In the following sections of this article, we will delve into detailed guidelines on how to craft a perfect CV in Finnish, specifically tailored for the Finnish job market. The purpose of preparing your CV in Finnish is to demonstrate your language proficiency and cultural understanding, which are crucial factors for employers in Finland. A well-written Finnish CV could significantly increase your chances of getting noticed and successfully landing a job in Finland, as it allows you to connect more effectively with potential employers and show your dedication and commitment to integrating into the Finnish work environment.
Harnessing Effective Phrases for Crafting a Resume in Finnish
In the following section, you will find a useful list of terms related to writing a resume in Finnish, all translated into Finnish for your convenience. These terms will be beneficial for anyone who is looking to create a professional resume in Finnish and wants to ensure they are using the correct terminology.
- Resume structure: Ansioluettelon rakenne
- Resume formatting: Ansioluettelon muotoilu
- Education: Koulutus
- Skills: Taidot
- Internship: Harjoittelu
- Work experience: Työkokemus
- Objective: Tavoite
- References: Suosittelijat
- Certifications: Sertifikaatit
- Achievements: Saavutukset
- Languages: Kielet
- Contact information: Yhteystiedot
- Volunteer work: Vapaaehtoistyö
- Personal details: Henkilökohtaiset tiedot.
Understanding Finnish Grammar for Effective Resume Writing
In Finnish, a resume or CV (ansioluettelo) is usually written in a formal and impersonal style. The language used should be concise, precise and professional. The sentences are often in passive voice or in third person, which is typical in Finnish formal writing. For example, instead of saying "I worked as a software engineer" (Työskentelin ohjelmistoinsinöörinä), you would say "Worked as a software engineer" (Työskennellyt ohjelmistoinsinöörinä). In Finnish, verbs are not conjugated according to the subject as in English, so the verb form remains the same regardless of the subject.
The past tense is predominantly used in a Finnish resume to describe past work experience, skills acquired, qualifications, and so on. However, when referring to current positions or ongoing activities, the present tense is used. For instance, if you are currently working as a software engineer, you would say "Working as a software engineer" (Työskentelee ohjelmistoinsinöörinä). Conjugations in Finnish can be quite complex, with verbs having different forms depending on the tense, mood, and voice. It's important to ensure that the verb forms used are correct, as mistakes can come across as unprofessional.
For example, to express that you have developed strong team-working skills, you could say "Developed strong team-working skills" (Kehittänyt vahvat tiimityötaidot). Similarly, if you want to state that you are currently developing a project, you would say "Developing a project" (Kehittää projektia). It's also common to use nominal forms of verbs in Finnish resumes, for instance, "Project development" (Projektikehitys) instead of "Developing a project".
Understanding the Importance of Structure and Formatting in Finnish Resumes
Urakehityksen haasteiden ja tavoitteiden saavuttamisessa, hyvin jäsennellyn CV:n merkitys on kiistämätön. CV:n ulkoasu ja rakenne ovat ensisijaisen tärkeitä viestittäessä ammattitaitoa ja pätevyyttä potentiaalisille työnantajille Suomen markkinoilla. Tarkasti suunniteltu ja rakennettu CV antaa sinulle mahdollisuuden erottautua kilpailijoista ja antaa positiivisen ensivaikutelman. Sen avulla voit tehokkaasti välittää taitosi, kokemuksesi ja saavutuksesi. Muista, että ammattimaisesti rakennettu CV on avain menestykseen työmarkkinoilla.
Besides the Finnish Resume Template, we also offer other similar templates that you may find interesting.
- Swedish CV
- Vietnamese CV
- Armenian CV
- Bulgarian CV
- Belgian French CV
- Dutch CV
- Bengali CV
- Azerbaijani CV
Perfecting Your Resume Formatting: The Key to Success in Finland
- Fonts: The choice of fonts used in a Finnish CV should be simple and professional. Options like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman are often recommended. This is important to ensure that the document is easily legible and appears professional, reflecting positively on the job seeker.
- Format: For a Finnish CV, it’s crucial to keep the format clean and organized. The chronological format is commonly used, presenting the most recent experience first. This is preferred because it allows potential employers to quickly gauge a candidate's career progression.
- Margins: Proper margins around 2cm to 2.5cm should be set for a Finnish CV. Adequate margins give the document a neat appearance and improve readability, making it easier for recruiters to skim through the information.
