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Sweden Cover Letter Tips: Crafting the Perfect Application

The art of crafting the quintessential Sweden cover letter can sometimes feel overwhelming.

Hold on a second—

Is it the compelling need to put your best foot forward that drives this anxiety? Is it the realization that a stellar cover letter can be your ticket to an interview? Or maybe it’s the competitive job market making everyone nervous?

We took a deep dive, seeking insights from both the hiring professionals and job aspirants, to demystify the Sweden cover letter.

Come with us on this journey to unveil the key elements of creating a compelling cover letter for the Swedish job scene.

Let’s delve right in:

Structure of a Sweden Cover Letter

Sample sweden cover letter, tips for writing an effective sweden cover letter, formatting and font, do’s and don’ts for a sweden cover letter, addressing gaps or unusual circumstances, sweden cultural nuances and expectations in cover letters.

• Personal Details: Begin with your name, address, phone number, and email.
• Date: The current date goes after your personal details.
• Recipient Information: Address the hiring manager directly, if possible. Include their name, title, company, and address.
• Salutation: If you know the hiring manager’s name, use “Dear [Name].” Otherwise, “Dear Hiring Manager” is acceptable.
• Introduction: Briefly mention the position you’re applying for and where you found the job listing.
• Body: Highlight relevant experiences and skills that make you suitable for the role.
• Conclusion: Reiterate your enthusiasm and provide contact details.
• Formal Closing: Use phrases like “Best regards” or “Sincerely” followed by your name.
• Clarity: Be concise about how you can contribute to the company’s goals and visions. Avoid verbosity.
• Highlight Key Skills: Emphasize skills and experiences that align with the job requirements.
• Avoid Clichés: Common clichés like “att ha många bollar i luften” (ability to multitask) and “att brinna för något” (being passionate) should be avoided. Opt for original phrasing.
• Be Audience-Centric: It’s essential the recruiter finds your cover letter compelling. Ensure consistency and a clear storyline.
• Stand Out: Aside from content, visual elements can make your letter memorable. For instance, adding a color to the header can capture attention.
• Contact Information: Always include your contact details and consider adding a professional photo.
• Consistency: Your cover letter and CV should complement each other, providing a holistic view of your professional journey.
• Font Choice: Stick to professional fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
• Font Size: 11 or 12 is typically most readable.
• Margins: Use standard 1-inch margins all around.
• Alignment: Left-align your text for a neat appearance.
• Length: Your cover letter should be a maximum of one page (A4 size).
• File: Cover letter must be in PDF format.

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Tips for writing a good cover letter for a job in Sweden:

• Be Honest: If there’s a gap in your employment, explain the reason briefly.
• Focus on Skills: Emphasize skills acquired during the gap that can benefit the job.
• Stay Positive: Frame any challenges or gaps as growth opportunities.
• Honesty: Swedish culture values transparency and honesty, so avoid exaggeration.
• Humility: It’s appreciated to present yourself humbly and not oversell.
• Work-Life Balance: Mentioning respect for work-life balance can resonate with Swedish employers.

Is it common to send cover letters electronically or by mail in Sweden?

While both methods are acceptable, most employers in Sweden prefer receiving job applications, including cover letters, electronically unless otherwise specified in the job advertisement.

What happens if I address my cover letter to the wrong person?

While it’s always best to address your cover letter to the correct individual or position, a minor error like this is typically forgivable. However, it might give the impression of a lack of attention to detail. Always double-check the job listing or company website if possible.

Can I write my cover letter in English, or does it need to be in Swedish?

If the job listing is in English, it’s safe to assume you can send your cover letter in English. However, for jobs requiring fluency in Swedish or roles in predominantly Swedish-speaking workplaces, a Swedish cover letter would be more appropriate.

How formal should the tone of my Swedish cover letter be?

While professionalism is always key, Swedish business culture tends to value humility and straightforwardness.

Are there any taboos I should be aware of when writing my cover letter for a Swedish employer?

Yes, avoid being overly self-promotional or using hyperbolic language. Swedes generally prefer modesty and directness over excessive self-praise.

If I have no prior experience with Swedish companies, will that affect my chances?

Not necessarily. Highlight any transferable skills or experiences that would benefit the role. However, showing some understanding of Swedish work culture, as demonstrated through your cover letter and other interactions, can be advantageous.

How often should I follow up after sending my cover letter and CV?

Typically, if you haven’t heard back within two weeks, it’s acceptable to send a polite follow-up email. However, make sure to read the job listing carefully, as some companies might specify a response timeframe.

And there you have it— 

The comprehensive guide to mastering the art of the Sweden cover letter. Navigating the Swedish job market can be tricky, but with the right cover letter, you’re already a step ahead. 

But tell us— 

Have you tried any of these tips? What was your experience like when applying for a job in Sweden? Share your insights in the comments below.

[ratemypost]

Alison Adams, a Philly native and proud University of Pennsylvania alum, is your go-to Career Expert with a laid-back approach. She’s been in the job seeker’s shoes and knows how to navigate the wild world of work. Alison’s all about sharing practical tips and tricks with a personal touch, making her a favorite for those looking to level up their careers.

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How to write the perfect swedish cv and cover letter.

Generally speaking, Swedish business culture is informal compared to working life in many other countries, and your job application should reflect that.

This means that when you send your email, you don't need to address a "Sir/Madam" or even a "Mr/Mrs". Instead, open with "Hej" (or "hi/hello", if you're writing in English) and the first name of the person you're applying to, if you have it.

So, English or Swedish? You'll hear different advice from different people, but unless you're extremely confident in your Swedish skills, or know a native speaker who will check it for you, it's best to stick to English. Well-written English will always give a better impression than mistake-filled Swedish, but make sure to mention your level of Swedish, any classes you're taking, or at least your willingness to learn.

The exception is if the job advert is written in Swedish, and/or there's an explicit request for applications to be sent in Swedish. In that case, you should definitely follow the instructions, and take the time to translate your documents. 

Another option is to write the CV and cover letter in English, attached to a brief introductory e-mail in Swedish. 

Keep scrolling to read some of the fundamentals to keep in mind.

1. The Swedish CV

First, the basics. Your CV shouldn't be longer than two pages (if you can condense it down to one, even better) and should be clear and simple to read, outlining your professional experience and qualifications.

Personal details

Include your personal information at the top; that's your full name, phone number, and email address. Try putting it in a header or footer for a clear layout, and to ensure it shows up on each page.

If you've already moved to Sweden, it's a good idea to include your address (just the street name will do), as this will set you apart from any candidates applying from abroad. However, it's advisable to leave off your date of birth, particularly if you're starting out in your career. Swedes typically stay in education longer than those in other countries, so a hiring manager might not take a close look at a 26-year-old's application, for example, on the assumption that they wouldn't have enough work experience. 

If you're applying for a marketing role or similar, include links to your public social media accounts (LinkedIn, Twitter, and possibly Instagram). Turn these into hyperlinks to make it easy for employers reading your CV on the computer.

Photo or no photo?

A lot of Swedish CVs include a photo; it's not necessary to do this, but if you choose to, make sure it's a professional image. That means not blurry or grainy, not a shot from a party where a wine glass has clearly been edited out with Photoshop, and a neutral, non-distracting background.

Some job-seekers like to start out their CV with a summary or "career objectives" section, which is also optional, but particularly useful if you're just starting out in a new field. Be sparing with the buzzwords; just give a clear description of who you are and what you're looking for, that will instantly grab the hiring manager's attention.

Experience and education

Lead with your professional experience, in reverse chronological order. Depending on how much experience you have, and how much of it is relevant to the position you want, this might include previous jobs, internships, freelance work, or voluntary work.

For each position, list your job title, company, and location (city and country, if outside Sweden), as well as the relevant dates.

For those jobs which are relevant to the position you want, include a few bullet points outlining your key tasks, responsibilities, and/or accomplishments in the role. Replace "did" and "worked on" with stronger verbs such as "responsible for", "developed", "wrote", or "trained", particularly if your past responsibilities overlap with those listed in the job ad. Cut down on superlatives and adjectives unless they're absolutely necessary; you've probably heard about the Swedish concept of "lagom", which means "not too much, not too little; just the right amount", and it applies to the world of work too. So mention your successes by all means, but don't boast.

• FIND A JOB:  Browse thousands of English-language vacancies in Sweden

If your experience is in a different industry from the one you hope to work in, think of what you learned there that would come in useful – for example, did you manage a team, interact with clients, or run a social media account? And if you have the opposite problem of too much experience, it's fine just to include the title of less relevant jobs, with no bullet points. Just make sure not to leave any unexplained gaps in your employment history.

For the same reason, you can add in "parental leave" or "gap year volunteering in South America" to avoid a gap between jobs. Both gap years and parental leave are extremely common in Sweden and accepted as a part of working life, so there shouldn't be any stigma attached to this. 

Then there's the education section: include all relevant qualifications, again in reverse chronological order. If you're a recent graduate or still studying, it might make sense to put this part first.

Additional skills and qualifications

Create a separate section for other relevant skills, such as IT systems you're able to use, programming languages if not mentioned in your professional experiences, and foreign languages (don't leave out your native language – this could be a big asset!).

When it comes to describing your ability in each language, use the term "native" or "mother tongue" ( modersmål ) to describe your native language(s), and for additional languages you can either use the European Language Framework  (note: the codes here are different from those used at SFI classes), or stick to general descriptors such as beginner, conversational, intermediate, fluent. If you're currently enrolled in Swedish classes, make sure to mention that.

As for whether to include extra interests, such as musical accomplishments, sport, or anything else, it's generally better to keep this section extremely brief or forego it altogether. However, look at the job ad or company website for clues about the company culture – Swedes value work-life balance, so it won't be seen as a negative if you have a passion outside the office, and some companies will specifically look to hire outgoing people. If your hobby has taught you transferable skills, for example if you play a team sport or have an organisational role in a voluntary project, it could be worth adding in for that reason too.

2. The Swedish cover letter

The key points for the cover letter are to keep it concise and sharply focused on the task in hand: showing the employer why you're the right person for the job. That doesn't mean listing everything you put on your CV, but highlighting why you stand out. Recruiting is a two-way process, so the employer will be keen to know both why you want to work for them, and what you think you can offer the company.

Show that you're familiar with the company and what it does. Are there areas of the business or particular projects you're especially keen on? How have your past experiences and achievements prepared you for this? This is also the point to highlight why you want to work in a new industry, if that's the case, and the relevant skills you've learned from previous jobs which will come in useful.

If you're applying for a job from outside Sweden, or if you've just arrived, include an explanation of that as well. This will reassure hiring managers that you haven't missed the fact that the job's in Sweden, and understanding your motivation for moving to Sweden might make them more likely to take the chance on a newcomer, whereas if they get the impression you're firing off applications for dozens of companies around the world without doing your research, they'll be less likely to make the effort.

There's no need to go into too much detail; a simple line saying you moved/will be moving to Sweden because your partner is relocating (or whatever the reason is) and perhaps a sentence saying you're excited about the opportunities in your field in Sweden will be enough. If you already know the date, or even just the month you'll be arriving, add that in.

If you're not currently in Sweden, make it as easy as possible for the company to interview (and hire) you. Some companies will pay travel expenses for an in-person interview, but if you've already got plans to visit Sweden, let them know the dates, as well as your Skype and phone number.

Rather than the title "cover letter", choose something like "Application for [name of position]" as the document title and file name. Use the same format as your CV (for example "Firstname Lastname: CV" and "Firstname Lastname: Application for Position") to make things as easy as possible for the hiring manager, who will probably have lots of these to sort through.

