Applying in Switzerland

CV for a Swiss apprenticeship

Still have very little work experience? That is completely normal. An apprenticeship CV mainly shows school, placements, interests and what you have already tried.

In short

It is normal for an apprenticeship CV to be short. School, work placements, languages, hobbies and first experiences already tell an employer a lot about you.

What should you include?

Swiss career guidance recommends contact details, school history, languages, interests, relevant work placements and references. Put the most recent information first.

School

2024 – present
Example Secondary School, Zurich
Secondary level A

Work placements

A short trial placement is already your first experience of working life. Do not only write “completed a placement”: add two or three things you actually did.

April 2026 · IT apprenticeship trial placement
Example IT Ltd, Zurich
Prepared workstations, observed support work and spent time with the development team.
SwissCVPilot tip

Two concrete activities say more than a vague statement.

Hobbies and interests

Sport, music, clubs and personal projects can show what you enjoy and how you commit to things. You do not need to turn every hobby into a “leadership skill”.

References

Always ask before sharing someone’s details. A teacher or a supervisor from a placement can be suitable; family members are less appropriate.

Photo

A photo is not compulsory. If you use one, it should be recent, clear, on a neutral background and not a selfie.

Create your apprenticeship CV

SwissCVPilot can show guidance specifically for apprenticeship applications.

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