Mastering the Spanish CV: Your Ultimate Guide

CV writing guide for creating the best CV in Spanish

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Writing a CV in Spanish can be a challenge if you do it for the first time. Although fairly similar, there are some additions and changes that you might need to make when writing a Spanish CV.

Spanish, like English, is spoken in multiple countries, requiring tailored adjustments for job applications in Spain or Latin America. Consider using a Europass CV for broader European appeal, but be aware it’s less common in some countries.

This guide dives into the nuances of writing a Spanish CV, highlighting differences to watch out for and offering examples to aid your understanding.

How to write a CV in Spanish: Navigating cultural nuances and structural differences

While you might think writing a Spanish CV is similar to your native format, there are specific aspects to consider:

• Language: Prove your proficiency in Spanish. If uncertain, seek help or use a Spanish CV template.
• Photo: Common in Spain, unlike in the UK. Ensure it’s a recent, professional-looking photo. Read our blog entry on professional CV photos and how to take them.
• Personal details: Spanish CVs often include gender, age, and nationality. Adapt based on your comfort level and the international norms of the company.
• Design: Choose a well-organised, professional template. See examples for inspiration.
• Length: Aim for no more than two A4 pages. Use bullet points in job descriptions to save space.

For more tips on writing a CV in Spanish, you can view Spanish CV examples or use our online CV builder and the multi-language button to create your pre-formatted CV in Spanish.

Essential Spanish terms for your CV

Understanding and using the correct Spanish terminology in your CV is key to ensuring it resonates with Spanish-speaking employers. 

Below is a list of standard CV sections in English with their corresponding Spanish translations:

By including these translations, you can make your CV more accessible to Spanish employers and ensure that it adheres to regional norms and expectations.

Spanish CV layout and sections: Designing your CV with the right balance

Make your CV stand out with a perfect blend of structure and individuality. Explore below the key elements of Spanish CV layout and sections.

Layout

Crafting the layout of your Spanish CV is a crucial step. Ensure your CV is both professional and reflective of your unique profile by applying the following tips:

• Margins: Typically, 3 cm top margin and 2.5 cm side margins.
• Title: Place your full name at the top, with personal details underneath. Modern templates offer flexible placement.
• Personalisation: Decide which sections (work experience or academic background) to prioritise based on your profile.

Sections

From personal information to professional skills, each section of your CV tells a unique part of your story—let’s explore how to optimize each one.

• Personal details: Include comprehensive details like photo, nationality, and age.
• Work experience: List in reverse chronological order, with detailed job descriptions.
• Education: Mention equivalents of your qualifications in Spanish and the grading system.
• IT skills: Include if relevant; otherwise, integrate into a general skills section.
• Skills: Use bullet points to highlight relevant skills.

Showcasing language proficiency on your Spanish CV

Language skills can significantly impact your employability, especially in multilingual settings. This is why indicating your proficiency in different languages is key. 

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) provides a standard for this:

• Basic user (A1/A2): Basic communication skills.
• Independent user (B1/B2): Comfortable in most situations.
• Proficient user (C1/C2): Near or at native speaker level.

Presenting your language skills

Effectively showcasing your language abilities is a vital part of your Spanish CV. Here’s how to present your skills and certifications to make a strong impact:

• Labeling: Clearly label your language proficiency next to each language, for example, “Spanish (C1 – Advanced),” “English (B2 – Intermediate).”
• Certifications and achievements: Include relevant language certifications, like the DELE Spanish Diploma or TOEFL scores, especially if they’re recent and relevant to the job you’re applying for.

Example language skills presentation

In the Skills section:

• Spanish: Fluent (C1)
• English: Intermediate (B2)

In the Certifications section

• DELE Spanish Diploma (C1 level)
• TOEFL iBT: Score 95/120

Key differences between Spanish CVs and UK CVs

Spanish and UK CVs differ notably in their structure and content, mirroring the unique cultural and professional norms of each region. 

For your convenience, we’ve compiled a comprehensive table below to highlight the principal differences between UK and Spanish CVs.

Aspect	Spanish CVs	UK CVs
Length	Up to 2 pages, flexible	Strictly 2 pages
Personal Information	Includes details like date of birth	Limited personal details
Professional Photo	Often included	Not required
Academic Achievements	Emphasised	Focus on professional experience
Format and Style	Flexible in design	More structured and formal
Language Skills	Highly valued, especially multilingualism	Important but less emphasised

Tailoring your CV to align with these regional preferences is a strategic move that can give you an edge in the competitive Spanish job market.

Spanish CV examples: Inspiration for success

Viewing Spanish CV templates is crucial for understanding the format. Use our CVWhizz maker for a pre-formatted Spanish CV template, but ensure your content is original and personalised.

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Crafting a winning Spanish CV: Tips and strategies for international applicants

For international companies, how do you know whether to apply in English or Spanish?
If the job description is written in Spanish, recruiters will expect you to apply in Spanish.

Additionally, remember the tips below:

• Include a photo and personal details like nationality and birthday.
• Translate technical vocabulary accurately.
• Use a Spanish CV template for formatting.
• Avoid alienating abbreviations or culture-specific terms.

Keep these pointers at the forefront as you craft your Spanish CV. They’re key to blending your professional story with the unique nuances of Spanish cultural norms.

Good luck!