Spanish Resume Example: Complete Guide
Applying for a job in Spain or Latin America? Writing a Spanish resume requires more than simply translating your English CV. We'll show you how to get it right.
Hiring conventions, resume structure, and even the information you’re expected to include can be very different. Understanding these differences will help you create a resume that meets local expectations and improves your chances of getting hired.
In this article, you’ll learn:
- What makes a Spanish resume different from an English resume
- How to structure a Spanish resume correctly
- Resume examples for various Spanish-speaking countries
What makes a Spanish resume different?
In most Spanish-speaking countries, resumes are called CVs. In Spain, they may also be referred to as “curriculums,” while in parts of Latin America, they may be called “hojas de vida.”
But the differences don’t start and end there. Before you work on your Spanish resume, you’ll need to understand what recruiters expect from it.
Personal details | In Spain and many Latin American countries, a standard resume usually include more personal information than in the US or UK. You may be expected to include your full name, date of birth, nationality, location, phone number (with country code), and sometimes an ID number that allows you to work in the country. |
Professional headshot | Unlike in the US, Canada, or the UK, adding a professional photo to your resume is common practice in Spain and Latin America. Your photo should be professional, similar to a passport photo, showing your head and shoulders. |
Format and structure | In Spain, Mexico, and Latin America, resumes are usually written in reverse chronological order with 10-12 point font and are one to two pages long, or even up to three pages in Mexico. |
Grouped experience | On a Spanish resume, internships, volunteer work, and professional experience are often grouped together under one section (“Experiencia laboral”), rather than separated into different sections. It is less common to include a bulleted list of achievements for each role on a Spanish resume, although it is becoming more popular. |
Spanish resume examples
Before we break down how to write each section of a Spanish resume, let's first get a feel for what they look like. Here are some examples for various countries presented inside of Jobseeker's resume templates:
For more ideas based on job title or industry, browse our collection of resume examples.
10 steps to write a great resume in Spanish
Before you start working on your Spanish resume, you need to know the steps to follow. Next up, we’ll break down everything you need to do to get it right.
1. Tailor your resume to the job vacancy
First up, you should read the job advert thoroughly. You need to tailor your resume to meet the expectations of the job or internship. Specifically, look at the criteria for the role, and consider where your skills and experience overlap. Drawing attention to this shows the recruiter you have what it takes to succeed.
Expert Tip
Look for keywords and phrases in the advert. Including these in your Spanish resume increases your chances of getting past the Applicant Tracking System (ATS).
2. Choose the right format
Next up, you need to make sure you get the resume format on point. For most Spanish speaking regions, including Spain, Latin American and Mexico, the best option is reverse chronological order. This is the structure that recruiters will expect.
However, there are exceptions. If you’re applying for a role as a career changer or a professional with little to no experience, you can use a functional resume format. This emphasizes the skills you have over your lack of experience in your chosen sector.
3. Add your personal information
Once you’ve nailed the structure, start things off with your personal information. You’ll need to share more details on your Spanish resume header than you would on a standard one.
Here’s what to include:
- Full name: Add your first and last name to the top of the header section. If you use a nickname professionally, you might want to include this, too.
- Nationality: While it’s not the norm for most resumes, including your nationality is standard practice on a Spanish resume.
- Location: You don’t have to put your whole address, but you should include your general location, e.g. city and state. If you’re looking to relocate for work, make this clear. You can write “Willing to relocate,” for example.
- Email address: Include a professional email address that you use regularly. It should be some combination of your first and last name to make it easy for the hiring manager to remember.
- Phone number: Add your phone number, complete with the country’s dialling code. That way, the recruiter can reach you no matter where in the world they’re based.
- Photo: Including a photo is common practice in many Spanish-speaking countries. Make sure your photo is high-quality, professional-looking, and clear for the recruiter.
4. Write your professional summary (“perfil profesional”)
Next, move onto your professional profile. This a concise summary of what you bring to the table. It should include your skills, experience, and career goals. Your profile should be around three sentences, and get straight to the point.
Think of your professional profile as the hook to a great book. It should capture the reader’s attention right away and make them eager to learn more about you and your skill set. Don’t embellish, but don’t be shy about discussing the unique value you provide.
Expert Tip
Include metrics in your profile. Show the recruiter your worth by including evidence up top in this section. For example, you can use statistics, percentages, and timelines.
5. Describe your work experience (“experiencia laboral”)
When you’ve hooked the recruiter’s attention, the next step is to reel them in with your work experience. The way you do this will depend on the resume format you’re using.
When opting for reverse chronological order, start with your most recent role at the top of the section and work your way back in time as you move down. For a functional resume, group your work experience by skill, rather than point in time.
For each role, include the following:
- Role title
- Company name
- Company location
- Dates of employment
- Bullet points including your top achievements
When writing your bullet points, try starting them with action verbs. For example, words like Lideré (led), Implementé (implemented), or Logré (achieved) show that you drove the results.
Where possible, add metrics that back up your claims. This turns the points from vague statements into solid outcomes that the recruiter will understand.
Expert Tip
Are you a recent graduate or a student? You can move your education section (“formación académica”) above your work experience (“experiencia laboral”) on your Spanish resume.
