applying for jobs in spain

Advertisement Applying for a job in Spain

Preparing your job application and going for an interview is not always the same as back home. You will need to present yourself and all your skills, qualifications and experience in the way that Spanish employers expect.

Getting a response can sometimes be slow in Spain, and if you don't hear back within a reasonable time, you should follow up your application with an email or phone call.
.

Spanish or English?
Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world, and English is not as widely used in the local Spanish business scene as in some other European countries. Unless you're specifically applying to an English-speaking office, or Spanish is not a job requirement, your application and interview should be in Spanish.



CVs and cover letters in Spain

Write both your CV and covering letter in Spanish unless specifically requested to write in another language or if the job requires no knowledge of Spanish. Some job titles or work-related jargon can be difficult to translate into Spanish, so unless you're completely confident, ask a native Spanish speaker to read through the CV and letter before you submit it.

Online applications are becoming more popular but many companies still prefer to receive a hard copy of a CV and cover letter. In some cases, you may not need to send in a personalised CV at all, as application forms are used widely in Spain.

Adapting your CV
The CV, also known as el curriculum, should be produced on a computer and be clear, concise, well-structured and no longer than two sides of A4. Limit the use of the first person, keeping it as professional and as factual as possible. Likewise, use bullet points rather than wordy paragraphs, and while it's good to highlight your skills and qualities – don't lie.

Start with your personal details or datos personales, which should include your full name, date and place of birth (don't hide your nationality), current address and telephone number with the international dialling code if outside Spain, your most professional sounding email address and if you're already authorised to work in Spain, your NIE (foreigner's ID number). Note: it's acceptable to be asked about your age and marital status in job applications in Spain.
It's not uncommon to include a photo – a headshot with a neutral background is acceptable.
If you've been working for more than three years, next comes your work experience or experiencia professional (if not, put education next and work afterwards). For work experience, list all your employers in reverse chronological order, including names and addresses for each company/organisation, dates, job title and tasks/responsibilities. Don't include every last holiday job.
Under education or formación academic, you should list post-secondary educational institutions with addresses, dates, courses taken and with qualifications/grades.
Then comes languages or idiomas with details of your spoken and written language skills, including certifications.
Under informática list computer/IT skills.
Finally, under otros datos de interés, you can put any other relevant information, for example driving licence, interests, or voluntary activities, but don't make it too personal and only include what's specific to the job.
Don't include references, just write Se facilitaran referencias en caso de ser solicitadas (References will be provided on request).

Covering letter
Your cover letter or carta de presentacion should be typed, short and direct, and in a formal style.

Top left: write your name, address and telephone number, then below that, the name of the company and the person you're writing to, and finally the name of the place you're writing from, the date and the job reference (if the letter is speculative, mention this here).
Address the letter to a named person (or if not, then Estimado Sr./Sra or Muy Señor/a Mío/a). First mention the job you're applying for, before explaining briefly why you are applying for it and which aspects of your CV make you a suitable candidate. Don't go into too much detail – that's what your CV is for 

End the letter formally, with an expression such as En espera de sus noticias, le saluda atentamente (which translates roughly as Waiting for your reply, meanwhile my sincere regards), and then sign it and write your name underneath.
Don't send certificates unless request. Advertisement