- Bullet points: Use bullet points to list relevant skills, qualifications, or job responsibilities. Bullet points make your CV more reader-friendly and help to highlight key information.
- Separators: Use separators like lines or spaces to distinguish between different sections of the CV. This helps to break down the information into manageable chunks, making it easier for the reader to process.
- A crucial piece of advice when creating a Finnish CV is to keep it concise and to the point. It's advised to restrict the length to one or two A4 pages. This is because Finnish employers value brevity and clarity, and a concise CV demonstrates respect for the employer's time.
- As for colors, it's best to stick to neutral, professional tones such as black, grey, and navy blue. Overly bright or multiple colors can detract from the content and may be perceived as unprofessional in the Finnish market.
Mastering the Art of Resume Structure: A Guide to Finnish-style Resumes
When creating a CV for the Finnish job market, there are several essential sections to include that reflect the specifics of the Finnish recruitment process. These sections should be tailored to highlight your most relevant skills and experiences, and arranged in a logical order that showcases your qualifications:
• Personal Details: This section should contain your full name, contact information, and any other necessary personal details. Unlike in some countries, it's common in Finland to include a professional photo in this section.
• Professional Summary: An overview of your professional background and key qualifications. This should be concise and tailored to the position you're applying for. For example, if you're applying for a job in IT, highlight your technical skills and relevant certifications.
• Work Experience: List your previous positions in reverse chronological order, including the company name, your role, and the dates of your employment. Remember to focus on your achievements and the skills you gained, rather than just listing your duties.
• Education and Training: Detail your educational background, starting with the most recent. In Finland, it's important to include any vocational training or apprenticeships, as these are highly valued by employers.
• Skills: Highlight your relevant skills, both hard and soft. For example, if you're applying for a job in a multinational company, you might want to highlight your language skills and cross-cultural communication abilities.
• References: Finnish employers often value references, so it's good to include a couple if possible.
• Additional Information: This can include any volunteering work, hobbies, or interests that might be relevant to the job. For instance, if you're applying for a teaching role, you might want to mention any coaching or mentoring experience.
Mastering the Art of a Finnish Resume: The Crucial Role of the Header
In a Finnish language resume, the header is of utmost importance as it immediately presents the candidate's contact information visibly to the recruiter. To create an effective header, the applicant should start by writing their last name, followed by their first name, ensuring the correct Finnish order of names. Next, they should specify their profession and discipline, providing a quick overview of their professional background. After this, the mailing address should be included, making sure it is up-to-date and correctly formatted. The phone number should come next, including the country code if applying for jobs internationally. Finally, a professional e-mail address should be presented, keeping in mind to use one that is appropriate and simple, preferably including the candidate's name for easy identification.
CORRECTMastering the Art of Resume Photo Inclusion for the Finnish Job Market
In the Finnish job market, adding a photo to your resume is not a requirement. However, it can be beneficial in certain fields, particularly those that involve customer service or public relations, where a professional appearance can be a significant part of the role.
If you choose to add a photo, it should be a professional headshot - clear, well-lit, and of good quality. The size should be modest, typically around passport photo size (45mm x 35mm), and placed in the top corner of the resume. A simple, neutral background is preferred, and the attire should be professional and appropriate for the job you're applying for.
That being said, omitting a photo will not hurt your chances of getting a job in Finland. The main focus should always be on your skills, qualifications, and fit for the job. The Finnish Equal Opportunity Act prohibits employers from discriminating against applicants based on their appearance, so not including a photo will not be a disadvantage.
In summary, while it's perfectly acceptable to include a professional photo in your resume, it's not a necessity in the Finnish job market. Prioritize showcasing your qualifications and experiences relevant to the job you're applying for. Whether or not you choose to include a photo should be a strategic decision based on the nature of the job you're pursuing.
Highlighting Work Experience: A Crucial Element in Finnish Resumes
Crafting the Experience Section for Your Finnish Resume
The experience section forms a pivotal part of a Finnish CV, acting as a reflection of an individual's professional journey and capabilities. This section holds immense importance for potential employers, providing them with insight into an applicant's expertise, skills, and suitability for the job in question.
- Arrange in Chronological Order: The experience section should be organized in reverse chronological order, beginning with the most recent job and working backwards. This layout allows employers to quickly understand the applicant's current role and level of seniority.
