sv-SE
Writing a CV for Sweden
Swedish hiring reads for fit and collaboration as much as for output. Keep the CV to two clean pages, avoid overclaiming, and write a personligt brev that explains why this team specifically.
The norms
- Length
- Two pages.
- Photo
- Optional; common but never required.
- Personal details
- Name, email, phone, city. No personnummer.
- Dates
- Month and year.
- Personal letter
- A one-page personligt brev is expected for most roles.
- Tone
- Understated. Describe contribution to a team, not heroics.
What gets CVs rejected
- Self-promotion that reads as boastful — it lands badly here.
- Skipping the personal letter; it is frequently read before the CV.
- Omitting parental leave or study periods rather than simply naming them.
Template & type
Modern or Swiss, plenty of whitespace, 11pt.
Language: Swedish or English — English is widely accepted
Finding the roles
- Stockholm dominates tech and gaming; Gothenburg for automotive and industry.
- English-first workplaces are common in tech, less so in public sector and care.
- Union agreements shape terms — notice periods are worth stating.
Build a Swedish 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
Writing a cover letter that does not just repeat your CV
A four-paragraph structure, the opening lines to avoid, and how to show you understand the role rather than restating your job history.
Writing a CV personal statement that earns its space
A three-line formula for the summary at the top of your CV, with before-and-after examples for career changers, graduates and senior hires.