How to write a CV in Spanish!

A job or an internship is an excellent way to practice Spanish outside of your Spanish language course whilst gaining valuable work experience or just earning some extra money! To apply you will need a Spanish version of your CV (curriculum vitae) and a cover letter (carta de presentación) in Spanish. So here are our tips from Madrid on how to compose a successful application:

Spanish CVs are much easier to write than English or other CVs because they go into much less detail so don’t worry, it won’t be too difficult!Firstly start with your “DATOS PERSONALES” ie. Personal info:

Fore and surnames, date and place of birth, marital status, current address and contact details.

Nombre y apellidos xxx xxx xxx

Fecha de nacimiento xx/xx/xxxx

Lugar xxx

Estado civil x

Domicilio actual xx

Teléfono +44 (0)xxxx xxx xxx, +34 (0)xxx xxx xxx

This is then followed by these sections in this order: datos academicos, otros títulos, experiencia profesional and otras posiciones de responsabilidad. In other words: academic info, other qualifications, work experience and other positions of responsibility.

DATOS ACADÉMICOS

Here, starting with the most recent, give the date, the academic institution, location and qualification (plus Spanish equivalent where possible).

For example,

2009-2013 Universidad de Durham, Durham, BA en Lenguas Modernas (equivalente a Licenciatura en Lenguas Modernas).

OTROS TÍTULOS

This section is for any other qualifications or prizes you may have received, such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award or any music grades may you have.

EXPERIENCIA PROFESIONAL

Again, starting with the most recent, here you list the jobs you have had in the past. Unlike UK CVs, this section merely requires the date, job title, company and location.

For example:

Julio-septiembre 2011 Camarera para Blue Lagoon, Disneyland Resort Paris, Paris.

OTRAS POSICIONES DE RESPONSIBILIDAD

Here include any positions of responsibility that you may have held that are relevant to the job or that you just want to brag about!

For example:

Noviembre 2010-al presente Embajadora para Routes Into Languages (organización para animar a los estudiantes de Reino Unido a estudiar las lenguas).

Add an IDIOMAS (languages) section, stating the language and level (básico, intermedio, avanzado or lengua materna). It is always worth including your native tongue here as it might be useful for the job!

Finally, feel free to include any relevant AFICIONES (interests) and if you have a driving licence (un carnet de conducir).

However, don’t go overboard because the whole thing should fit onto one side of A4.

As you can see the Spanish CV style is quite sparse so the cover letter is important if you want to sell yourself well - see our blog on writing formal letters for useful vocab. The best way to tackle this letter is to organise it by 3 main paragraphs:

Number 1: Be specific straight away, introduce yourself – where did you see the job advertised? What are you applying for? What dates are you available?

Number 2: This section will be the longest – elaborate the information in your CV that shows that you are the ideal capable and enthusiastic candidate for the job.

Number 3: Inform your potential employer more about your current situation, how much Spanish you have studied and why you want to work in Spain. This section only needs to be a few sentences; they don’t want your life story!

Finally, add a closing statement: “Le agradezco a Ud. la atención que me pueda dispensar y quedo a su entera disposición para cualquier aclaración y/o ampliación de antecedentes” works nicely followed by “le saluda atentamente, XXXX” Replace the Xs with your name, attach your CV and it is ready to be sent!             

Also, remember that your teacher at Inhispania will be happy to correct it for you if you have any worries.

Good luck!