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Work&Life Finland

CV and Cover Letter Guide for Finland

Learn how to create a Finnish-style CV and cover letter that will help you stand out in the job market.

Creating a strong CV and cover letter is crucial for job hunting in Finland. This guide will help you understand Finnish expectations and create documents that make a positive impression.

Finnish CV Format

Essential Elements

  • Personal Information
- Full name - Contact details - Professional photo (standard in Finland) - LinkedIn profile (if available) - Language skills
  • Work Experience
- Reverse chronological order - Company name and location - Job title - Dates of employment - Key responsibilities and achievements - Use bullet points for clarity
  • Education
- Highest degree first - Institution name and location - Field of study - Graduation date - Relevant coursework or thesis topic
  • Skills
- Technical skills - Language proficiency - Software proficiency - Certifications

Formatting Tips

  • Keep it concise (1-2 pages)
  • Use clear headings
  • Choose a professional font
  • Maintain consistent formatting
  • Use bullet points for readability
  • Include relevant keywords

Cover Letter Guidelines

Structure

  • Introduction
- Position you're applying for - How you found the job - Brief personal introduction
  • Body
- Why you're interested in the company - How your skills match the requirements - Specific examples of relevant experience - What you can contribute
  • Conclusion
- Thank the reader - Express interest in an interview - Professional sign-off

Writing Tips

  • Customize for each application
  • Be specific and concrete
  • Show enthusiasm for the role
  • Keep it professional but personal
  • Proofread carefully
  • Length: 1 page maximum

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • CV Mistakes
- Including irrelevant information - Using unprofessional email addresses - Poor formatting - Spelling and grammar errors - Exaggerating skills or experience
  • Cover Letter Mistakes
- Generic content - Focusing too much on yourself - Not addressing the company's needs - Being too informal - Making it too long

Language Considerations

  • If the job posting is in English, write in English
  • If in Finnish, consider having a native speaker review your documents
  • Be clear about your language proficiency levels
  • Use professional language appropriate to the industry

Digital Presence

  • Ensure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date
  • Clean up your social media presence
  • Consider creating a professional portfolio website
  • Make sure your online presence aligns with your application

Additional Resources

Need Help?

  • Consider using professional CV review services
  • Join job search workshops
  • Network with professionals in your field
  • Seek feedback from Finnish colleagues or friends