Applying the Swiss Way: What to Include in Your Application
Should I include a photo? How long should the cover letter be? And what’s the deal with the employment reference code?
Redaktion swissexpat · 11 July 2026 · 5 min
Swiss job applications are more formal and comprehensive than in many countries of origin. Knowing the conventions will make you stand out immediately.
The complete application
Expectations include: a two-page chronological CV (with a professional photo), a one-page cover letter tailored to the role, employment references for every position held, plus diplomas and certificates. Everything should be submitted as a single, clean PDF.
Common mistakes made by newcomers
- Missing employment references – standard in Switzerland but often uncommon abroad: request written references.
- Overly long, generic cover letters.
- Leaving gaps in your CV unexplained.
- Submitting diplomas without recognition or evaluation.
Decoding employment references
Swiss references are always phrased positively – and precisely because of that, they use coded language. “Always to our complete satisfaction” is top marks, whereas “made an effort” is a warning signal. If in doubt, have references reviewed and translated by professionals.
In Switzerland, it is not the loudest application that wins, but the most complete one.
Once sent, patience is key. A response time of two to four weeks is normal; a polite follow-up after 14 days is acceptable.
Editorial note; standard industry practice. As of July 2026.
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