Final points

Some advice that applies to job-seekers in any country, but is still worth stressing: make sure to check several times that you've not made any spelling or grammatical errors, and that you've been consistent in your use of fonts/headings/bullet points. These seem like tiny points, but it's not just about making the documents clear for the hiring manager to read: if you're applying for a role where you'll be producing documents of any kind, or if you plan to emphasise your "attention to detail", you don't want to find you've used three subtly different kinds of bullet points.

Finally, save both documents as PDFs (and proofread once more just to be sure) so there won't be any incompatibility issues if the interviewer uses a different operating system.

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Mastering the Art of Writing a Swedish Cover Letter: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding the Swedish job market is essential for crafting an effective cover letter tailored to this unique setting. This market values conciseness, clarity, and a show of genuine interest in the company's business. How can you best express these values in your cover letter? What are the key components to include for Swedish employers? How does the Swedish emphasis on work-life balance come into play in your writing?

All cover letter examples in this guide

Sample Cover Letter in Swedish

Ämne: Ansökan om tjänsten som Projektledare

Jag skriver detta brev för att uttrycka mitt intresse för tjänsten som Projektledare som jag såg annonserad på er hemsida. Jag tror att mina färdigheter och erfarenheter passar perfekt för denna position och jag är övertygad om att jag skulle kunna göra ett värdefullt bidrag till ert team.

Under de senaste fem åren har jag arbetat som Projektledare på företaget XYZ, där jag har skaffat mig en mycket stark förståelse för projektledning och har utvecklat viktiga färdigheter inom området. Jag har en dokumenterad förmåga att hantera stora projekt, från planering till genomförande och utvärdering, vilket jag tror starkt kommer att gynna er organisation.

Under min tid på XYZ har jag lyckats med att genomföra flera stora projekt inom utsatt tid och budget, vilket har resulterat i betydande kostnadsbesparingar för företaget. Dessutom har jag implementerat flera nya processer och system för att förbättra effektiviteten. Jag är säker på att jag kan åstadkomma liknande resultat för ert företag.

Jag har alltid beundrat er företagskultur och ert engagemang för innovation. Jag tror att mitt fokus på effektivitet och min förmåga att tänka utanför boxen skulle passa perfekt in i er företagsmiljö. Jag är också imponerad av ert företags starka rykte inom branschen och skulle vara stolt över att vara en del av ert team.

Jag skulle vara mycket tacksam för möjligheten att diskutera min ansökan vidare i en intervju. Jag är övertygad om att jag kan bidra till ert företag och ser fram emot möjligheten att visa hur mina färdigheter och erfarenheter kan stödja er verksamhet.

Tack för att ni tagit er tid att överväga min ansökan. Jag ser fram emot möjligheten att diskutera min ansökan vidare.

Med vänliga hälsningar,

[Fullt namn]

Utilizing Key Phrases in Your Swedish Cover Letter: A Translation Guide

In this section, we will provide you with a list of useful terms related to writing a Cover Letter in Swedish, all translated into Swedish. This will aid your understanding and enable you to write an effective Cover Letter in Swedish.

• Education - Utbildning
• Skills - Färdigheter
• Internship - Praktik
• Work Experience - Arbetslivserfarenhet
• References - Referenser
• Qualifications - Kvalifikationer
• Professional Background - Professionell bakgrund
• Personal Traits - Personliga egenskaper
• Career Objective - Karriärmål
• Employment History - Tidigare anställningar
• Contact Information - Kontaktinformation
• Salary Expectations - Löneförväntningar
• Availability - Tillgänglighet
• Position - Position
• Company - Företag ‍

These terms will be a valuable resource in composing your Cover Letter in Swedish. Make sure to use them appropriately to convey your credentials effectively.

Honing Your Swedish Grammar for a Compelling Cover Letter

When writing a cover letter in Swedish, it is important to adhere to the rules of Swedish grammar, conjugation, and formal language usage. Typically, a cover letter is written in the first person perspective, as it is a personal document where you, the applicant, are introducing yourself and explaining why you are suitable for the job. This means you will be using pronouns such as 'jag' (I) and 'vi' (we), if you are referring to a team or company.

The correct tense to use in a Swedish cover letter is the present tense for current situations and the past tense for past experiences. For instance, if you are currently working somewhere, you would say "Jag arbetar nu på..." (I am now working at...). If you are discussing a past job or experience, you would say "Jag arbetade på..." (I worked at...). Additionally, when describing your skills and abilities, it's common to use the present tense, such as "Jag kan..." (I can...) or "Jag har förmågan att..." (I have the ability to...).

In terms of conjugation, Swedish verbs are generally much simpler than in English. There is no conjugation based on the subject; the verb form stays the same whether it's 'jag', 'du', 'han/hon', etc. For example, "Jag talar svenska" (I speak Swedish), "Du talar svenska" (You speak Swedish), "Han/Hon talar svenska" (He/She speaks Swedish). However, there is conjugation based on tense. For example, the present tense of 'att tala' (to speak) is 'talar', but the past tense is 'talade'.

Understanding the Importance of Structure and Formatting in Swedish Cover Letters

Navigating the professional landscape of the Swedish job market can be an exciting journey filled with opportunities, challenges, and career growth potential. A pivotal aspect of this journey is the creation of a well-structured cover letter, an instrumental tool that can enhance your profile and improve your chances of securing the desired position. The layout of a cover letter, specifically tailored for the Swedish market, can project your professionalism, attention to detail, and understanding of local business culture. It can be a compelling prologue to your CV, showcasing your suitability for the role even before the potential employer delves into your detailed qualifications and experiences. Therefore, a well-structured cover letter is not just a formality, but a powerful weapon in your job application arsenal. As you embark on your career journey in Sweden, let the layout of your cover letter be a testament to your earnest efforts and ambitions.

Besides the Swedish Cover Letter Template, we also have other similar templates you might want to explore.

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The Significance of Including Contact Information in Swedish Cover Letters

The appropriate salutation while addressing a hiring manager or employer in a Swedish cover letter is of utmost importance as it sets the tone for your communication. It is recommended to use a formal address if you are not familiar with the recipient. If you know the name of the hiring manager, you can directly address them. For example, "Herr Andersson" (Mr. Andersson) or "Fru Svensson" (Mrs. Svensson) followed by a comma. If the hiring manager's name is not provided, you can use "Bästa rekryteringsansvarig" (Dear Hiring Manager) or "Till den det berör" (To whom it may concern). However, avoid using too formal or old-fashioned salutations, such as "Bästa Sir/Madam" as they might come off as odd or out of place in a modern Swedish context.

• Herr Andersson, (Mr. Andersson,)
• Fru Svensson, (Mrs. Svensson,)
• Bästa rekryteringsansvarig, (Dear Hiring Manager,)
• Till den det berör, (To whom it may concern,) ‍

Writing the Opening Paragraph of a Cover Letter in Swedish

The opening paragraph of a Swedish cover letter should set the tone for the rest of the document. It should begin by succinctly expressing the job applicant’s interest in the available position. This could be articulated by stating the specific job title and expressing enthusiasm about the opportunity. Furthermore, the introduction should cover how the applicant came to know about the job opening. Whether it was through a job posting, a personal referral, or a professional networking site, it's important to mention the source. This not only shows initiative and resourcefulness in seeking out opportunities, but it also helps the employer understand the reach and effectiveness of their job advertisement strategy.

Ämne: Ansökan för Rollen som Projektledare

Jag skriver till er för att uttrycka mitt intresse för positionen som projektledare, som annonserades på er företags webbplats. Med en gedigen erfarenhet inom projektledning och en stark passion för effektivt teamarbete, tror jag att jag skulle kunna ge ett betydande bidrag till ert team.

Writing the Body Paragraphs of a Cover Letter in Swedish

The main body paragraphs of your cover letter, specifically when written in Swedish, hold significant importance as they offer the opportunity to explain in detail your qualifications, skills, and experiences relevant to the job position. This part of the letter is where you can showcase your unique attributes, demonstrating how you're a perfect fit for the role. It provides a platform to expand on information given in your resume, allowing you to give context to your career journey and express your interest and commitment towards the job and the company. Therefore, crafting well-articulated and concise main body paragraphs can significantly impact your chances of securing an interview.

Writing the First Body Paragraph of Your Cover Letter in Swedish

The first paragraph of your Swedish cover letter should focus on your skills and experience. This is where you showcase your key abilities and experiences that make you fit for the job. It's crucial to link these skills directly to the requirements of the job you're applying for, demonstrating that you understand what is needed and that you have the qualifications to fulfill those demands.

Crafting the Second Body Paragraph of Your Swedish Cover Letter

In the second paragraph of your Swedish cover letter, you should highlight your past achievements and contributions. This means you should detail specific success stories from previous roles that demonstrate your skills and capabilities. Importantly, you should also explain how these accomplishments can be beneficial to the prospective employer. This could involve illustrating how you can solve problems, drive success, or add value to their organization based on your prior achievements.

Crafting the 3rd Body Paragraph of Your Cover Letter in Swedish

In the third paragraph of a cover letter written in Swedish, it is important to show your understanding and knowledge of the company you are applying to. This demonstrates that you have researched the company and are genuinely interested in it. Here, you can mention specific details about the company's work, its mission, or any recent projects or accomplishments that have impressed you. This shows not only your interest but also your initiative and dedication.

Moreover, you should also explain why you believe the company is a perfect fit for you. This could be based on its culture, the nature of its projects, its values, or any other aspects that resonate with your professional goals and personal values. This helps the employer understand why you are interested in their company specifically, rather than just any company in the industry. This also shows that you are likely to be a good fit for their team and will be genuinely invested in your work.

Closing Paragraph of a Cover Letter in Swedish

In crafting a compelling cover letter in Swedish, a good closing paragraph is of paramount importance. This is the section that leaves a lasting impression on the employer, hence it should be thoughtfully constructed. It is not only a platform to express your keen interest in the job, but it also provides an opportunity to extend your eagerness to discuss your candidacy further in an interview. Providing your contact details in this part ensures that the employer has easy access to reach out to you. Additionally, expressing gratitude for the employer’s consideration portrays your professional demeanor and appreciation for the opportunity. Therefore, a good closing paragraph serves as a strong conclusion, reinforcing your suitability for the role and leaving a positive impression on the prospective employer.

Jag är mycket entusiastisk över möjligheten att bidra med mina färdigheter och erfarenheter till ert team och jag ser fram emot möjligheten att diskutera detta vidare i en intervju. Jag uppskattar verkligen att ni överväger min ansökan och jag tackar er för er tid och övervägande.

[Ditt Namn]

Complimentary Close of a Cover Letter in Swedish

In a Swedish cover letter, the complimentary close is as important as in any other language. It ends the letter on a polite and professional note, signifying the end of the letter and your anticipation for a response. Some suitable Swedish closing phrases include:

• "Med vänliga hälsningar" which translates to "With kind regards"
• "Vänligen" which means "Kindly"
• "Bästa hälsningar" translating to "Best Regards"
• "Tack på förhand" meaning "Thanks in advance" ‍

How to Sign a Cover Letter in Swedish

In the Swedish job market, both digital and handwritten signatures can be used in a cover letter. However, the preference may depend on the nature and formality of the job. A digital signature is often considered more efficient and professional, especially in sectors such as IT, finance, or any digitally forward industry. It also works best when the application process is entirely online. On the other hand, a handwritten signature can add a personal touch to the cover letter, demonstrating authenticity and sincerity. It may be more appropriate for roles in traditional industries or when the application is submitted in-person or by mail. Ultimately, what matters most is the content of the cover letter rather than the type of signature you use.

