Writing a CV

Make sure that your CV is good enough and interesting enough to get you to the next step in the recruitment process – the job interview. Below are some tips on how to create a CV that works. Get started quickly with our free CV templates.

Free CV templates

Many companies and organisations offer neat, modern CV templates. For example, if you Google "CV template" or "free CV template", you will find many good suggestions.

Arbetsförmedlingen has three CV templates that you can download and adapt. Replace the text in the templates with your own. Choose the template that best matches the look of your personal letter.

Matching templates for personal letters

Download any template for CV

CV template green with photo

CV template, green with photo Word, 1 MB.

CV template with green header where you can put in a photo of yourself. In the CV template, we give some examples of headings and how you can list your work experience and education and training.

CV template blue

CV template, blue without photo Word, 76 kB.

CV template with blue accents without photo. In the CV template we give some examples of headings and how you can list your work experience and education and training.

CV template simple

Simple CV without photo Word, 74 kB.

A simple CV template without photo, with examples of headings and how to list your work experience and education and training.

Writing a CV – what to do

In your CV you describe the experience, knowledge and personal qualities that you wish to highlight. Do not forget to adapt your CV to the job you are applying for. Focus on experience that is relevant for the job. In other words, you don’t need to list everything you have done. 1–2 pages is sufficient for a CV.

A simple structure and clear headings help the employer get a good overview quickly. There are various ways to structure a CV. The structure you choose will depend on what job you are applying for, and how you want to present yourself. Some common headings in a CV are:

  • Education. As well as writing the school’s name and what subjects or courses you studied, you can also briefly describe the content of the programme/course.
  • Experience. Jobs, work experience, internships, and other things that might be relevant for the job you are applying for. If you have little work experience, you could instead give examples of things you have done that show your ability to collaborate and work efficiently, or that demonstrate other personal qualities that you wish to highlight.
  • Contact details. Other than your telephone number, email address, and postal address, you can also include a link to your LinkedIn profile or your website, if you have one. If you include a photograph, make sure to choose one that looks professional.
  • Summary. Here you can summarise your experience. A brief summary increases your chances of grabbing the employer’s attention quickly.

You can include things other than jobs and education in your CV, such as other languages you speak or computer programmes you are proficient in, etc. Include these under their own headings such as Language Skills, Computer Skills, Associations, etc.

Get help creating a CV

Unions often offer their members help with CVs. Check with your union if you are a member of one!

Ask a person you trust to give you some feedback on your CV. You might get some tips on things you have missed, or the person might notice things that could be improved.

Visit our Play service to find more tips if you need inspiration on how to write a CV.

Podcasts, films and webinars about CVs and applications (in Swedish)

Checklist for writing a CV

  • Always double-check the spelling.
  • When sending in your CV and personal letter by email, always send them as PDFs. You could, for example, name your files “CV Forename Surname”.
  • Submit your application in time – always before the last date for applications.
  • Always send in your CV with a personal letter and remember that the appearance of the documents should match.

More information

Writing a personal letter

Things to bear in mind when writing a personal letter.

The job interview

Prepare for your interview in advance with the help of some practical tips.

Create a skills profile

Help employers find you – create a digital CV.