Basic Contact Details
- your full name,
- phone number,
- email address,
- LinkedIn profile if relevant,
- and your location. (It is better to be specific and state the city you currently live in.)
How to Build Your CV
Preparing your CV and cover letter for jobs in Czechia may feel different from what you are used to. Employers usually expect applications that are clear, relevant, and easy to read. A good cover letter can help you stand out and show your motivation more clearly. Understanding these expectations will help you prepare stronger applications and make a better first impression.
Good to Know
If an employer requests a specific CV format, the Europass platform offers free CV, profile, portfolio and cover letter tools in multiple languages.
You can also share a professional portfolio and assess your digital skills through the Europass self-assessment tool.
CV & Cover Letter
If you are applying for jobs in Czechia, your CV is usually the first thing an employer sees.
A good CV does not need to be long or impressive. It needs to be clear, relevant, and easy to scan. The same goes for a cover letter. In some cases, it can help. In others, employers may not read it closely at all.
What matters most is showing that you fit the role and making it easy for the employer to understand why.
What is expected
In Czechia, most employers expect:
- clear CV,
- basic contact details,
- education and work experience in reverse chronological order
- a logical order,
- and relevant skills for the job.
Some employers also ask for a cover letter/short message when you apply, CV in specific language or format (e.g. Europass), or a photo.
It can also help if your application makes a few things clear without the employer having to guess. Highlight:
- that you studied in Czechia,
- that you have free access to the labour market,
- that you already know the local environment,
- what language(s) you speak,
- and that you are already (/still) based in Czechia.
Your CV should be easy to scan
Most recruiters do not read every line carefully the first time. They scan. That means your CV should be clear, well structured, easy to read quickly, and focused on what matters for the role.
A strong CV usually works better when it is:
- one or two pages,
- written in simple language,
- organised in a clear order,
- and tailored to the position you are applying for.
If a recruiter needs too much effort to understand your profile, your CV becomes weaker, even if your experience is good.
Good to know
Ask professionals from your university or region to review your CV! Your university career centre can help you polish the CV. You can contact your regional integration centre as well. They can prepare your CV for the czech labour market!
What to include in your CV
Education
Include your degree, university, field of study, graduation year, and anything especially relevant to the role.
It is worth showing clearly that you graduated from Czech university or have experience with Czech education. It signals that you already know the local academic and social environment.
Work Experience
List the most relevant roles in reverse chronological order first. If you do not have much formal experience yet, include:
- internships,
- part-time jobs,
- trainee roles,
- research work,
- student projects,
- volunteering,
- or practical university work.
Skills
Include skills that are relevant to the role. Keep this part honest and specific. You can list skills such as:
- software,
- technical tools,
- research methods,
- language skills,
- communication or organisational strengths, if they fit the role.
Languages
Language skills matter a lot for certain positions in Czechia. Be clear about English and Czech, or any other languages. Do not just write “basic” or “good” if you can be more precise. If possible, describe your level clearly.
FAQs
Do I need a photo on my CV? Info
This is usually optional. In Czechia, some applicants still include a photo on their CV, but it is not always necessary. A photo will not fix a weak CV and not having one will not ruin a strong application.If you include it, make sure it is professional.
Can I write my CV in English or Czech? Info
If the job ad is in English, an English CV should be fine. If the job ad is in Czech, a Czech CV may be expected, otherwise the request for English CV would be included in the job ad. If the role requires both languages, it may help to have both versions ready.
For local Czech employers, Czech is preferred if you can write it well. Do not translate your CV word for word without checking how natural it sounds. A direct translation can make the text feel awkward.
How long should a cover letter be? Info
One page maximum. Focus on why you fit the role and what you bring.
Should I list all my student jobs? Info
Only include those relevant to the role or demonstrating transferable skills.