Navigating the Challenge of Writing a Swedish Cover Letter with No Prior Experience

Navigating the task of writing a cover letter in Swedish can be challenging, especially when you have no prior experience. But don't worry, we've got you covered. Here are some straightforward and easy-to-use tips that will guide you through creating an effective Swedish cover letter, regardless of your experience level.

• Start with a Formal Greeting: Begin your cover letter by addressing the hiring manager formally. Swedish people value politeness and respect, so make sure to address the person with their proper title. ‍
• Introduce Yourself: Share your name, your current role or field of study, and where you discovered the job opening. Try to explain why you're interested in the job. ‍
• Highlight your Skills: Even if you lack experience, you can focus on the skills you have developed through studies, internships or projects that would be beneficial for the role. Be specific and provide examples. ‍
• Show Enthusiasm: Make it clear that you are eager to learn and grow within the company. Swedish employers value an employee's passion and willingness to learn. ‍
• Use Simple Language: While it's important to sound professional, don't overcomplicate your language. Keep your sentences short and to the point. ‍
• Include Relevant Courses or Certifications: If you have taken any courses or certifications that are relevant to the job, make sure to include these. They show your interest and dedication to the field. ‍
• Research the Company: Show that you have researched the company and understand its values and mission. Mention how you can contribute to these. ‍
• Be Honest: Swedish employers appreciate honesty and transparency. Don't exaggerate your skills or achievements. ‍
• End with a Strong Conclusion: Wrap up your cover letter by summarizing why you're a good fit for the job and expressing your eagerness to discuss the role in an interview. ‍
• Proofread: Always proofread your cover letter before sending it. Grammatical errors and typos can leave a bad impression. ‍
• Use a Professional Tone: Keep the tone of your cover letter professional, as it is a formal document. ‍
• Include Contact Information: Make sure to include your contact information so the employer can easily get in touch with you. ‍
• Follow the Standard Format: Stick to the standard format of a cover letter - introduction, body paragraphs detailing your skills, and a conclusion. ‍

Essential Tips for Crafting a Swedish Cover Letter

Writing a cover letter in Swedish can be a daunting task, especially if you are not a native speaker. A well-written cover letter can significantly increase your chances of securing an interview. It is important to remember that the cover letter is an opportunity to show your personality and how you can fit into the company's culture. Here are some additional tips and good practices to consider when writing a cover letter in Swedish.

• Proofread for errors: One of the most crucial tips is to proofread your cover letter multiple times before sending it. You should make sure there are no spelling, punctuation, or grammatical errors. Even minor mistakes can leave a negative impression on the employer. If possible, have a native Swedish speaker proofread your cover letter. ‍
• Use a professional tone: Remember that your cover letter is a professional document, so it should sound formal and respectful. Avoid using slang or informal language. You should also use the formal form of address, which in Swedish is typically "Herr" or "Fru" followed by the person's last name. ‍
• Use bullet points: If necessary, use bullet points to highlight your skills, experiences, or achievements. This can make your cover letter easier to read and understand. However, be careful not to overuse bullet points, as your cover letter should still flow well as a cohesive document. ‍
• Be concise and clear: Swedish employers value directness and clarity, so avoid using long, complex sentences or unnecessary jargon. Keep your cover letter concise and to the point. Every sentence should add something new and valuable to your application. ‍
• Tailor your cover letter: Don't use a generic cover letter for all job applications. Instead, tailor your cover letter to each specific job and company. This shows the employer that you have taken the time to research their company and understand the job requirements. ‍
• Highlight relevant skills and experience: Your cover letter should highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the job you are applying for. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you have used these skills in the past. ‍
• Show enthusiasm: Show the employer that you are genuinely interested in the job and the company. This can be done by mentioning specific aspects of the company or job that appeal to you. ‍
• Use correct Swedish conventions: In Swedish, the date is written as day/month/year, and the decimal separator is a comma, not a period. Remember to use these conventions in your cover letter. ‍
• Sign off appropriately: End your cover letter with a polite closing, such as "Med vänliga hälsningar" (Yours sincerely) followed by your full name. ‍
• Include contact information: Make sure to include your contact information at the end of the letter, even if it is also on your resume. This can include your phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile. ‍

In conclusion, writing a cover letter in Swedish requires careful attention to detail, a clear and concise writing style, and a good understanding of Swedish business culture. By following these tips and best practices, you can increase your chances of making a positive impression and securing an interview.

Honing Your Skills: Key Improvement Points for Crafting a Swedish Cover Letter

Improving your Swedish cover letter can significantly boost your chances of landing a job in Sweden. Here are some practical tips to help you make a great impression:

• Address the letter properly: Your Swedish cover letter should start with a formal salutation to the hiring manager. If you know their name, use it; if not, use a general greeting like "Bästa rekryterare" (Dear recruiter). ‍
• Use a clear and concise language: Swedish employers appreciate simplicity and clarity. Avoid jargon and complex sentences, and try to express your ideas as clearly as possible. ‍
• Highlight your skills relevant to the job: Swedish employers are results-oriented. Show how your skills and experiences can contribute to the company’s goals. Make sure to provide concrete examples. ‍
• Show your knowledge about the company: Research the company and demonstrate your understanding of their business in your cover letter. This will show your interest and initiative. ‍
• Use the Swedish language: If you are proficient in Swedish, write your cover letter in Swedish. This will give you an advantage, as it shows your commitment to integrating into the Swedish work culture. ‍
• Proofread: Swedish employers appreciate attention to detail. Make sure your cover letter is free from grammatical errors and typos. ‍
• Follow the standard Swedish cover letter structure: Start with a formal greeting, introduce yourself, explain why you are interested in the job and how you can contribute, then finish with a polite closing remark. ‍
• Be respectful and professional: Always maintain a respectful and professional tone. Avoid overly informal language or colloquial expressions. Remember to thank the employer for considering your application. ‍

Wrapping Up: Mastering the Art of Swedish Cover Letters

In conclusion, this article has provided valuable insights on crafting an ideal cover letter in Swedish. A well-written cover letter can significantly enhance a job application by highlighting the applicant's skills, experiences, and motivations in a personalized manner. Key points include the importance of keeping the letter focused and concise, demonstrating knowledge about the company and role, showcasing relevant skills and experiences, and ending on a positive note.

The value the applicant brings is of paramount importance. A good cover letter clearly articulates this value, making it easier for employers to understand why the candidate would be a great fit for the role. It's not just about listing skills and experiences, but about showing how these can be beneficial to the potential employer.

A strong cover letter can leave a lasting impression and significantly increase the chances of landing an interview. It offers the opportunity to present oneself beyond the confines of a resume and connect with the employer on a deeper level.

However, while the provided template can serve as a useful guide, it's important for job seekers to adapt it to their unique experiences. The cover letter should reflect the individual's unique career journey and aspirations. Remember, it's not just about securing a job, it's also about finding the right fit for your career goals and personal growth. So, take this template, make it your own, and let your unique voice shine through. Good luck with your job search!

Tasuta allalaetav kaaskirja mall

Motivatsioonikiri, millele on enamikul juhtudel lisatud CV, on iga töötaotluse põhielement. Seda tüüpi kiri peab lühidalt kirjeldama oskusi, võimeid ja teadmisi, mis teil on ja mis on teatud huviga seoses otsitava ametikohaga. Selles mõttes peab kaaskiri lihtsalt sisaldama sellele ametikohale kandideerimise motivatsiooni ja põhjendusi. See peab äratama värbajas huvi ja panema ta pidama teid selle töö jaoks parimaks võimaluseks.

Kuidas koostada lihtsat kaaskirja

• 1 Valige oma valitud CV mall.
• 2 Austab ühtset struktuuri. Näiteks kasutage kaaskirja struktuuriga "Sina-Mina-Meie".
• 3 Lisage järgmised osad, apellatsioonivorm, lühitutvustus, kirja sisu ja järeldus
• 4 Ärge unustage viimast viisakusvalemit. Vaadake kaaskirja viisakusvalemite näiteid.
• 5 Isiklikuma ja formaalsema ilme lisamiseks lisage lehe allossa oma allkiri
• 6 Kui soovite saata selle meili teel, eksportige oma kaaskiri PDF-vormingus.

Teised kaaskirjade näidised

Kaaskirja struktureerimise nõuanded.

Kaaskirja kirjutamise hõlbustamiseks pidage meeles, et koguge eelnevalt kogu vajalik teave. Näidake toimetaja loovust, järgides samal ajal tüpograafiliste reeglite õiget kasutamist ja jälgides, et ei tekiks kirjavigu. Sest hea kaaskiri peegeldab teie kuvandit inimese ja professionaalina. Olge oma kirjutamisel loominguline ja originaalne, jäädes samas lihtsaks, kokkuvõtlikuks ja täpseks. ‍ Näidake läbitud punktide ohutust, enesekindlust ja meisterlikkust. Rõhutage, mida saate ettevõttesse tuua ja mainige oma erialast kogemust vastavas valdkonnas. Märkige ka kõik põhipunktid, mis panevad teid end uute ideedega täitva transformeeriva agendina ilmuma. Täpsustage oma võimet saavutada kavandatud eesmärgid ja kohaneda uute suundumustega.

Näita ennast positiivselt. Ärge langege sellesse viga, et kasutate sama kaaskirja mitme ettevõtte jaoks. Koostage kaaskiri iga taotletava töö kohta. Seda tüüpi kiri võimaldab tööandjal kujundada teie isiksuse kohta arvamust, sest see annab teile võimaluse täpsustada oma motivatsioone, mida lihtsas CV-s tegelikult ei kirjeldata.

Lihtsa ja tõhusa kaaskirja kirjutamise soovitused

• Laiendage Intro ‍ Pidage meeles, et pärast kõne valemit peate välja töötama sissejuhatuse, kus tutvustate end ametlikult ja isiklikult. Ärge unustage märkida peamist eesmärki, mis ajendas teid seda kirja kirjutama.
• Struktureerige oma kirja sisu Laske end juhinduda järgmistest küsimustest: – Miks?, Mis eesmärgil?, Kuidas?, Miks soovite selles ettevõttes töötada? → selles osas peate kirjeldama, mida saate ettevõttele tuua. – Rõhutage, kuidas teie teadmised võivad oluliselt mõjutada ettevõtte funktsioonide arengut ja majandussektorit, kus ta tegutseb. - Kuidas te seda teeksite tee seda? → lihtsalt rõhutab teie teadmisi ja võimeid professionaalina – Rõhutage oma õnnestumisi, varasemaid kogemusi, diplomeid, saadud tunnustusi või auhindu.
• Olge oma järeldustes otsekohene Andke teada, et olete vestluseks saadaval, esitades kontaktteabe, näiteks oma e-posti aadressi, telefoninumbri ja postiaadressi. Kui need kontaktandmed muutuvad, ärge unustage uuendada oma CV-d ja kaaskirja ning saata need uuesti ettevõtetele, kes on need juba saanud.
• Hoolitse paigutuse eest Teie kaaskiri peab olema kooskõlas teie CV-ga. Värbaja peab esmapilgul nägema, et need 2 dokumenti moodustavad ühe taotluse. Kasutage oma kaaskirjas samu värve, fonti, ikoone jne, mis oma CV-s. See väike näpunäide aitab teil luua tõhusa ja professionaalse rakenduse.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Crafting a Swedish Cover Letter

When writing a cover letter in Sweden, you should ensure it is concise, clear, and well-structured. Unlike many other countries, Swedish employers prefer brevity, so keep your cover letter to one page. Highlight your key skills and experiences that are relevant to the job, but avoid repeating information from your CV. In Sweden, it is also important to be modest yet confident about your qualifications and achievements. Lastly, always write your cover letter in Swedish unless the job advertisement specifies English.

