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Writing a CV for Spain (Currículum Vítae)
Spanish CVs stay compact and factual. A photo is still normal, education is listed clearly, and an honest English level is often the single most decisive line on the page for international roles.
The norms
- Length
- One page early career, two with real experience.
- Photo
- Still common and widely expected.
- Personal details
- Name, email, phone, city. Never your DNI/NIE number.
- Dates
- MM/YYYY.
- Languages
- CEFR levels for Spanish and English, plus any co-official language.
- Cover letter
- A short carta de presentación is expected for direct applications.
What gets CVs rejected
- Adding ID numbers, marital status or family details — outdated and unnecessary.
- Overstating English. Interviews are frequently run in English to check.
- Ignoring co-official languages (Catalan, Basque, Galician) where the role is regional.
- One generic Spanish CV for Madrid corporate and Barcelona startup roles alike.
Template & type
Classic or Modern, photo enabled, 11pt.
Language: Spanish, with English accepted at international employers
Finding the roles
- Madrid and Barcelona carry most international hiring; Valencia and Málaga are growing fast in tech.
- Temporary contracts are common — state availability and desired contract type.
- Public-sector work runs through oposiciones, a separate exam-based process.
Build a Spanish CV in minutes
Import what you already have, pick the template that matches local norms, and export an ATS-ready PDF with the photo on or off.
Related guides
How to list languages on your CV without overselling
CEFR levels explained in plain terms, where the language block belongs, and how to describe partial fluency honestly.
Should you put a photo on your CV?
Where a CV photo helps, where it gets you screened out, and how to shoot one that does not work against you.