- Include Contract Dates: The start and end dates of each employment contract should be clearly stated, allowing potential employers to gauge the length of service in each role, and to understand the progression of the applicant's career.
- Specify Job Title: The exact job title held at each position should be clearly indicated, providing a snapshot of the roles and responsibilities undertaken.
- Utilize Bulleted Lists: Detail key responsibilities, achievements, and tasks under each job title in a bulleted list for easy readability. This format enables employers to quickly grasp the scope of the applicant's role in each position.
- Write Clear Job Descriptions: The job descriptions should be concise yet comprehensive. They should effectively communicate the nature of the work, the challenges faced, and the results achieved.
- Incorporate Key Words: Use industry-specific keywords and power verbs that align with the job posting. These can help your CV to pass through Applicant Tracking Systems and catch the eye of employers.
CORRECTTyötehtävä: Projektinhoitaja
Työnantaja: Nokia Oyj
Ajanjakso: Elokuu 2016 - Marraskuu 2020
Kuvaus:
- Vastuussa projektien aikataulutuksesta ja budjetoinnista
- Koordinoi tiimin työskentelyä ja tehtävien jakamista
- Järjesti viikoittaisia kokouksia projektin etenemisen seuraamiseksi
- Toimi yhteyshenkilönä asiakkaiden ja työntekijöiden välillä
- Laati ja esitteli projektiraportteja johdolle.
Managing Lack of Experience Section in Your Finnish Resume
Navigating the task of filling out a CV in Finnish with no prior experience can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be. The following content provides clear, simple tips to help you in this process. These guidelines have been structured to be easy to understand, and they cover the most important aspects of creating a compelling Finnish CV even if you're a novice in the field.
- Start with Personal Information: Include your full name, contact details, and any relevant social media or professional networking accounts. In Finland, it's also common to include your date of birth and nationality.
- Objective Statement: As you don't have work experience, it's important to start your CV with a strong objective statement. Describe what you hope to achieve professionally, what you can offer to a potential employer and why you are interested in the field.
- Education: List your educational background starting from the most recent one. Include the name of the institution, the dates you attended, and your degree or certificate. You can also mention any special projects or dissertation if relevant.
- Skills: Highlight any skills that are relevant to the job you are applying for. This can include computer skills, language skills, or soft skills such as communication, teamwork, or problem-solving.
- Volunteer Work and Internships: If you have done any volunteer work or internships, even if they aren't directly related to the job you're applying for, include them. They show that you are proactive and willing to learn.
- Extra-curricular Activities: Mention any clubs, societies, or teams you were a part of during your education. These can demonstrate skills such as leadership, teamwork, and commitment.
- Courses and Certifications: If you have taken any courses or obtained any certifications that are relevant to the job, include them. They can demonstrate that you are committed to learning and developing your skills.
- References: You can include references from teachers, coaches, or anyone else who can vouch for your character and abilities.
- Keep it concise: Finnish employers prefer CVs to be no more than two pages long. So, make sure to keep your CV concise and to the point.
- Use a professional layout: Your CV should be easy to read and free of any spelling or grammar errors. Use bullet points to highlight important information and make sure to use a professional font and layout.
- Always tailor your CV: Make sure to tailor your CV to each job you apply for. Highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the job description.
- Include a Cover letter: In Finland, it's common to include a cover letter with your CV. Use this to explain why you are interested in the job and how your skills and experiences make you a good fit.
Highlighting the Importance of Education in Finnish Resumes
The education section in a Finnish CV is vital as it provides prospective employers with insights into the candidate's field of expertise, academic achievements, and qualifications. It is a concrete demonstration of the candidate's knowledge base and intellectual capacity. Depending on the job requirements, this section can significantly influence the hiring decision. For instance, certain positions might require specific degrees or certifications, which are verified through this section.
Moreover, the education section also reflects the candidate's dedication, discipline, and commitment to learning, which are essential soft skills in any profession. It often includes not only formal education but also any relevant professional courses, seminars, or workshops attended. In the Finnish job market, where competition can be intense, having a well-structured and comprehensive education section makes a CV stand out and increases the candidate's chances of securing an interview.
Prioritizing Your Education Section in a Finnish Resume
In Finnish CVs, the placement of education is largely dependent on its relevance to the position applied for and the applicant's level of professional experience. Typically, for recent graduates or those applying for academic or educational positions, education should be placed at the beginning of the CV. This is because, in these cases, educational qualifications are likely the strongest assets the applicant has to offer. For example, if a candidate is applying for a research position at a Finnish university, their PhD or Master's degree is a critical piece of information that should be immediately visible to the recruiter.