In Sweden, it is common to address your cover letter to the hiring manager directly. If the job ad doesn't mention a specific person, you can use the generic greeting "Till Ansvarig för Rekryteringen" which means "To the Person Responsible for Recruitment". However, it is highly recommended to research and find the name of the hiring manager or the recruiter to make your application more personalized.

No, it is not necessary and not common to include personal details such as age, marital status, or children in job applications in Sweden. Swedish employers are more focused on your skills, qualifications, and experience. Including such personal information may be regarded as irrelevant and in some cases, it may even raise concerns about discrimination.

Domande frequenti sulle lettere di accompagnamento

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How to structure your covering letter – to get your dream job in Sweden

by LYS editorial team | 2019, Nov, Fri | Make Sweden your Home , Working in Sweden | 0 comments

Your CV lists your education, work experience and skills. Your covering letter will tell your prospective employer who you are, why you want this job in particular, and why they should hire you. The two should complement each other, to give a clear idea of who you are and what you can do.

In what language should I write?

If you speak Swedish well enough to use it at work, and the vacancy is advertised is in Swedish – then write in Swedish. Ask a native speaker to proofread it for you. This is not cheating! Writing a covering letter is not a test. Instead, presenting a well written and correct cover letter will be interpreted as you being professional and serious. Being aware of your imperfections and asking for help means you are humble – remember the concept of prestigelös in my previous article. Not just in terms of language, it is always good to have another person’s point of view.

If you do not speak good enough Swedish to use it at work, or if the advert is in English – write your covering letter in English. Again, ask someone to read it, and give you some feedback.

How formal should it be?

Swedish is a language lacking huge difference between formal and informal language. There are differences, but from a European point of view, they are almost negligible. If you are writing in Swedish, keep it correct, accurate and simple. Swedes are not impressed with long, complicated sentences, and we even find it difficult to understand their content. Native speakers of Latin languages should pay extra attention to this piece of advice.

Even if you write in English, you should be aware that even when we deal with foreign languages, we tend to apply the use of our native tongue. Swedes do not exactly understand the purpose of formality, and have a neurotic relationship to formal language. Many of us are charmed, whereas others interpret advanced vocabulary and formulations as an attempt to prove superiority, which is not considered a desirable trait in the Nordics.

With this complex attitude in mind, I am not entirely sure what advice to give you. I believe the interpretation of this is highly dependent on what sector you are addressing, but also the very individual who will read your application. Without much to back it up, I believe that it is more important to keep it simple, objective and professional. Use technical terms if applicable.

How long should it be?

Short. I normally recommend ¾ of an A4. That is very generous. Recommendations of 2/3 of an A4 are not uncommon.

How should I structure it?

Important details.

At the top, you need to specify your contact details, including full name, postal address, phone number, e-mail, and your LinkedIn profile. These days, your postal address is a mere formality, as all correspondence will be per phone or e-mail. I would, however, advise you to do give your Swedish postal address, as it will reassure the recruiter that you are indeed living in Sweden. It could be added that, especially in Stockholm, many Swedes believe that they can deduce who you are from just looking at your address. This is, in my opinion, very unfortunate, especially considering the difficulty finding housing, that often leaves no choice in terms of location to newly arrived professionals, regardless of socioeconomic status.

Today’s date is also necessary. Double check this when you send it if, like me, you tend to work on a document over a few days.

The name of the company, reference number, and (if applicable) a contact person. Not many covering letters are sent by post these days, but if you do, the postal address of the company is necessary.

Why do you want the job?

Your first paragraph is important. If someone has recommended you to apply for this job (this could perhaps be a useful reference) state it. Explain why the company is interesting to you. This requires a bit of reading, it will be obvious if you have not done enough research. Also clarify why the position in particular motivates you to apply. It is in your employer’s interest that the job in itself gives something to you, perhaps a chance to get more responsibility, develop a particular skill, or even learn something.

Why should they hire you?

The second paragraph is your chance to sell yourself. Many of my clients make the mistake of merely repeating their CV here, in prose. This is often extremely boring to read. It is suitable to refer to your CV, but the most important thing here is to match you experience and competence to the position you are applying for. What can you do for the company? Why is your expertise particularly interesting to them? Always use concrete examples to illustrate you skills and personal qualities. Describe a professional situation where you made a difference. Summarise your attitude to work, and what gives you motivation. Make sure there is some personal touch.

Why will you be a great addition to their existing team?

As I must have mentioned before, Swedes value people skills. Present the people/team working skills you have. Perhaps you are very good at explaining technical solutions to your colleagues, perhaps you spread positive vibes when the organisation goes through a change, or you are really good at making sure everyone in the team feels they are playing an important role. Spend some time thinking through your personality, to be more personal, and to avoid clichés.

What is the next step?

Last, there is your chance to communicate any practical information regarding your application. Specify if there is any online material (LinkedIn, professional page, portfolio etc.) that the recruiter/employer should look at. You are maybe abroad for the coming week, but can be reached via e-mail, or you are currently on paternity leave but can get a babysitter with a day’s notice.. Say that you are looking forward to the interview.

Common mistakes

• Too long. Filter what information is the most relevant for this position.
• Referring to another company/position. If you have used another covering letter as a sample, double-check at least three times that you have not forgotten to edit all information.
• Too generic. Your covering letter should clearly show that you are applying to this particular company, and this particular position.
• Too impersonal. Your covering letter should give a picture of your person, what you care about, what is your work ‘philosophy’, why you are a unique person.
• Too private. This is not the forum to express concerns over your health, family or economic situation. Be professional.
• Too similar to your CV. The two should complement each other.

Make sure someone reads it!

Swedish recruitment processes are often fast, and interviews will have often started long before the closing date. Double-check your CV and covering letter one more time, and send it before it is too late.

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How to Write a CV in Sweden [Template + Format]

Navigating the Swedish job market in any country can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to understanding the nuances of crafting the perfect CV.

In Sweden, a well-structured CV, just as well as a well-written cover letter , can be your ticket to securing a dream job .

So, this article aims to guide you through the process of creating a CV or a company that not only stands out in the Swedish job market but also resonates with the cultural and professional norms of this dynamic country .

Let’s get it going.

Table of Contents

Understanding cv preferences in sweden, how to write a cv in sweden, adapting your cv for ats systems, writing cv tips in sweden, mistakes to avoid when writing cv in sweden, cv review and finalization, downloadable template.

Alright, so you’re unemployed and you want a job and you heard that having a good CV is essential… now what?

Well, when crafting a CV for the Swedish job market , adhering to the cultural norms of the country is crucial to get that job contract offer with a (hopefully) solid salary which you can accept ( or even decline too ).

In Sweden, the approach to CVs, or Meritförteckning , is characterized by a few distinct principles:

• Simplicity and Directness : The Swedish job market values CVs that are straightforward, clear, and devoid of unnecessary complexity. Unlike some countries where elaborate designs might be appreciated, in Sweden, the focus is on substance over style. The layout should be simple, with a clear structure, making it easy for the employer to navigate and understand your qualifications and experiences​ ​​ ​.
• Brevity : Generally, a Swedish CV should not exceed two pages (nor should its cover letter ), with a single A4 page being the norm for most sectors. This brevity is a reflection of the Swedish value for conciseness and efficiency in communication. It’s important to keep your descriptions short and to the point, focusing on the aspects of your experience that are most relevant to the job you’re applying for​ ​​ ​.
• Alignment with the Job Role and Unique Selling Points : Your CV should not just list qualifications but demonstrate how they make you a perfect fit for the role. It’s crucial to align your skills with the job you’re applying for and highlight what makes you stand out from other candidates, whether it’s your multicultural background, openness to work for longer , language skills, or creative problem-solving abilities​ ​.
• Professional References : Including professional references in your CV can enhance your credibility, showcasing your positive relationships and successful collaborations. This can be a valuable addition to your CV, providing potential employers with insights into your work ethic and achievements​ ​.
• Adaptability to Swedish Culture : Demonstrating an understanding and openness to Swedish culture can significantly enhance your appeal to potential employers, even if you don’t have work experience . Swedish employers often look for candidates who can fit well with their team and company culture. Respect for Swedish customs, teamwork, and collaboration are highly valued​ ​.

So, a Swedish CV should be concise, clear, and focused, emphasizing qualifications and experiences that align with the job role. It should reflect your professionalism and adaptability to the Swedish work culture, with optional inclusion of a photo.

Okay, let’s say that you decided to apply for a job in Sweden that hopefully pays good (whether that is to get a work visa or because you just want to move to Sweden ).

Well, as explained, cover letters are essential to get that job you want to apply for.

Just as it so happens with cover letters , writing a CV for the Swedish job market involves understanding specific preferences and structuring your information effectively.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to include, how to format it, and the right language to use:

1. Personal Details (3-4 Lines)

• I start off with my name in bold – you want them to remember this!
• Then, I add my contact number (a Swedish one if you have it – shows you’re local), email, and a LinkedIn link. I sometimes add a professional photo, but it’s totally optional.
• Remember: No need for age, marital status, or your horoscope sign.

2. Professional Experience (10-12 Lines, 2-3 Lines per Job)

• I list my jobs in reverse order (your freelance experience counts too!), starting with the latest. For each job, I mention my title, the company, and my tenure.
• Then, I add a couple of lines about what I did – focusing on the cool stuff that’s relevant to the job I want next .

3. Education (6-8 Lines)

• Here, I stick to the essentials – where I studied, what degree I got, and the dates. If you’re fresh out of school, feel free to brag a bit more about your academic exploits.

4. Skills (5-7 Lines)

• I tailor this part to match the job description. I throw in my tech skills, languages I speak, and a dash of my soft skills – you know, like how I can charm an entire conference room or lead a team like a pro.

5. Hobbies and Interests (3-4 Lines)

• This is where I let my personality peek through. I pick hobbies that show I’m not just a work robot – maybe my love for trail running or my weekend pottery class.

6. Additional Information (4-5 Lines)

• I add any extra certifications or volunteer work that makes me look even better. I keep it relevant – like that time I led a community clean-up, not my first-place win in a hot dog eating contest.

Format and Language

• I’m all for a sleek, no-fuss layout with a clean font like Helvetica.
• Language Wise: If the job ad’s in Swedish and I can handle it, I go for Swedish. Otherwise, I stick to English, making sure it’s as polished as a new Volvo.

That’s it! Crafting your CV for the Swedish job market is like baking a perfect cinnamon bun – it takes a bit of effort, but boy, is it worth it when you get it just right.

Here’s a quick video guide I made that will help you make your Swedish CV to get your job in Sweden.

In today’s digital world, adapting your CV for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) is crucial, especially in Sweden’s tech-savvy job market.

ATS systems are used by employers to filter and rank candidates based on specific criteria, making your CV’s format and content key to ensuring it gets noticed.

First, use a straightforward, text-based format . ATS systems can struggle with complex layouts, so avoid headers, footers, or graphics that might confuse them.

Next, integrate keywords from the job description into your CV. This isn’t about stuffing it with buzzwords, but thoughtfully including relevant skills and experiences that match the job criteria.

Lastly, keep your language clear and your job titles straightforward . Avoid jargon or overly creative titles that might not be recognized by the ATS. By aligning your CV closely with the job description and ensuring it’s ATS-friendly, you’ll increase the chances of it reaching a human recruiter .

