Writing a CV can be daunting.
But—
Crafting a compelling CV for the Romanian job market requires specific strategies. You might be wondering how to make your qualifications stand out and what local employers are really looking for.
Are Romanian employers expecting something different? How important are language skills and format?
Read on to discover the key tips and tricks for creating a standout CV in Romania.
How to write a Romanian CV?
Writing a CV for a job in Romania involves several specific guidelines and best practices. Here are the key points to consider:
Structure and Format
- Length and Order:
- A Romanian CV should be no more than two pages long.
- It should be typewritten in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent job experience.
- Personal Details:
- The top section should include personal details such as name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, date of birth, place of birth, age, nationality, and civil status.
- Language:
- You can write your CV in Romanian, English, French, or German, depending on the company and your fluency. However, not knowing Romanian can be a disadvantage.
Content
- Professional Experience:
- List your work experience starting with the most recent job. Include job titles, company names, locations, and dates of employment.
- Provide detailed descriptions of your roles and achievements, focusing on those relevant to the job you are applying for.
- Education:
- Include your educational background, starting with the most recent degree or qualification.
- Mention the institution, degree obtained, and dates attended.
- Skills and Qualifications:
- Highlight your skills and qualifications that match the job requirements.
- Include language skills, technical skills, and any other relevant competencies.
- Additional Information:
- You may include sections for certifications, professional memberships, publications, and other relevant achievements.
- Personal information such as nationality, date of birth, and marital status may also be included, though this is less common in some other countries.
Presentation
- Clarity and Readability:
- Use clear and simple language.
- Ensure your CV is easy to read by using bullet points and short paragraphs.
- Professionalism:
- Check for spelling and grammar mistakes.
- Use a professional email address and consider including a professional photograph.
- Customization:
- Tailor your CV to the specific job you are applying for by highlighting relevant experiences and skills.
- Research the company and adapt your CV to align with its values and requirements.
Tools and Templates
- Europass CV:
- The Europass CV is a widely recognized format in Europe and can be created online using the Europass CV builder. This tool allows you to create, store, and share your CV in multiple languages.
- Templates:
- You can download CV templates in various languages from websites like Jobera.
Should I include a photo with my CV when applying in Romania?
Yes, it is standard practice to include a photo on your CV when applying for jobs in Romania.
Unless the specific job advertisement states otherwise, you should include a professional headshot photograph on your CV when applying for jobs in Romania.
Employers in Romania view it as standard practice and not including a photo could potentially put you at a disadvantage compared to other applicants.
The reasons for including a photo likely relate to cultural norms and the importance placed on making a good first impression visually.
While some countries are moving away from this practice due to concerns over potential discrimination, in Romania it remains an accepted and expected part of the job application process.
Should I use Romanian or English for my CV when applying in Romania?
When applying for jobs in Romania, you have the option to use either Romanian or English for your CV. However, there are some important considerations:
- Romanian is preferred:
- While English, French, or German are also accepted languages for CVs in Romania, not knowing Romanian can put you at a disadvantage compared to local job seekers.
- The search results suggest that Romanian employers generally prefer candidates who can communicate in the local language.
- English is widely used:
- English is widely spoken in business settings in Romania, so submitting your CV in English is acceptable, especially for international companies or roles that require English proficiency.
While both Romanian and English are acceptable languages for CVs in Romania, using Romanian can give you an advantage, especially for local companies or roles that require proficiency in the local language.
However, if you are more proficient in English or applying to an international company, submitting your CV in English is also acceptable. The key is to be consistent with the language you choose and tailor your choice to the specific company and role you’re applying for.
Are there any specific keywords or phrases that Romanian employers look for in CVs?
There are a few key phrases and keywords that Romanian employers typically look for in CVs:
- Objective Statement (Obiectiv de carieră):
- A clear and concise objective statement highlighting your career goals and motivation for applying is important, especially if you lack work experience.
- Professional Summary (Rezumat profesional):
- A professional summary section that concisely outlines your relevant skills, experiences, and qualifications can make your CV stand out.
- Skills (Abilități):
- Listing relevant skills, both technical and soft skills, that match the job requirements is crucial. Use specific keywords from the job posting.
- Achievements (Realizări):
- Quantifying your achievements and using metrics to demonstrate your impact can make your CV more compelling.
- Language Skills (Limbi străine):
- Highlighting your language proficiency, especially in Romanian, English, French, or German, is valuable for Romanian employers.
- Education (Educație):
- Providing details about your educational background, degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework is important, especially for entry-level candidates.
- Work Experience (Experiență de muncă):
- Even if you lack formal work experience, you can use keywords like “internship” (internat) or “voluntary work” (muncă voluntară) to showcase relevant experiences.
- References (Referințe):
- Including references, whether professional or academic, can demonstrate your credibility and character.
Additionally, it’s essential to tailor your CV to the specific job and company you’re applying to by incorporating relevant keywords from the job posting. This can increase the chances of your CV being selected by applicant tracking systems and catching the attention of recruiters.
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What are the common mistakes to avoid when writing a CV for Romania?
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when writing a CV for jobs in Romania:
- Formatting Issues:
- Not following the standard reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent job experience.
- Making the CV longer than the recommended two pages.
- Using a format that is not reader-friendly or cluttered with too many details.
- Lack of Personalization:
- Not tailoring your CV to the specific job and company you are applying to.
- Failing to highlight relevant achievements and skills that match the job requirements.
- Language and Grammar Mistakes:
- Having spelling or grammatical errors in the CV.
- Not being consistent with the language used throughout the CV (Romanian, English, French, or German).
- Inappropriate Content:
- Using clichés or buzzwords without providing specific examples or achievements to back them up.
- Including irrelevant personal information beyond the standard details like name, address, and contact information.
- Photo Issues:
- Not including a professional photograph, which is generally expected in Romanian CVs unless stated otherwise.
- Inconsistencies:
- Having mismatches between the information provided on your CV and your online professional profiles (e.g., LinkedIn).
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.