However, for professionals with substantial work experience, especially if it is highly relevant to the job they are applying for, education often comes after the work experience section. The rationale is that the more pertinent information (in this case, relevant experience) should be presented first to quickly catch the recruiter’s attention. For example, if a candidate with ten years of experience in the IT industry is applying for a senior software engineer position, their work experience should take precedence over their educational background.
In exceptional cases, like when applying for a position in a highly specialized field where specific educational background is necessary regardless of work experience, the education section might still be placed first. For instance, in applying for a medical specialist position in a Finnish hospital, regardless of years of practical experience, the candidate's medical degrees and specializations must be immediately visible, hence education should appear first on the CV.
CORRECTKoulutus:
-
Helsingin Yliopisto, Helsinki
Kandidaatti, Tietojenkäsittelytiede
Syyskuu 2015 - Kesäkuu 2018 - Turun Ammattikorkeakoulu, Turku
AMK, Tietotekniikka
Elokuu 2012 - Toukokuu 2015 - Turun Lyseon Lukio, Turku
Ylioppilas
Elokuu 2009 - Toukokuu 2012
Jatkuva koulutus:
-
Front-end -kehityskurssi, MOOC.fi
Tammikuu 2019 - Maaliskuu 2019 -
Projektinhallinnan sertifikaatti, PRINCE2®
Huhtikuu 2018
- Suomi - Äidinkieli
- Englanti - Sujuva
- Ruotsi - Hyvä
- Saksa - Perustaso
Honing Your Skills Section: A Key Element in Finnish Resumes
Skills play a pivotal role in a Finnish resume as they provide a clear picture of the applicant's capabilities and qualifications. Finnish recruiters place a significant emphasis on an individual's ability to execute tasks and contribute effectively to the work environment. They value both hard skills, such as proficiency in a certain programming language or the ability to drive a forklift, and soft skills, such as effective communication, problem-solving, and ability to work in a team. A well-structured resume highlighting these skills can significantly increase an applicant's chances of securing a job in Finland.
In the Finnish job market, recruiters are looking for skills that align with the needs of the industry. They are particularly interested in technical and digital skills due to the country's strong focus on technology and innovation. Proficiency in Finnish and/or Swedish, the country’s official languages, is usually a prerequisite, but strong English language skills are also highly valued due to Finland's international business environment. In addition, Finnish recruiters appreciate transferrable skills such as adaptability, project management, and leadership, as these demonstrate an individual's potential for growth and progression within a company.
Alla esitämme esimerkkiluettelon pehmeistä ja kovista taidoista, jotka voivat olla hyödyllisiä ansioluetteloa kirjoitettaessa suomeksi.
Soft Skills (Pehmeät taidot):
- Communication Skills (Viestintätaidot)
- Problem-Solving Skills (Ongelmanratkaisutaidot)
- Leadership Skills (Johtamistaidot)
- Teamwork Skills (Tiimityötaidot)
- Time Management Skills (Ajanhallintataidot)
- Adaptability (Sopeutumiskyky)
- Creativity (Luovuus)
- Conflict Resolution (Ristiriitojen ratkaisu)
- Emotional Intelligence (Emotionaalinen älykkyys)
- Decision-Making Skills (Päätöksentekotaidot)
Hard Skills (Kovat taidot):
- Computer Programming (Tietokoneohjelmointi)
- Foreign Languages (Vieraat kielet)
- Graphic Design (Graafinen suunnittelu)
- Data Analysis (Data-analyysi)
- Project Management (Projektinhallinta)
- Social Media Management (Sosiaalisen median hallinta)
- SEO/SEM Marketing (SEO/SEM-markkinointi)
- Statistical Analysis (Tilastollinen analyysi)
- Accounting (Kirjanpito)
- Copywriting (Copywriting)
Additional Sections to Enhance Your Finnish Resume
Additional headings can be included in a Finnish CV to provide more comprehensive information about the candidate. These categories provide an opportunity for the candidate to showcase their personal attributes, skills or qualifications that may not be covered in the standard sections of a CV. They can shed light on aspects such as multilingual abilities, technological proficiency, or unique hobbies that can set a candidate apart from others. Adding additional categories can provide a fuller picture of the candidate’s capabilities and suitability for the role.