Just as with writing a cover letter or even a resignation letter , there are certain tips you can follow to make sure you’re doing your best.

Here are my top tips to ensure your CV not only fits in but stands out:

• Include your name, contact details, and professional online profiles. This is about striking a balance between being personable and professional.
• Why It Works: It shows you understand the Swedish preference for privacy and professionalism.
• Limit your CV to one or two pages, imagine as if you were the owner of the business . Focus on experiences and skills relevant to the job you’re applying for.
• Why It Works: A concise CV reflects the Swedish value of efficiency and makes it easier for employers to see your fit for the role.
• Customize your CV for each job application. Align your skills and experiences with what the job ad seeks.
• Why It Works: It demonstrates your interest in the specific role and shows that you’ve done your research.
• Use a clean, straightforward layout with a professional font like Helvetica. Keep the design minimalistic.
• Why It Works: A simple design aligns with the Swedish aesthetic and ensures your skills and experiences take center stage.
• Highlight skills and experiences that demonstrate teamwork, adaptability, and an understanding of Swedish work-life balance.
• Why It Works: It signals to employers that you’ll fit well within the Swedish work environment and value their cultural norms.
• If you speak Swedish , make sure to mention it. If not, highlight your English proficiency or other language skills.
• Why It Works: Language skills can be a significant asset in the Swedish job market, showcasing your communication abilities and readiness to integrate.

Navigating the Swedish job market can be like trying to assemble a piece of IKEA furniture without the instructions – tricky if you don’t know what you’re doing.

To save you from the frustration, here are five mistakes you definitely want to avoid:

• Mistake: Thinking your CV is an autobiography. In Sweden, they like to keep things simple and professional.
• Fix: Stick to the essentials – your name, contact details, and maybe a LinkedIn link. Leave out your age, marital status, or the story about your summer camp adventures.
• Mistake: Turning your CV into a novel. Remember, in Sweden, less is more.
• Fix: Keep your CV concise, ideally one to two pages. Only include experiences and skills relevant to the job you’re applying for.
• Mistake: Using a one-size-fits-all CV for every application.
• Fix: Customize your CV for each job. Highlight the experiences and skills that align with what the job ad is asking for.
• Mistake: Getting too creative with fonts and colors. Swedish design is all about minimalism and functionality.
• Fix: Use a clean, professional layout with a standard font like Helvetica. Keep the design simple – it should enhance readability, not distract from it.
• Mistake: Focusing solely on your technical skills and experience.
• Fix: Show that you understand and appreciate Swedish work culture. Mention teamwork, respect for work-life balance, willingness to work extra hours (if it’s a demanding job position), and your adaptability in a multicultural environment.

The final step in crafting your Swedish CV is the review and finalization process.

This is crucial to ensure that your CV is not only comprehensive but also error-free and polished.

Start by proofreading your CV meticulously . Look for grammatical errors, typos, and ensure that the formatting is consistent throughout the document. It’s often helpful to have someone else review it as well, offering a fresh perspective and possibly catching errors you might have overlooked.

Next, consider the feedback you receive . Constructive criticism can be invaluable, allowing you to refine and improve your CV. Make the necessary adjustments, keeping in mind the balance between being comprehensive and concise.

Finally, before you submit your CV, double-check that it aligns with the job requirements and the company culture . Tailor it as needed to make sure you’re presenting yourself as the ideal candidate for the specific role and company you’re applying to.

About The Author

I’m Marco, an expat who has lived and thrived in Sweden. My mission is to use my firsthand knowledge to make your relocation and adaptation to Swedish life as smooth and stress-free as possible.

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Writing your CV and Cover letter

The aim of a CV and a cover letter is to generate enough interest in you to get you to the interview stage. A well-prepared application improves your odds of actually getting the job. Before you start working on an application, think about what you want to say, and how you want to say it.

Start by making a list of your skills and abilities

Before you start, you need to know a lot about yourself and your skills. What knowledge and experience do you have that an employer would be interested in? What are your personal qualities? And above all, think about why you want to apply for this particular job.

Do your research on the company and the industry

Find out as much information as you can, for example by reading the company’s website, annual reports, visions and plans so that you can get a sense of ​​what kind of place you are trying to work for. Use the information you find to help you decide whether your skills and needs and what you want to contribute are compatible with the prospective employer.

Read the job advertisement carefully

If you are answering a job advertisement, you should pay careful attention to what it says. As well as the job description, try to find out: what education/knowledge do I need in order to do the job well? What experience and qualifications do they want? What characteristics are required? What skills and abilities do I need for the job?

Find out what documents are required for your application and how they are to be submitted

An application is usually expected to include a cover letter and a CV, or a list of qualifications. A CV differs from a list of qualifications in that it is a more comprehensive and may include information about your hobbies, personality, career goals, etc. A list of qualifications is a brief overview of your experience and education, as well as your language and computer skills.

How to write a CV

CV stands for curriculum vitae, which means ‘course of life’ in Latin. Your CV summarises what you have accomplished so far. Once you have written a well-constructed CV, it can be quickly updated and adapted to the particular position you are applying for.

Opinions vary about the best format and layout for a CV. While there are no strict rules for the format of a CV, certain general principles have been established about what information it should contain. Before deciding on the format you want to use, look at some different examples. You can find tips about structure and CV templates online at recruitment agency and trade union websites, for example. 

Information to include on a CV

Personal and contact details.

Name, phone number and e-mail address. You might add your postal address and your LinkedIn profile.

Some people write a line or two about the goal or vision of their job search. You might want to mention the kind of job you are looking for or your future long-term career goals. 

This heading usually appears in a CV and includes your goal. The purpose of the profile is to describe you briefly in a way that attracts the employer’s attention. Your profile is a summary of the qualities and skills that you want to emphasise in connection with the particular position you are applying for. Use your profile to show the employer that you are the right person for the job.

Education 

This and the following headings in your CV should be well structured and in point form. Remember to check out suggestions online to help you find the structure and layout that is right for your application.

Write the name of the university and programme you completed, the degree you obtained, any specialisation you pursued, and the dates that you were at the university. Also indicate when you expect to apply for the award of a qualification. Do not forget to include any courses that are relevant to the job you are applying for. List the most recent information first.

Professional experience

This heading should follow the same structure as you have chosen above. List the jobs you have held that are relevant to this particular position. Always start with the most recent job and work backwards. State your job title, the name of the company, the location and the dates you were employed. You can also briefly describe your duties and the experience you gained. If the company is not well known, you can summarise what it does in one or two sentences.

Language and computer skills

List your language and computer skills, as well as your proficiency level. For languages, for instance, indicate whether you have basic familiarity, good command, fluency or if it is your mother tongue. You can also distinguish between your reading, writing, speaking and comprehension skills. For instance, you might say that you have basic familiarity in speaking and writing, or that you have good command of speaking and comprehension. Try to be as specific as possible when describing your computer skills and give examples. For instance, Excel: very good knowledge and experience producing own formulas.

Other information 

This heading could also be called “voluntary work” or “other qualifications”. Here you should stop and think about what might be important for the employer to know about you. You may want to mention your involvement in the student union or a sports club, or the fact that you have completed basic military training or spent time abroad. You can also list your hobbies. This heading should also follow the same structure as above and be formulated with a subheading followed by descriptive text.

References 

Unless the employer specifically states that they want to see your references, it is a good idea to leave them out for the time being. If you prefer, you can simply put that references are available upon request. References are not usually needed until the final stage of the recruitment process. If you decide to include references anyway, adapt them to the particular position you are applying for. Give the name, contact details and relationship of the reference: e.g. manager, co-worker, board member, etc. Always let a reference know before you give an employer their contact details! Inform the reference of the kind of job you are applying for so they will be prepared if they receive a phone call. Do not forget to thank them and provide feedback. Maintaining a good relationship with your contacts is very important.

Suggested other headings

If there is a particular type of experience that you want to stress, you can add extra headings, such as management experience, time spent abroad, or positions of trust. Remember to adapt the information to the position you are applying for and the qualifications mentioned in the job advertisement.

Examples of information that you should NOT include on your CV

• Your final school grades
• The last four digits of your Swedish personal identification number
• Your religion
• What country you are a citizen of
• What salary you are looking to receive

How to write a cover letter

The purpose of your covering letter is to supplement your CV and make you more interesting as an individual. After employers read your letter, they should be able to see you in the position they are looking to fill. Focus on what you can bring to the company and describe how you can apply your skills and experience to the job. The purpose of the CV and cover letter is to get you to the job interview stage.

Suggested format and content

The content of your personal letter depends on your answer to the following questions: 1. Why do you want the job?  2. Why should they give it to you rather than somebody else? Write down everything that comes to mind, and then choose a few points to focus on.

Formalities

Write the recipient’s address on the right-hand side and the current date in the header. Use a clear title and feel free to make it personal and interesting.

Introduction

This is the place to attract the attention of the employer and explain why you are the right person for the job. Go back to your CV and see what qualifications you have mentioned. This is your chance to supplement and describe them in greater detail while at the same time linking the two documents together.

Continue to make connections between your qualifications, the requirements listed in the job advertisement, and other experience and qualities that make you the best person for the job. Do whatever it takes to make your application stand out. Do not forget to explain why you want the job – that is very important. Your reasons might include the particular duties involved, or the company’s brand, reputation, values, employment policies or working environment. Remember to keep things clear and concise, though, as you will have the chance to elaborate during the interview.

Conclude on an upbeat note by saying that you are looking forward to meeting in person, or by reiterating why you want the job. End with “Yours faithfully,” or "Yours sincerely,”. Keep things formal, and do not abbreviate. If you post your application, do not forget to sign it. If you e-mail it, include your scanned signature if possible.

Before you send off your CV and letter, show them to several different people and ask for feedback!

CV Guidance

Study and career counsellors at SLU will give you feedback and recommendations on how to improve your job application. You can get CV guidance in both Swedish and/or English.

Click on the link to book an appointment with a counsellor:   Book an appointment here

You can choose to meet us on campus or digitally via Zoom. Remember to make your appointment well in advance if you have a deadline for your job application.

A well-prepared application increases your chances of getting the job.

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Apply to KTH: how to write a convincing cover letter

Hej everyone! In today’s post, I will give you some tips and tricks to write a convincing cover letter (or “letter of motivation”) to apply to KTH, since drafting one may be challenging if you’re not used to writing in English or have never written something like that before. You can find out whether you are required to present a cover letter by checking out your programme’s  requested documents . 

Keep it structured and straight to the point

When it comes to cover letters, you have to treat them like proper English texts. As such, they should have a rigorous structure: an introduction, a couple of main paragraphs, and a conclusion. Remember: every section must have its purpose. For instance, you may want to use one paragraph to state why you’re writing, then talk about your past experiences, what made you choose KTH or why you chose that specific programme, and then conclude by summing all up and thanking the reader. Also, don’t forget to use the right tone in your letter: it is a formal document and while it may be okay to put some irony here and there, maintaining a respectable tone is still very important. Finally, keep your letter relatively brief: some courses indicate a maximum number of words you should not exceed but, generally, try never to write more than one page – focus only on what’s  really  important!

Realistically show your motivation

When writing a cover letter, what matters the most is to transmit to the audience your motivation and make them understand what is pushing you to study at KTH. However, to be persuasive, you shouldn’t limit yourself to the classical “I’ve always dreamt of being admitted to KTH” or “Being an Aerospace Engineer has always been my dream”. Instead, you should show that you’re actively interested in what you are about to study. You have always wanted to study at KTH? Then you should talk about how KTH ideals reflect yours, proving that you’re actually involved and informed about the university. And if being an Aerospace Engineer has always been your dream, what did you do to make it your reality? Have you been involved in any extracurricular activity? Do you read a particular magazine? Do you like watching airshows? In general, you should not only say what your dream is but also show what you’re concretely doing to realise it.

