CV vs Résumé in Switzerland: What's the Difference?
If you're moving to Switzerland from the US, the document you call a "résumé" isn't quite what Swiss employers expect. Switzerland uses a CV (Lebenslauf) — and the differences are bigger than the name.
| Swiss CV | US résumé | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 2 pages | 1 page |
| Photo | Expected | Discouraged |
| Personal details | DOB, nationality, permit status | Name & contact only |
| Attachments | Diploma & reference copies | None |
| Languages | Rated A1–C2, central | Optional |
| Tone | Factual, structured | Achievement / impact-led |
What to change when adapting a US résumé
- Add a professional photo and the standard personal details.
- Expand to two pages with a clear, factual structure.
- Add a languages section with honest A1–C2 levels.
- Include your work-permit status (EU/EFTA, B, C permit, etc.).
- Prepare scanned diplomas and reference letters for the full dossier.
Keep the one genuinely good US habit: quantify your achievements. Swiss CVs are factual, but measurable results ("cut reporting time 40%") still stand out.
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