The secret to a successful job application abroad (cross-border guide)

Di Valerie Linc · Published on

Practical tips to prepare a convincing application dossier for working abroad.

Contesto

In Brief - Preparation of the curriculum vitae and application dossier for abroad. - Cultural sensitivity and language requirements. - Specific advice for USA, Canada, France, Germany, and Asia. ## Key Facts - What: Preparation of the curriculum vitae and application dossier for abroad. - When: Always necessary for those applying abroad. - Where: Worldwide, with cultural variations. - Who: Candidates seeking employment abroad. - Amount: Not specified. When applying for a job abroad, it's not enough to just adapt linguistically; cultural sensitivity is also necessary. What is normal in Switzerland may be completely different in other countries like the USA, France, or Japan. ### General Advice Specify diplomas and their equivalent titles so that potential employers can get a clear idea of various skills. Indicate the type of residence and work permit; do not lie about language skills: native speakers would notice immediately. Do not forget to indicate the correct phone prefix and perhaps the time zone as well. In Switzerland, it is normal to include in the curriculum vitae, with a photo, the date of birth and marital status. Elsewhere, this practice is not always common, so in case of doubt, it is better to omit such information. Update your application dossier so that it meets the requirements of the country you will move to. Employment offices abroad can provide a more in-depth overview of the local job market, trends in various sectors, and cultural nuances. ### Country-Specific Advice Often in the USA and Canada, application dossiers are more sober compared to what we are used to in Switzerland. Most of the time, a curriculum vitae and a brief cover letter are sufficient. 'The curriculum vitae is usually sent without a photo; often, employers prefer this solutio...

Dettagli operativi

Practical Implications for Cross-Border Workers For cross-border workers wishing to work abroad, it is essential to adapt your curriculum vitae (CV) and application portfolio to the specific requirements of the destination country. This includes translating diplomas and certifications, as well as updating personal and professional information. ### Country Comparison In the USA and Canada, application portfolios are generally more understated and less formal than those required in Switzerland. In France and Germany, however, it is common to include a photograph in your CV and to follow formal structures during the selection process. In Asia, especially in Japan, application processes are longer and more complex, with a greater emphasis on formality and compatibility with the company's philosophy. ### Concrete Scenarios A cross-border worker applying for a job in the USA should prepare a CV without a photo and a brief cover letter. During the interview, it will be important to demonstrate a certain affinity with the company and to prepare to negotiate salary. In France, on the other hand, the process will be more formal, with a greater emphasis on technical skills and professional compatibility. ### Concrete Procedures To prepare a compelling application portfolio, it is important to follow these steps: 1. Translate diplomas and certifications. 2. Indicate the type of residence and work permit (e.g., G permit). 3. Do not lie about language skills. 4. Indicate the correct country code and time zone. 5. Omit personal information such as date of birth and marital status, unless requested. 6. Update your application portfolio according to the requirements of the destination country. 7. Consult foreign employment offices to gain a more in-depth overview of the local job mar...

Punti chiave

• ### Concrete Actions for Cross-Border Workers For cross-border workers who wish to work abroad, it is important to follow a step-by-step procedure to prepare their application dossier. This includes translating diplomas and certifications, updating personal and professional information, and consulting with overseas employment offices to gain a deeper understanding of the local job market. ### Deadlines and Required Documents Deadlines and required documents vary depending on the destination country. In the USA and Canada, it is important to send a CV without a photo and a brief cover letter. In France and Germany, however, it is common to include a photo in the CV and follow formal schemes during the selection process. In Asia, especially in Japan, the application processes are longer and more complex, with a greater emphasis on formality and compatibility with the company's philosophy. ### Useful Tools To prepare a convincing application dossier, tools such as the Europass website of the European Union can be used, which provides valuable advice and useful guides for creating a cover letter. Additionally, the website (in German) of the agency Die Bewerbungsschreiber offers advice for submitting applications in Spain, Austria, and Sweden. ### Final CTA For further information and to prepare your application dossier, you can use the tax calculator available on our website. Source: swissinfo.ch

Punti chiave

[{"q":"What are the general tips for preparing a CV for abroad?","a":"Specify diplomas and their equivalent titles, indicate the type of residence and work permit, do not lie about language skills, indicate the correct phone prefix and time zone."},{"q":"What are the differences between application dossiers in the USA and Europe?","a":"In the USA and Canada, application dossiers are generally more sober and less formal than those required in Switzerland. In France and Germany, however, it is common to include a photo in the CV and follow formal schemes during the selection process."},{"q":"What are the concrete procedures for preparing an application dossier?","a":"Translate diplomas and certifications, indicate the type of residence and work permit, do not lie about language skills, indicate the correct phone prefix and time zone, omit personal information such as date of birth and marital status if not required, update the application dossier according to the requirements of the destination country, consult foreign employment offices to obtain a more in-depth overview of the local job market."}]

Frequently Asked Questions
What are the general tips for preparing a CV for abroad?
Specify diplomas and their equivalent titles, indicate the type of residence and work permit, do not lie about language skills, indicate the correct phone prefix and time zone.
What are the differences between application dossiers in the USA and Europe?
In the USA and Canada, application dossiers are generally more sober and less formal than those required in Switzerland. In France and Germany, however, it is common to include a photo in the CV and follow formal schemes during the selection process.
What are the concrete procedures for preparing an application dossier?
Translate diplomas and certifications, indicate the type of residence and work permit, do not lie about language skills, indicate the correct phone prefix and time zone, omit personal information such as date of birth and marital status if not required, update the application dossier according to the requirements of the destination country, consult foreign employment offices to obtain a more in-depth overview of the local job market.

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