Get informed on your programme

Showing that you’ve done your homework and you’re informed about what the programme entails may come in handy to prove your active interest in what you want to study and KTH. Also, it is particularly useful if you do not know what to write in the cover letter – e.g. when talking about how your experience would make you the perfect fit for that specific programme. Knowing where to focus in your letter will help you make it straight to the point and down-to-earth.

Tell your personal story

People love hearing personal stories! When talking about your motivation and past experiences, why not use a story to tell the audience something more about yourself, your past, or what made you choose to study what you study? Sharing a personal anecdote may help you give your cover letter a pleasant feeling of uniqueness and personal touch that, in the end, may make the reader remember you.

That’s all for today. If you have any other suggestions or if you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below!

Also, check our last posts on  how to write a good curriculum  and  portfolio  and stay informed on our upcoming  webinars !

See you at the next post!

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2 thoughts on “Apply to KTH: how to write a convincing cover letter”

Thank you so much. This will really help me with my applications. This is very helpful.

Thank you Oyagah! We wish you the best of luck with your application 🙂

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Sweden CV Format With Cover Letter (Very Important)

The first ✅ step to getting a Job offer from a Swedish employer is to impress them with a Sweden CV Format   With a Cover Letter. The sweden.se 🇸🇪 is the official website of the sweden Government that has published Guidelines on how to make a Swedish-style CV in 2023 if you are applying for Jobs in Sweden. For Sweden , a Cover Letter is also an important ❗ part. In this post, I will tell you that which CV Format and cover letter followed by the Swedish employers.

Sweden Encourages foreign workers to engage and work in Sweden. Sweden encourages innovation. Sweden is home to some of the largest companies like IKEA, Ericsson, and Spotify 🎶. Getting a Job in Sweden means doors are open for your brightest future. But this needs proper steps and guidelines. CV, Cover Letter, Job application, work permit process. All you will get under this post. More details are given below.

Details About Sweden 🇸🇪 CV Format

E-mailing your CV with a cover letter is usually step 1 when applying for a job in Sweden . If you are unable to find a Job offer still, you can come to Sweden on a  Sweden Job Seeker Visa.

Writing a CV for Sweden

A curriculum vitae (CV) also known as Resume is a summary of your professional background. Your CV should be one to two pages long and include an overview of your work experience, studies, achievements or awards, special skills, and references.

Contact Information on Page Top

Your contact information should always be included at the top of the first page.

Examples of Sweden CVs

These are the perfect examples of CV styles for Sweden. Make your CV like this.

Sweden CV Format 

• If you are a Chef or you are in a Profession of Cooking: Example CV 1: chef
• If you are an Engineer or you are in a Profession related to Engineering: Example CV 2: engineer
• If you are a Nurse: Example CV 3: nurse

SWEDISH WEBSITE ON CV AND COVER LETTER

How to Make a Cover Letter for Sweden Jobs?

The Cover letter is also the most important thing. It describes why you are fit for that role. In the cover, you should make the connections between what the company asks for in the job listing and your own skills and experience.

The Cover letter is your chance to show the employer why you are the best person for the job.

How Long Should be a Cover Letter? 🤔

• No more than one page long.
• Should outline why you are the right person for the position.
• Make a connection between the Job you are applying and your skills.

You can search for excellent cover letter templates, and formats on the web.

Swedish Interview Process

Once you have applied for a Job and uploaded your documents such as CV and cover letter. The company will review your documents and contact you if you have gone forward to the interview.

The company already knows about your qualifications now. During the interview, you have the chance to show your enthusiasm for the job at hand and give the employer a sense of who you are as a person.

Applying from Abroad for a Job in Sweden

If you apply for a job in Sweden from abroad, your first interview may take place via phone or video conference (e.g. Skype).

During the interview, your employer will further tell you about the rest of the recruitment process.

After the Interview

After your interview, the employer will contact you to let you know if you have been selected for the job.

Once you have a job offer, the next step is to apply and follow the Sweden Work Visa . There are different types of work permits for sweden. Your employer will tell you in the process of obtaining a Work permit.

Finding a Job in Sweden

Looking for work in Sweden? Here are your starting points.

• The Swedish Public Employment Service offers support to people looking for work.
• EURES – the European jobs network: The EURES is a good starting point for job seekers. A collection of public and private job listings.
• Sweden Companies Jobs: You can also apply directly to the Swedish companies that often sponsor work permits for Foreign applicants.
• To study in sweden please checkout  Sweden Government Scholarship 2024

Related Posts:

• Canadian Resume Format (Make a Canadian Style CV)
• New Zealand CV Format (Develop a NZ Style CV)

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Sweden Resume Formats, Templates, and Writing Tips

Applying for a job in Sweden? This Sweden Resume guide has the templates, tips, examples, & format requirements needed to write the perfect resume.

Ranked consistently as one of the happiest countries in the world, Sweden’s friendly locals, stunning nature, and eclectic arts and culture scene make it the type of place people tend to want to stay for a long time. But if you’re considering making the leap and moving to Sweden to work, you’ll need to craft the perfect Sweden resume to stand out amongst heavy competition.

In this article, we’ll cover:

• Sweden resume format
• How to write a resume in Sweden

Working in Sweden

• Finding a job in Sweden

What Do You Call a Resume in Sweden?

In Sweden, resumes are more commonly referred to as CVs. Using the word "resume" may demonstrate to employers that you aren't local to Sweden, but they'll still understand what you're talking about.

Sweden Resume Format

Thankfully, if you’re familiar with standard resume formats, you’re familiar with resume formats in Sweden. In general, your Sweden resume will take one of three forms: chronological, functional, or a combination of the two.

Chronological Resume - Sweden

A chronological resume is the most common resume format, used around the world by jobseekers. If you write a resume using a chronological format, you’re telling the story of your career in order. Normally, chronological resumes are actually reverse chronological resumes, meaning you begin with your current or most recent job and work your way backwards from there. Because chronological resumes are common around the world, using this format when you apply to jobs in Sweden won’t hinder your chances at all. In fact, many employers will likely prefer this format over others. However, it’s always a good idea to carefully read any job description you’re interested in. You may find that the application instructions specifically request a certain type of resume over another.

Functional Resume - Sweden

Where a chronological resume focuses heavily on your work experience, a functional resume focuses on your skills. After all, when you’re applying for a job you’re trying to explain how your skills would allow you to succeed – a functional resume lays those skills out plainly so that hiring managers and recruiters can instantly assess whether you hold those skills and qualifications. Of course, that’s not to say that a functional resume ignores your work experience! However, instead of leading with your experience, a functional resume explains how your work experience exemplifies your skills. For example, if you’re trying to demonstrate your expert-level Adobe Suite skills, you could use your work experience as a graphic designer to illustrate (no pun intended) the fact that you have a solid history of working with Adobe. Functional resumes aren’t as common as chronological resumes, but they’re used in specific industries, such as accounting, fairly regularly. If you’re applying for a job that requires very specific skills or certifications, using a functional resume may be the best way to demonstrate that you’re qualified. Before you decide to use a function resume, though, make sure to carefully read the job posting and do your research about the industry. Some industries consider functional resumes to be the standard, while in others they would seem awkward and out of place. A job posting may also specifically ask for one type of resume over another – when in doubt, defer to a chronological resume format.

Sweden Resume Photos

One thing that may differ between your experience and what’s expected in Sweden is the inclusion of professional headshots. While it’s not usually a strict requirement, the norm in Sweden is to include a photo of yourself alongside your resume. If you’d like to put yourself on the most level playing field possible amongst Swedish people, you should take care to attach a photo with your resume. Luckily, VisualCV’s resume templates include many options for including a photo with your resume!

How to Write a Resume in Sweden

In general, a Sweden resume will be very similar to a resume you’d write for elsewhere in the world. Your resume should consist of the following components, give or take depending on your experience and the job requirements.

• A resume summary
• Your work experience
• Your education
• Your skills

You may also choose to add additional sections to your resume, such as awards, certifications, volunteering experience, and hobbies and interests. Some jobs and industries require specific information to be included in your resume, so make sure you’ve done your research! If you’re not from Sweden, and you’re hoping to work in the country as an expat, it may be a good idea to clearly state your right to work in Sweden. This may include visa information or a brief note about your eligibility.

For the most part, it’s not strictly necessary for you to include a resume summary. If you aren’t confident in your ability to quickly sum yourself and your experience up, it may be best to leave it out entirely. In the past, the beginning of your resume contained an objective – essentially, stating that you were seeking employment. Nowadays, employers have almost unanimously said that a resume objective is pointless – they already know you’d like the job, because you’re applying for the job! If you choose to include a resume summary, use it to highlight the very best of your experience. This is also a great place to include keywords from the job posting – for example, if the job is looking for someone with Python experience, stating that immediately in your resume summary is a great idea.

Don’t: Front end developer seeking a new challenge in tech.

Do: Front end developer with 10 years of experience creating dynamic web applications with an eye for UX. Fluent in Java and Python, with experience managing successful, income-driven teams and projects.

Work Experience

Your work experience is usually the place where you can really shine. After all, you’re trying to explain to your future employer that you’ll find success in this role. What better way to demonstrate that than by showing off all the success you’ve had elsewhere? If you’re creating an entry level Sweden resume, you’ll focus mostly on your education and any relevant internship or volunteer experience. Remember that you can use things like clubs and organizations as experience if they’re relevant to the position. For example, being president of a coding club could be valuable experience for a coding position. Each entry in your work experience section should include:

• The name of your employer or organization
• The dates you worked there (if it’s your current position, end with -present)
• Job description
• Achievements

Remember that you need to focus on achievements, not day to day tasks. Instead of saying you completed projects on time, say averaged 10% under budget while completing 100% of tasks on schedule, 60% ahead of schedule. If you’re looking for a complete resume writing guide, you can always check out VisualCV’s ultimate guide here.

The education section of your resume will differ depending on your seniority. Recent grads with less work experience can lean on their education section to help explain their fit for a role. You can speak more about your educational accomplishments, because they’re more likely to still be relevant and expand on your skills. If you’ve been at the game for a while, and you’re applying for more senior positions, it may look out of touch or out of place to have an expanded education section on your resume. If that’s the case, you can stick to a basic education section that simply lists the institutions, the degrees earned, and the areas of study. Of course, if you’re applying for positions with a focus on academics (such as a professor role) then your education section is absolutely crucial, and you should make sure to treat it with the same weight as you would your work experience section. Do your research and make sure you understand what’s expected of you and your resume well in advance.

While this section can sometimes be overlooked, it’s hugely important – especially when employers are skimming resumes or using ATS systems to determine who to move ahead. The skills you have in this section should directly correlate with skills required in the job description. This way, potential employers understand immediately that you could find success in the role. It’s a good idea to include your level of competency with each skill. This way, employers can gauge how well you’ll suit a role, as well as how much on-the-job training you might require. Don’t be afraid to list skills you only have a beginner-level knowledge of, either – many employees appreciate seeing that you’re trying to learn new skills!

Sweden has the world’s best social welfare system, meaning its residents are well taken care of. Additionally, Sweden is considered to be one of the best countries in the world for working women and mothers – 16 month paid parental leave, free daycare, and a huge emphasis on equality in schools are all massive benefits to working in Sweden. Work-life balance is extremely important here; only 1% of Swedish workers work more than 50 hours per week.