6. Include your education (“formación académica”)
Listing your previous education is a must on your Spanish resume. Again, you should use reverse chronological order when detailing the qualifications you have.
For each qualification, include the following:
- The school or institute
- The name of the qualification
- The grade you received
- The year you graduated (or years attended)
In Latin America and Spain, putting your GPA on a resume is standard. You can leave it off only if it actively works against you. In Mexico, however, things are more fluid. You can choose whether you want to include your GPA or not.
7. Highlight your skills (“habilidades”)
The “skills” section of your Spanish resume is one of the most important. You can break this part of your resume down into three separate sections:
Hard skills (“duras”) | These are skills that relate directly to the job. If you’re an astrologer, your hard skills may include natal chart calculation (“cálculo e interpretación de cartas natales”) and planetary transit and progression interpretation (“interpretación de tránsitos y progresiones planetarias”). |
Soft skills (“blandas”) | Soft skills are often transferable, meaning that they can be used across an array of industries. Examples of this include active listening (“escucha activa”), clear communication (“comunicación clara”), and attention to detail (“atención al detalle”). |
Technical skills (“tecnicas”) | Technical skills are exactly what they say. They might be programming languages, hardware skills, or the ability to use a certain type of technology. For example, you might list database management (“gestión de bases de datos”) or data entry ("introducción de datos"). |
8. Add a languages section (“idiomas”)
Clearly specify what languages you speak and your level of proficiency with each. Don’t embellish any parts of your resume, especially this section. The true depth of your language skills will always come to light, so be transparent.
9. Add relevant optional sections
Use this section to outline certifications, volunteer experience, or relevant hobbies. The “Additional Information” section of your resume should be brief. While this section is optional, it’s a good idea to include it to demonstrate that you’re a well-rounded candidate.
10. Review, proofread and save your resume
When you’ve completed all of the above steps, you must proofread your Spanish resume. Pay extra close attention to things like Spanish grammar, accents, and punctuation. An “n” instead of an “ñ” will stick out like a sore thumb, and it’s these small details that matter,
Export your Spanish resume as a PDF (unless the job advert states otherwise). You should also write a cover letter which you can send as an email or a separate PDF document.
Your Spanish resume checklist
Before sending your Spanish resume, make sure it follows local conventions and includes all the expected information. Use this checklist to avoid common mistakes and ensure your resume is ready to send:
Have you used the correct Spanish terminology based on the region? | |
Have you included key sections like “Profile,” “Education,” “Skills,” “Work Experience,” and “Personal Information"? | |
Is your resume one to two pages long (or three if applying in Mexico)? | |
Is your resume saved as a PDF with a descriptive file name like Last Name_First Name? | |
Have you removed any incorrect translations from English and used formal Spanish throughout? | |
Is your photo professional and up-to-date? | |
Is your resume tailored to the job? |
Remember, generic resumes don’t cut it in competitive hiring processes. You need a polished document that was created specifically for the role you’re applying for. Otherwise, you risk getting lost in a shuffle of applicants and may miss out on your dream job.
Spanish resume terms: cheat sheet
Writing a Spanish resume is not just about translating your English resume. Recruiters expect professional Spanish, appropriate vocabulary, and correct grammar. This is especially important if the job requires Spanish communication skills.
If you're writing your resume in Spanish, it's important to use the correct section titles. Here are the most common resume terms in Spanish and their English equivalents:
Spanish | English |
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Use a Spanish language spellchecker before submitting your resume. That way, you can make 100% sure that your spelling and grammar is on point.
How to write a Spanish resume successfully
Writing a Spanish resume involves more than translating your English CV. You need to adapt your resume to local expectations, include the appropriate personal details, use the correct structure, and make sure your language and formatting match professional standards in the country where you’re applying. Taking the time to tailor your resume to the region can significantly improve your chances of getting noticed by recruiters.
Once you've created a great resume, Jobseeker's collection of cover letter examples and templates can inspire the rest of your application. And make sure to browse our vast library of resources to answer any questions you might have about creating a great application.
FAQs
What is the difference between a Mexican, Latin American and a Spanish resume?
All three share the same basic structure, but some details differ. In Mexico, it’s standard to submit a resume of between one and three pages. However, in Spain and much of Latin America, resumes should be between one and two pages long.
Most favour a clean, structured format with personal details included, a photo in many cases, and less emphasis on bullet-pointed achievements than a North American resume would have.
How to include my Spanish level in my resume?
List your Spanish proficiency in your languages section alongside any other languages you speak. You should use a recognised scale so recruiters can assess your level at a glance.
The Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) is most widely used. It runs from A1 (beginner) to C2 (mastery).
You can write it as: Español: C1 (CEFR) or pair it with a descriptor such as nivel avanzado or nativo. If you are a native speaker, simply write Español: “lengua materna”.
Should I use Europass for a Spanish resume?
Europass is worth considering if you are applying to positions in Spain, since Spain is an EU member state. Many public institutions, academic bodies, and employers there recognize it.
Europass is less relevant for Mexico and Latin America, where Europass carries little name recognition and a clean, locally formatted currículum will serve you better.
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