The categories "Languages" and "IT tools" have been chosen.
The "Languages" section is a crucial part of a CV, especially in a multilingual society like Finland. This section allows the candidate to highlight their proficiency in various languages, which can be an asset in many professions. It's not just about listing the languages one knows; it's also about specifying the level of proficiency in each language. This information can be particularly useful for roles that require interaction with international clients or colleagues, or when the job requires knowledge of a specific language.
The "IT tools" section is equally important in the modern job market. Most jobs require some level of computer literacy, and many roles require proficiency in specific software or platforms. By including an "IT tools" section, a candidate can demonstrate their familiarity and competence with relevant technologies. This might include anything from office suite proficiency, to knowledge of programming languages, to experience with digital design tools. This section gives an employer a clear understanding of a candidate's digital literacy and technical skills.
Enhancing Your Finnish Resume: Key Points for Improvement
Improving your Finnish CV involves adapting to the cultural norms and expectations of the Finnish job market. Here are some specific tips on how to make your CV more effective in Finland:
- Personal Details: Include your personal details at the beginning of your CV. This includes your name, date of birth, nationality, marital status, address, phone number, and email.
- Photo: Including a professional photo in your CV is not obligatory, but it is common in Finland. You should add a recent, high-quality headshot.
- Language Skills: If you speak Finnish, make sure to include your proficiency level in your CV. If you don't speak Finnish, it's important to list your English language level and any other languages you may speak.
- References: Finnish employers often contact references, so it's a good idea to include them in your CV. If you are not comfortable sharing your references' contact information, you can write "references available upon request."
- Simplicity and Clarity: Finnish CVs are typically straightforward and concise, so avoid using complex language or jargon. Keep the layout clean and simple, and bullet point your responsibilities and achievements under each role.
- Work Experience: List your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job. Include the company name, your job title, the dates you worked there, and a brief description of your responsibilities and achievements.
- Education: Similarly, list your educational qualifications in reverse chronological order. Include the name of the institution, the dates you attended, and the qualifications you obtained.
- Personal Interests: Adding a 'Hobbies' or 'Interests' section at the end of your CV is common in Finland. This gives employers a more rounded view of you as a person. Make sure the hobbies or interests you list are relevant or might be of interest to the employer.
Key Elements to Include in Your Finnish Resume
In conclusion, writing a Finnish CV requires a clear understanding of the country’s business culture and job market expectations. It's crucial to tailor your CV to the Finnish style which is straightforward and concise, and to offer pertinent details that make you stand out as a suitable candidate. Here are some specific tips to keep in mind:
- Personal Information: Always start your CV with your personal details, including your full name, date of birth, nationality, and contact information. Including a professional photo is optional but can be beneficial.
- Brevity: Keep your CV concise and to the point, ideally no longer than two pages. Finnish employers appreciate straightforwardness and clarity.
- Language Proficiency: If you are proficient in Finnish, mention it, along with any other languages you know. If the job advert is in English, it's still important to mention your level of Finnish as it's the national language.
- Professional Experience: List your work experience in reverse chronological order, highlighting relevant roles and responsibilities. Be specific about your tasks, achievements, and the skills you gained.
- Education: Include your educational background next. Start with your highest degree, the institution, and the year of graduation. You can also include relevant trainings and certifications.
- Skills: Highlight your professional skills relevant to the job. These could be technical skills, interpersonal skills, or language skills.
- References: Finnish employers often contact references, so include the names, positions, and contact details of at least two references. Always ask for permission before listing someone as a reference.
- Adaptation: Adapt your CV for each job application, ensuring that your skills and experiences match the requirements of the job you're applying for. It shows the employer that you've taken the time to understand the role and its requirements.
Crafting an Effective Cover Letter in Finnish for Your Resume
Enclosing a cover letter with your Finnish resume is of great importance when applying for a job in Finland. The cover letter provides an opportunity to express your interest in the role, highlight your most relevant skills and experiences, and explain why you would be a great fit for the company. It's a chance to display your communication skills and personality, which may not be adequately conveyed in your resume. Finnish employers often use the cover letter to assess a candidate's motivation for the job and their understanding of the company's values. Without a cover letter, you may miss an opportunity to distinguish yourself from other applicants, potentially reducing your chances of landing the job.