Expats Working in Sweden

While it can be intimidating to work in a new country as an expat, you can actually use your expat status to your advantage in Sweden. Because of the social and communal nature of Swedish life, networking plays a massive role in how people find their jobs. Joining an expat networking group can not only help you settle into your new life in Sweden, it might also help you find your dream job.

Americans Working in Sweden

Many Americans are interested in moving to Sweden to work because of the country’s social policies. While it’s a great idea, it’s also an idea many people have! Because of this, the job market is quite saturated with English speakers, including Americans, and your skills will have to be exceptional in order to work in Sweden as an American. However, if you do manage to find a job in Sweden, then you’ll find a robust American expat community and have the opportunity to become part of the local Swedish community as well.

Working in Sweden for Foreigners

It can be difficult to find a job in Sweden as a foreigner for a couple of reasons. Firstly, not knowing Swedish can be a deterrent for some employers, as it’s the most commonly spoken language. If English is your first language, or if you speak English fluently, you may have some luck with finding jobs with major companies based out of Stockholm, the capital city, but it’s always a good idea to have at least a working knowledge of Swedish before taking the plunge and applying to jobs in Sweden. Workplace culture and communication is hugely important to Swedish employers, so being able to speak casually with your co-workers will go a long way.

Working in Sweden for English Speakers

Although employers do generally prefer to hire those with Swedish language skills, it’s certainly not impossible to work in Sweden as an English speaker! Requirements can vary depending on industry, location, and individual company. Broadly speaking, your best shot at finding a job in Sweden as an English speaker would be in Stockholm, where large English-speaking companies in Sweden are based.

How to Get a Job in Sweden as an American

Because the Swedish job market is so saturated with English-speakers, there are a couple of ways that will truly allow you to stand out. First, learning even basic Swedish will go a long way towards proving to potential employers that you’re committed to the job and to the Swedish way of life. Second, working in a field in need of employees will give you a greater shot at finding work in Sweden. Each year, Sweden publishes a job shortages list that shares which industries and careers are most in need of people to work. These jobs are often technical or highly skilled, such as IT workers or teachers. If you luck out and discover that your job is on the job shortages list, it’s possible that employers will look past beginner-level Swedish (or none at all) to fill the role.

How Hard is it to Get a Job in Sweden

Sweden has a global reputation as an amazing place to live and work, so it only stands to reason that the job market is competitive! A factor that makes things even more complicated is that Sweden’s job market is heavily influenced by networking and connection. Swedish people value community and communication, which means if you don’t have a network of friends and contacts already located in Sweden, you’ll have a much more difficult time finding a job. To mitigate this, do everything you can to become involved in the expat community (and the local community, where you can!) before you arrive, and continue to nurture those relationships once you live in Sweden full-time

What Can You Do With a Work Visa - Sweden

If you need a work visa to live in Sweden, you’ll likely be sponsored by a company in order to receive it. There are certain rules that apply to jobs eligible to provide work visas, such as minimum salaries and the fact that the job must be advertised to EU citizens for at least 10 days. Work visas are issued for standard lengths of time. If, at the end of your visa, you’d like to stay in Sweden and live as a permanent resident, you’ll need to prove that you’ve been working throughout the length of your issued visa.

What are the Working Hours in Sweden?

Like we’ve said, work-life balance is extremely important to Swedes, and it shows in their working hours. A typical full-time schedule is 40 hours per week, with an upper cap of 48 hours. Keep in mind that not all jobs are subject to this cap; there are certain careers that simply require working longer than 48 hours per week. Working overtime isn’t common, and, in fact, it might even hurt your career – the attitude towards working extra hours is usually that you’ve not managed your time well enough to get your work done during the working day.

How Many Working Days in a Year - Sweden

First of all, full time employees are entitled to five weeks of vacation per year. Beyond that, Sweden celebrates several holidays throughout the year that you may expect, as a full-time employee, to be off work for. Sweden observes the following holidays:

• New Year’s Day (January 1st)
• Epiphany (January 6th)
• Good Friday (March or April)
• Easter Sunday (March or April)
• Easter Monday (March or April)
• Labour Day (May)
• Ascension Day (May)
• Pentecost Sunday (June)
• National Day (June 6th)
• Midsummer Eve (June)
• Midsummer Day (June)
• All Saints’ Day (November 5th)
• Christmas Eve (December 24th)
• Christmas Day (December 25th)
• Second Day of Christmas (December 26th)
• New Year’s Eve (December 31st)

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Best CV Format for Sweden

Briony Ranasinghe

A curriculum vitae or Meritförteckning is a must-have when applying for a job in Sweden. Whether you are submitting an English CV or have translated your resume to Swedish, you need to know exactly what to say. Here’s our guide on the best format for your Swedish CV.  

Follow this guide closely and worry no more about finding the best Swedish CV sample, but create it yourself!

Want to avoid the hassle of creating your CV? Use Cresuma’s free resume builder to go ahead with the best Sweden CV template instead. 

Ideal Heading for Sweden CV

In Sweden, it is common to have a heading for your CV. Just stating CV or Meritförteckning is enough for this section.  

The best kind of heading to use for your CV

Personal Details

Like most countries, your personal details are the first things that a recruiter should see. It should include your name and surname, address, telephone number, email and LinkedIn account (if you wish). You can also include the link to a professional portfolio.

Adding an image of yourself is not a requirement and depends on your personal preference. 

An example of a great way to show your personal details

You always need to introduce yourself to the recruiters so that they can see exactly what you bring to the table. A short summary detailing your professional journey is often a good way to make them engage with your CV. Including keywords or phrases that you find in the job listings into your profile can also help you to pass ATS screening.

An example of how to write your profile

Work Experience

The Arbetserfarenheter should be stated in reverse-chronological order for clarity and ease. The company name, the dates you worked, duties and achievements while in the company should be mentioned in this section. For how to use reverse-chronological order, see our article on the Best Resume Formats . It also should be written in easy-to-understand language and to the point to make it simpler for recruiters to go through your CV.

It’s also a good idea to match keywords from the job listing that are relevant to you in this area so that you pass ATS screening.  

Find different industry keywords through our Keyword Screening Tool. 

How to write Work Experience on your CV

For Europe, the education section of your CV can be of more importance than your work experience. While you need to prove that you have practical skills, you also need to show that you have the technical skills to back up your claims and this can be shown through your education.

You should include the title, dates, university and city you studied in on your CV when you list your qualifications. If you have any relevant seminars, congresses, courses, and conferences that you have attended, you should include them in this section to show your interest.

Best way to list education in your CV

If you are going to Sweden, you need to learn Swedish. Not everyone has the same level of skill, however, so it's a good idea for you to mention how fluent you are in the language.

There are a few ways you can show your fluency in languages. Here are a few of the most common ones:

• You can follow the ranking system of the Language Passport used for the Europass CV . 
• You can rank your fluency in reading, writing, speaking and listening out of 10.  
• You can mention your rank as fluent, medium/ moderate understanding or low.  

A great example for how to mention languages in your CV

Your skills section needs to be a standout, no matter what country you apply for a job in. Your skills and abilities (färdigheter och förmågor) need to convince employers that you are the right person for the job, and they absolutely should hire you.

Since you need to make the absolute best impression, it's a good idea to avoid buzzwords that will negatively impact the way HR managers perceive your CV. Try Cresuma's Buzzword checker to ensure your CV has no negative buzzwords.

The best way to highlight your skills

You don't need to have your references in your CV, but it is a good idea to have them on hand. You should also remember to tell your referees that you have applied for a post in a particular company, so they are prepared when they are contacted.

An idea of how to format your references

Now that you know how to create a Swedish CV, you can create your own. If you need CV's for other European countries, check out our French, Italian and UK CV formats. Or if you want a one-size suits all, see our articles on the Europe Pass CV .

Check our International Resume guide for more articles on how to create an international CV and if you need more resume help, we have a wonderful career guides blog that will answer all your questions.

In this article

Cover Letter for Schengen Visa Application

Maximized Schengen visa success with effective cover letter, free sample and expert tips.

If you are in the process of applying for a Schengen Visa , you may have noticed that are asked to submit a Cover Letter.

The Cover Letter for Schengen Visa applications is an important requirement, and knowing how to properly write one could affect the outcome of the visa application.

What is a Cover Letter for Schengen Visa Application?

The Cover Letter for a Schengen Visa is a necessary part of your visa application because it is a way to introduce yourself, the reason why you want to travel to that specific country, as well as to communicate with the visa officers who are handling your application.

Please note that the Cover Letter should be addressed to the Embassy or Consulate of the country you will visit, even if you are applying through a visa application center, such as VFS Global.

In the Cover Letter for a Schengen Visa, you have to convince the Consular staff that you are suitable to receive a visa for the country you intend to visit.

What Information to Include in a Cover Letter for Schengen Visa Application?

When you write a Cover Letter for your Schengen Visa application, you have to include details of your entire trip including:

• The reason why you want to visit a Schengen country .
• The dates when you intend to enter and depart.
• A planned itinerary of your activities in the Schengen Area.
• Where you will stay once you enter the Schengen area.
• All the countries you intend to visit.
• The status of your employment.
• If you were unable to submit any of the required documents, give an explanation of why that is.

Sample Cover Letters for Schengen Visa

Below, you will find a sample Cover Letter for a Schengen Tourist or Visit Visa, a Schengen Business Visa ,  as well as for a Schengen Medical Treatment Visa which will give you an idea of what to include on your own Visa Cover Letter.

Sample Cover Letter for Tourist Schengen Visa

Netherlands Embassy in New Delhi

6/50 F, Shantipath

Chanakyapuri

New Delhi – 110021

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing this letter to apply for a Schengen visa to visit the Netherlands from the dates May 20 to June 10, 2019. I am traveling alone and the main reason why I want to visit the Netherlands is tourism.

I would like to visit the popular tourist attractions in the Netherlands, such as the Van Gogh Museum, the house of Anne Frank, as well as the Keukenhof gardens to see the Netherlands’ most popular flower – the tulip.

During my stay, I also want to visit Germany from May 29 to June 5 to visit my sister who lives in Dusseldorf, where I will stay at her house. Then, I will return to the Netherlands, where I will explore the Hague before I leave the country.

I am employed at the [name of company/organization] where I have the position of [job position]. I have worked here for X years, and I have an annual salary of XX. My employer has given me a No Objection Certificate for my trip, which you will find enclosed.

I intend to finance my own trip, and I have also enclosed proof I have the necessary financial means to cover my stay.

Below you can see a planned itinerary of my activities :

Supporting visa application documents I have enclosed with this letter:

• The completed Schengen Visa Application Form
• My passport
• My flight and train ticket reservations
• Schengen Visa Travel Health Insurance
• Hotel reservation receipts (Amsterdam and Hague)
• Letter of Invitation from my sister in Dusseldorf
• No Objection Certificate from my employer
• My Bank Statements from the last six months

I hope you find that the details I have provided in this letter are adequate for a favorable reply to my application. Thank you for your time, and do not hesitate to contact me should you need further information.

Best regards,

Alan Shilmani

[Full address in India]

Sample Cover Letter for Business Schengen Visa

If you are applying for a Schengen Business Visa, it is your employer who has to write the Cover Letter on your behalf. It must be written on the company’s letterhead.

March 20, 2019

New Delhi, India

I am writing this letter to request a Schengen Business Visa on behalf of [applicant’s full name] with the passport number XXXX.

Through this letter, I would like to confirm that [applicant’s full name] is employed at our company [company’s name] where he works as [job title or position]. [The applicant] has been working in our company for [X number of years], and needs to travel to the Netherlands to visit our partner company [partner company’s name] during the dates April 20 to April 30, 2019.

