Hello to all students hustling in Spain! Is it that time of year again—internship hunting and post-graduation job searching? When it comes to finding a job, the first hurdle is always the CV. While a Spanish CV is similar to what you might be used to, there are some local customs to be aware of. Today, based on my experience, I’m sharing how students can prepare a Spanish-language CV that will catch an HR manager’s eye.
Core CV Structure
A standard Spanish student CV should typically not exceed one A4 page, be concise, and have a clear structure. The core sections generally include the following, which you can adjust based on your own profile:
- Datos Personales (Personal Details): Name, phone number, email, address, LinkedIn profile link. Note: In Spain, it’s very common to include a professional, appropriate headshot on your CV, so it’s a good idea to have one ready.
- Formación Académica (Academic Background): List in reverse chronological order, with your most recent education at the top. Clearly state the institution, degree, start and end dates, and the city.
- Experiencia Profesional (Professional Experience): Also in reverse chronological order. For students, this can include internships, part-time jobs, volunteer activities, or even significant academic projects. Start your descriptions with action verbs and quantify your achievements, for example, ‘Increased user conversion rate by 15%.’
- Idiomas (Languages): Specify the language and your proficiency level, preferably using the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Don’t forget to list your native language as well.
- Competencias Informáticas (IT Skills): List the office software, design tools, programming languages, etc., that you are proficient in.
Bonus Tips for Your CV
Using professional ‘action verbs’ will make your experience section sound more dynamic and impactful. We’ve gathered some common examples for your CV for a Spanish university application. You can also find more in this detailed guide on the Spanish university application CV—feel free to use them!
| English | Spanish Verb |
|---|
| Manage | Gestionar, Administrar |
| Develop | Desarrollar, Crear |
| Coordinate | Coordinar |
| Analyze | Analizar, Investigar |
| Design | Diseñar |
| Optimize | Optimizar, Mejorar |
| Participate | Participar en |
Always! Always! Always
! tailor your CV for each specific position you apply for, highlighting the skills and experiences most relevant to the job requirements. Sending out a generic CV has a very low success rate. Also, be extremely careful to avoid any spelling or grammatical errors. It’s a great idea to have a Spanish friend or teacher proofread it for you. Good luck finding your dream internship or job!
