hi all! i've been looking for jobs in switzerland for a few months now and i was wondering if someone could help me improve my CV.

i'm looking for any job in graphic design or the like, even entry level, NGO jobs, i'm open to any possibilities. i'm confident that once there, i would be able to adapt and learn quickly. here's a copy of my CV:



i'm very ready for a change in career in a new country!
any comments and suggestions will be very helpful. thanks!

Personally I find all the red stars annoying and a distraction. Besides, you really don't want to sell yourself as being only 2 or 3 stars in something. Otherwise I find it very clean and easy to read.

noted. thanks.
what would you suggest? change the color? or put a bar rating?

It seems a bit generic. Try and relate your skills to the type of clients you may encounter in Switzerland:eg. finance, health industry and pharma. Do you a portfolio that goes with this ? If so emphasise the work that reflect your potential client base. Indicate clearly why anyone would hire you rather than a local?

AYB

Drop them completely, don't rate yourself. Remember, you are the best person for the job, full stop.

yes i have a portfolio that goes with it. my works are also readily viewable online. will do my best to find someone who could tailor my CV more. could you please give me an example on how i could relate it more the swiss industries? i've never worked outside the design or advertising industry before.
at the moment my target are design or advertising companies.

thanks!
though for the languages, will i need to rate it in some way?

Do you really think someone in Switzerland cares what level Haitian Creole you speak..? Just list them in order of strength, first one the strongest, last one the weakest.

aligning them on the right would alread make it more friendly to the eyes

Isn't there an official Haitian Creole minority somewhere south? One of those mountainous valleys before you hit Italy?

you're right. alright. will do that too.

align to the right?

is there?

align, as in: start and end at same point on the page

i personally wouldn't take your language skills off... it's an interesting talking point, shows your ability/willingness to adjust, etc.

Hi Cog

You might also find the links I put on this response earlier this month to another EFer looking for advice on tailoring a CV for the Swiss employment market helpful.

Good luck!

thank you for this very useful link! will do what i can.
i'm really neck deep into trying find a job in CH!

You're welcome.

I'm a great believer in the saying that goes "where there's a will, there's a way" ... So, good luck once more.

A CV for a graphic designer should be graphic rather than written!
Your not showing your competences with a sheet of paper like that, it will end up in the bin, along with all the other ordinary CV's.

If you insist on written then name what you have done, it's just vague & wishy washy, if your the best in the world it does not come over!

i usually send it with a sample portfolio. will that be enough?

what would you suggest? maybe i could get some ideas.

thank you! i'll keep on going until i nail something!

I supply a simple info CV cover sheet then about ten pages of work samples as a PDF. I know you have your work online but then you expect a prospective employer to faff about looking for your online portfolio. Create a slick PDF portfolio so they can instantly see your work

I'm not keen on the stars either, looks too much like trip advisor etc. I agree with others don't rate yourself, just list the apps you are proficient in, in order of most proficient etc

I recently received many CVs for a freelance roll and the text heavy cvs were ignored. The instant straight to the money design samples CVs definitely had more impact. Made my life easier

Good luck