Luxembourg CV Writing Guide

Overseas career sounds like an adventure to many people. However, work in Luxembourg needs more than just the obvious Luxembourg cover letter and Luxembourg CV writing and translation – it requires methodical preparation. You will face issues that probably did not even cross your mind when you become interested in the Luxembourg job search.

Do not underestimate the influence a Luxembourg CV can have on your adventure! For instance, you will experience the different immigration rules and practices, job application procedures, selection trends and the management culture.

A CV is similar to a resume in that it provides more details about one’s professional qualifications, experience and education. However, the term “Curriculum Vitae” most often called CV, typically carries a different meaning depending on whether one distributes the CV within the US, Canada or internationally (external to the US or Canada) or is seeking a faculty, academic, research, clinical or scientific position.

You can turn your current resume into a CV. A CV is similar to a resume in that it outlines your professional qualifications and history, but it does so with more detail by adding to the resume the detailed descriptions of your educational and/or professional experiences and personal information that may include nationality, date of birth, marital status, etc.

Due to the large influx of foreign workers, there are no strict national rules for CVs in Luxembourg. CVs and cover letters are usually written in French unless requested otherwise. The style and content tend to reflect the candidate’s and the employer’s nationality. For instance, if you are applying to a German advertisement (German most probably be the company language) respond in German. The same applies to an advertisement in other languages.

The aim of your Luxembourg CV should be to persuade recruiters to invite you for a job interview. Therefore, your CV is a marketing tool, which should be adapted to the market in which you intend to use it.

Prepare yourself – before writing your CV find out information about the company you want to work for. Such information will help you to adapt your CV more effectively to each specific job and use proper examples illustrating your achievements.

Arrange your Luxembourg CV in reverse chronological order – most recent activity first. Two typed pages in A4 format are common.

Begin the Luxembourg CV with your name, address, telephone and e-mail. Often CVs are kept on file for lengthy periods, so any contact details you give have to remain accurate in the long term. A daytime phone number, with the international access code and e-mail, are most important.

Follow with education. Include examination grades giving dates of attendance, study emphases, diplomas and degrees. Mention additional courses and special skills such as computer programs in which you are proficient.

Language skills are important in Luxembourg, so detail them. Reveal your native tongue and describe the level of fluency for the other languages with reference to the spoken and written levels.

Next, list your work experiences. Describe the responsibilities you have had in each job with exact dates. Make your Luxembourg CV more effective by providing examples to illustrate your achievements. Use power words and action verbs such as contributed, organized, demonstrated, trained, managed, developed, coordinated etc. Bullet points these at the start of a sentence for maximum impact.

Close your Luxembourg CV with extra-curricular activities. Carefully consider what to leave out of your CV and exclude anything that might give prospective employers a chance to discriminate against you.

It is customary to send copies of diplomas, certificates and job references with the CV and cover letter. References are usually verified, so inform your referees in advance.

It is more common in Luxembourg to apply for a job through the Internet. However, you should be aware that an electronic CV does not look the same as a standard CV. In addition, CVs are often scanned by employers, so make your CV scannable by avoiding for example lines, bold or italic fonts etc.

Check the spelling and grammar of your Luxembourg CV. Use the word processor’s spell and grammar checker. If you are not confident of your ability to detect grammatical, punctuation and language usage errors in French or other languages or if you need help in organizing your cover letter, send it to a professional for assistance.