Hi everyone, I hope you are all well!

Getting really close to my move to Zürich now. Our relocation person has asked me to create a "CV" to show prospective Landlords. Whilst I had heard of such a thing, and I can imagine what it includes: Basic information, photos, etc, has anyone got any tips on what to include?

Regards,

Ali

Never heard of anything like that.

Wouldn't all the necessary questions (income, job,right to live in Switzerland etc) be included on the application form?

maybe they want to know about hobbies?

collecting Harley-Davidson motorcycles
drumming
flamenco dancing

any of these sound familiar?

Here's my advice: Get a new relocation agent. This is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. You are not applying for a job. There is a rental application form that will give the landlord the relevant information they need, by law.

My relocation agent didn't ask me for anything except for proof of my employment and salary to be shown to the landlord.

Kash.

Thanks for the help everyone. I am not sure how to change my relocation agent, the company seem to be relocating lots of people to Zürich, so I am going to just make the CV anyway.

And so it begins...

Why bother asking then... BTW one of the replies is from a relocation person

Aelfred, take Mrs. D's advice - she knows whereof she speaks.

The relo agent your company hired works for your company - not necessarily for you, and may not have your best interest at heart. (Been there...)

A good relo agent, working for you, is worth his/her weight in gold. A bad one can set you up for an unpleasant experience, and set the tone of your expat assignment. Speak to your HR folks, ask if you can speak to other employees who have used this agent, find out if they were satisfied with her service, or not.

But don't just accept something that doesn't feel right.

Well, I could fork out the relocation fee myself for a different relocation company, and for this company, she comes very highly recommended. Also, I am quite far on in the process now, moving in 10 days, so I really don't want to rock the boat, that might make my experience even worse.

I was just asking for tips on what to put in there, not whether to do it or not.

Moving to where exactly??? A tent?

Highly recommended by whom? HR? Or did you get names of employees who used her services and contacted them directly?

Let's try this. You post the name of the agent, and let's see if someone on the forum has something to say.

Never heard of a CV but when we first moved to Zürich, I went to see an apartment of a fellow EFer. She showed me some letters written by applicants for the flat, on top of the application form they've submitted. It was mostly more information about their family (how old the children are), hobbies, why they came to Switzerland, how much they loved the country and WHY they are ideal tenants. Someone even put a picture of their happy family on the letter.

I was overwhelmed and it was mind boggling to say the least, seeing how far people will try to get an apartment. Who is anyone to judge that though?

Not sure if the letter is what your relocation agent wants you to do. You should clarify with her, on what needs to go in the CV. In fact, since it seems like such an unorthodox request, ask her to write it for you since she claims to be the expert! I mean, thats what she's paid to do isnt it? (ie help you get a flat)

Good luck.

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Remember when someone annoys you, it takes 42 muscles to frown, BUT it only takes 4 muscles to extend your arm and b****-slap the mother-f***er upside the head.

On rare occasions I have been forced to find housing on behalf clients who cannot be here. They trust me to do the search without them. In these situations, the owner/agent does not have the opportunity to meet my client, they just meet me. But since I am not the one who will be living there, I do try to give some information about the person who will actually reside there and I have shown a photo, but only when asked. There was no CV or letter presented and my clients were offered the apartment.

It is up to your relocation agent to do the work and present you as the ideal tenant. She should know how to do this and it is not by asking you to write a CV.

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Well, I can't do that, it's just so un-British! The company is called Interdean. And so far (only been here a day), they seem to be performing admirably.

If now you feel they are doing a good job, probably easiest to stick with them, CV's do seem a little strange though. We did a whole bunch of work and presented properties we wanted to view BEFORE we go here, nothing to stop you doing the same.... rule of thumb the more you see the better your chance of getting what you want, rather than what they think you want

They will be charging your firm a wad of money so, forget the British thing (for now) and get the most out of them

i have attached To both applications i have won (the only and 1st flat we applied to, in kanton Zug) both a letter from my company (one of the largest, most stable employers in the kanton) stating I worked not in an expat position or that there was no intention of moving me in a few years, that it was a position permanent in CH. Plus, a cover letter presenting ourselves, kids, bit of background, education, hobbies, also stating property we owned elsewhere. Give confidence you are likely a responsible person and tenant. I also filled the application through computer (looks clear and professionally made, stands appart), included business card.

I dont know how much these actuqlly helped; I just know we got both flats being our first application each time we've looked - so no idea if just luck or preparing a nice app helped.

They are an international moving company, and like many moving companies, also have a relocation division.

We had a quote from them for moving household effects years ago and they were the most expensive. I can only imagine what their relocation services run. They should be doing ALL the work for you.