations.
Cover Letters in Finland
A cover letter is an essential part of the job application process in Finland.
Your cover letter should be tailored to the specific job you’re applying for and should highlight your motivation, relevant skills, and experience.
Keep your cover letter concise and focused, and make sure to proofread it carefully for errors.
If you found this article interesting, you might enjoy these too:
Preparing for a Job Interview in Finland
Once your CV and cover letter have caught the attention of a potential employer, you’ll need to prepare for the interview process.
Research the company and role thoroughly, and be prepared to discuss your qualifications, experience, and how they relate to the job at hand.
Prepare some thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer, and practice answering common interview questions in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to include a photo on my Finnish CV?
Including a photo on your CV is not required in Finland, and it’s generally recommended to leave it off unless specifically requested by the employer.
Should I translate my CV into Finnish?
If you’re applying for a job in Finland and you’re fluent in Finnish, it’s a good idea to translate your CV. However, if the job advertisement is in English or the company operates internationally, an English CV is likely acceptable.
How can I make my CV stand out in Finland?
Customize your CV for each job application, highlighting the skills and experience that are most relevant to the position. Use a clear layout and concise language to make your CV easy to read and understand.
Is it necessary to include references on my Finnish CV?
It’s not necessary to include references on your CV unless specifically requested by the employer. Instead, you can state “References available upon request” at the end of your CV, and be prepared to provide them if asked during the interview process.
What should I emphasize on my CV if I’m a recent graduate with limited work experience?
Focus on your education, internships, and any relevant projects or extracurricular activities that demonstrate your skills and potential. Make sure to include any volunteer work, leadership roles, or other experiences that showcase your transferable skills and ability to excel in the workplace.
Conclusion
Creating a strong CV is essential for success in the Finnish job market. By following these guidelines and customizing your CV for each job application, you’ll increase your chances of landing the perfect job in Finland.

Alison Adams, a Philly native and proud University of Pennsylvania alum, is your go-to Career Expert with a laid-back approach. She’s been in the job seeker’s shoes and knows how to navigate the wild world of work. Alison’s all about sharing practical tips and tricks with a personal touch, making her a favorite for those looking to level up their careers.
Thank you for this detailed information on how to write and answer interview questions on jobs in Finland. I sincerely found it very relevant and useful.
Thanks to Jobera