Working in Spain: Job Application

Curriculum Vitae

While some companies provide an application form, it is more common practice to submit a CV and a covering letter. This may be done when replying to a vacancy notice or press advertisement and also when submitting a spontaneous application.

Although there are no hard and fast rules on how to write your CV, this section includes some advice. It must be structured, clear, concise and written using a word processor. It is best to use no more than two DIN A4 pages. It is not necessary to attach a photograph, although this may be useful for some positions. Only attach qualifications and certificates if requested. These may be brought to the interview. Language: Use plain and simple language, avoid using acronyms and abbreviations.

In the Spanish business world, companies often only contact candidates who have passed the recruitment or selection stage.

Structure

Personal Details: name, nationality, full address, telephone number (stating international dialling code), e-mail address, etc.

Training: Include academic and further training. You should normally include a separate paragraph with details of your knowledge of foreign languages and IT. For academic training, mainly include the qualification or qualifications relating to the job you are applying for, mentioning the awarding body, place of study and date on which you obtained your qualification.

Experience: this may be listed in chronological or reverse chronological order and also according to professional fields. Give the name of the company, job title, dates and the tasks performed.

Further details: This is optional and used to provide any information which may prove relevant to the job, for example whether you have a driving licence, are free to travel, etc. References are not normally included although you could use the expression ‘se facilitaran referencias en caso de ser solicitadas’ (references will be provided if called for interview).

Model CVs and advice on how to write your CV are available on most public employment websites in Spain.

The Europass CV is a good alternative to conventional CV models, particularly when you are seeking a job in another European country. It allows the candidate’s personal details, skills and qualifications to be submitted in a standard European format. It is available in 25 European languages.

Covering Letter 

More than a mere formality, this is how you present yourself to the company and provide them with a first impression. Unless otherwise indicated, both the letter and the CV must be in Spanish and word processed. Use a single sheet of A4 paper. Be concise, using formal language. The letter must be directly related to the post applied for. Avoid standard letters.

Structure

Upper left hand: Sender’s name, surname, date of birth, address and telephone number. Below, also on the left, write the name of the company and the person to whom it is addressed. Below this, write the place and date of the letter. The job reference is written beneath.

Opening: use expressions such as ‘Muy Señor Mío’ or ‘Estimado Sr./Sra’:

Main text of the letter: You should explain why you are applying for the job and highlight the aspects of your CV that make you particularly suitable for that position.

Signing off: use formal expressions such as: ‘En espera de sus noticias, le saluda atentamente’.

Sign the letter and write your name and surname.

Selection Process 

In Spain, selection processes are normally based on personal interviews and occasionally accompanied by psychometric and/or vocational tests.

Due to the importance of this interview, it is advisable to prepare yourself properly by finding out what the company does and considering the aptitudes and outlooks that will make you a good candidate. The interview may be held with a single interviewer or several interviewers at the same time, depending on the company and the position.

Psychometric and/or vocational tests, if carried out, normally constitute the first part of the selection process, which ends with a personal interview.

Last edited: 02/08

Source: European Union
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