During his visit at [partner company’s name] in the Netherlands, [the applicant] will be engaged in the following duties:

• Attending meetings
• Negotiating a deal between the companies regarding [XYZ]
• Giving a presentation
• (Any other tasks that you will have to do during your trip)

[The applicant] will stay at the [hotel name/other accommodation], and the expenses will be covered by our company (if applicable).

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any additional questions.

Thank you for your time,

[Name of employer/supervisor along with siganture]

[Position or job title of employer/supervisor]

[Email address of employer/supervisor]

[Phone number of employer/supervisor]

Sample Cover Letter for Medical Treatment Visa

If you are traveling to a Schengen country to receive medical treatment, your doctor has to write the Cover Letter on your behalf. The Cover Letter for a Schengen Medical Treatment Visa has to include the following information:

• Your detailed diagnosis
• Your medical history
• The nature and duration of the proposed treatment you will receive in the Schengen country

I am writing this letter to request a Schengen Medical Treatment Visa on behalf of my patient [applicant’s full name] with the passport number XXXX.

[Applicant’s name] is diagnosed with [XYZ] and needs to receive [XYZ] treatment at the [medical facility name] in the Netherlands.

[Detailed diagnosis]

[Medical history]

[The nature and duration of the proposed treatment you will receive in the Schengen country]

I hope you consider the information I have enclosed in this letter to be satisfactory for my patient’s Schengen Visa application.

Should you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank you for your time.

[Name of the doctor along with siganture]

Where should I submit the Cover Letter for Schengen Visa?

Depending on what country you are applying from, you can submit the Schengen Visa application at:

• An Embassy or Consulate of the Schengen country you are visiting.
• The Embassy/Consulate of another Schengen country, in case the country you want to visit has no diplomatic representation in your place of residence.
• A visa application agency, to which the Embassy or Consulate of the Schengen country you are visiting has outsourced visa applications to.

Keep in mind that if you’re going to visit multiple countries, submit the application at the Embassy/Consulate of the country you will visit first.

What other documents should I submit along with the Cover Letter for Schengen Visa?

When you submit your application for a Schengen Visa, along with the Cover Letter, you have to submit several other supporting documents , such as:

• Your passport, which must be valid for at least another six months
• Passport-size pictures, in line with Schengen visa photo requirements
• Your flight itinerary or reservations
• Proof of accommodation in a Schengen country
• No Objection Certificate from your employer/school
• Letter of Invitation from a relative or company in the Schengen country you are visiting, depending on the purpose of travel
• Proof of paid Schengen Visa Fees
• Your Bank Statements from the last six months

Read more: How to write a cover letter for Germany Student Visa Application?

Create Free Cover Letter For Sweden Schengen Visa 

by Femina | Mar 13, 2023 | cover letter

Do you intend to have a holiday in Sweden? For Sweden, you’ll probably need to create a cover letter for a Schengen visa. You must also include a cover letter, sometimes known as a visa letter or a personal cover letter, with your visa application.

Most likely, you were looking for a cover letter for a Schengen visa to Sweden when you came to this website.

How to get a cover letter for Swedish Schengen visa ?

IMPORTANT: You can get any single document at very affordable price, which starts from $3 and another offer is, get all types of visa documents unlimited for unlimited users from 1 account, for which price or subscription starts from $10/month.  FlightGen  offers multiple visa documents, including cover letters, travel itineraries, flight itineraries, invitation letters, leave letters, and hotel bookings. Avail this offer as soon as possible!

By outlining its importance in regard to Sweden Schengen visas and offering samples, the blog that follows will make it simpler for you to create your own cover letter for Sweden visa.

What Is the Purpose of a Covering Letter When Applying for a Sweden Schengen Visa ?

A cover letter, also known as a visa letter, is a letter addressed to the Swedish consulate explaining your reason for visiting Sweden. It should include things like how long you plan to stay, your financial paperwork, and any other important documents. The cover letter should explain to the Visa Officer why your Sweden visa should be granted.

Because you are applying for a Schengen Visa to Sweden, your cover letter must include information about all of the Schengen nations you will visit on your trip, as well as a day-by-day itinerary for your whole stay in the Schengen region.

Because the substance of a cover letter varies depending on the visa application, it must be tailored to the individual. It is not possible to utilize someone else’s cover letter for your visa application without making major adjustments to meet your specific requirements.

As a result, we recommend that you go through all of the samples (which are included in subsequent parts) and write your cover letter on a blank page (or use the FlightGen App to generate one for you!!) .

Your initial point of contact with the Embassy will be your covering letter for a Schengen visa.

All of your visa paperwork will be stacked on top of your cover letter. This is because it is the first document that the visa consulate analyses in order to completely comprehend your application and determine whether or not they must issue your visa. This is also the location where you may talk with the visa officer in person.

You may take advantage of this by being accurate and explicit in your visa application while remaining non-personal. Based on the facts in your cover letter, a professional visa consulate will be able to rapidly evaluate whether to reject or approve your visa.

What Should Be Included In A Cover Letter When Applying For A Schengen Visa?

To be effective, a Schengen visa cover letter should include the following information in the following order:

1.The location of your nearest Swedish Schengen consulate, which is easily found online. 2.In the subject line, clearly indicate the type of visa requested. 3.The trip start/end dates suggest that there are extra days in Sweden. 4.The purpose of your travel, which helps the visa officer understand the applicant’s intents 5.Details about the trip’s financial backer. This might be the candidate, their spouse, a visitor, or a company. 6.In addition, the letter may provide proof of the accommodations. 7.Daily travel itinerary in Sweden, Schengen business or tourist visa. Sports, medical, and visiting visas are not required. 8.In order to assess the applicant’s financial stability, the visa officer will require information regarding their career and company history. 9.A list of the supporting documents supplied with the application for a Swedish visa, allowing the visa officer to assess all relevant information. 10.The applicant’s contact information in case more clarification is required. Overall, including these critical pieces of information in your cover letter will help improve the applicant’s visa application and increase their chances of getting a visa.

The Synonyms Of Cover Letter

Cover letter has many names and it is important not to be confused between them. Often used synonyms for cover letter is:

• Personal cover letter
• Covering letter
• Letter of introduction
• Visa letter to the embassy
• Visa letter
• Schengen visa covering letter
• Letter to the immigration for visa approval
• Letter of visa approval
• Introductory letter for visa application
• Purpose of travel letter
• Letter to the embassy for visa request
• Cover letter for visa application

All these words mean the same and should not be confused with one another.

How Should I Write My Cover Letter For A Schengen Visa To Sweden?

By following these simple steps, you can quickly and easily write a professional cover letter for your visa application using FlightGen:

1.Go through the FlightGen tutorial, which is quite helpful.

2.Get the smart app from Google Play (for Android) or the App Store (for iOS).

3. Answer the basic questions posed by the Letter Wizard.

4. After reading your letter, you can download the PDF for $4.99.

Is a cover letter required when applying for a Schengen visa to Sweden?

Yes. Even though the Swedish visa regulations do not specify that a cover letter is necessary, you will be obliged to bring one with you to the visa facilitation office.

Sample Cover Letters For Sweden Schengen Visa (Based On Purpose Of Travel)

Your cover letter’s format for Sweden The type of Schengen visa you require depends on the reason for your trip; we assume you are aware of your visa status.

Sample Cover Letter For The Application Of A Tourist Visa To Sweden

If your journey to Sweden is solely for tourism, you can use the sample cover letter for a tourist visa supplied below. You must have a rough travel plan and proof of lodgings, such as hotel or hostel bookings. To know more about cover letter for tourist visa

You can download the pdf format of the above sample below,  this was generated using our FlightGen App.

Sample Cover Letter For Sweden Business Visa Application

Your documentation and travel purpose would be different if you are applying for a business Sweden Schengen visa. Use the following cover letter format and tailor it to your qualifications.

Cover Letter Sample For Sweden Visitor Visa Application

You do not need to include your vacation itinerary in your cover letter if you are seeking for a Swedish visitor visa. See the sample provided below to draught your own visa letter for a visiting visa application.

Cover Letter Sample For Medical Visa Application

If you have a medical problem and want to get treatment in Sweden, utilize the sample cover letter for Sweden Medical visa application provided below.

Cover Letter Sample For A Sweden Spouse Visa Application

Is your partner a Swedish citizen? You must get a Sweden Schengen Spouse visa, commonly known as a Spousal visa, if you desire to join them. The cover letter for this visa is simple since you do not need to submit a day-by-day trip plan. Furthermore, your spouse must have a Swedish passport or a Swedish residence permit.

You can modify the sample cover letter provided below to meet your specific requirements, or you can create a cover letter for Spouse visa using the FlightGen App.

Cover Letter Sample For A Sweden Work Visa Application

Before you may work in Sweden, you must first get a Swedish work visa, which permits you to work within the Schengen region as well as in Sweden. A sample cover letter for a Schengen work visa in Sweden is provided below.

Cover Letter Sample For Sweden Student Visa Application

Sweden is regarded as one of the best destinations to study, particularly engineering. Furthermore, for comparable-quality higher education, Europe is far less expensive than the United States and Australia. To study in Sweden, you must have a Swedish student visa.

The cover letter format for the Sweden Student Schengen visa is as follows.

Cover Letter Sample For Sweden Transit Visa Application

Transiting through one of Sweden’s major airports, such as Arlanda, necessitates the use of a Schengen Transit visa, which is a type of short-stay visa. The following example shows how to prepare a visa letter for a Swedish Schengen Transit visa.

You can download the pdf format of the above sample below,  this was generated using our FlightGen App

What Additional Documents Must Be Provided To Apply For A Swedish Schengen Visa?

• Original passport with at least two blank pages and a six-month validity period
• A Schengen visa application must be fully completed and signed.
• Two recent colour passport photographs that meet Schengen standards
• Statement of purpose and precise travel itinerary (Can be created using FlightGen App)
• Bank statements for the last three months, original, updated, and bank-attested (Online not accepted without bank seal on it.)
• Returns on Income for the Previous Three Years (Form 16)
• A flight itinerary (for use in visa applications, use the FlightGen app). For Android and iOS devices).
• Hotel reservations
• Travel Insurance (minimum coverage of EUR 30000) HDFC Ergo offers travel insurance beginning as 300 INR. For other countries, use VisitorsCoverage.

Frequently Asked Questions?

Where should i send my cover letter in order to apply for a schengen visa for sweden.

To the visa appointment, you must bring all of your application paperwork, including your cover letter. Typically, this is done at the Swedish consulate or a visa processing centre, such as VFS or BLSS.

When applying for a Swedish visa, how important is a cover letter?

All visa applications require a cover letter, but Schengen visas require it much more.

It achieves two goals. It makes it simpler for the visa officer to accept or (deny!) your visa application since it provides additional information about your travel plans.

The information in your papers will be compared to the information in your cover letter first. If this is the case, obtaining your visa will be a breeze.

You can only contact the visa officer here as a visa applicant. So here is your chance to make your case for visa acceptance.

A well-written cover letter might make or break your visa application to Sweden.

What should a visa application cover letter include?

Sometimes introduction letters are referred to as personal cover letters (also known as visa letters).

Its objective is to give visa officials with information about your trip. They will then cross-reference it with your supporting documents.

If all information is validated, your visa application will be processed quickly.

When applying for a Swedish visa, how should I begin my letter?

Install the FlightGen App and let the AI do the work for you to get your introduction letter as quickly as possible. However, if you want to write one on your own, you can get ideas from the sample below.

The FlightGen App will compose your cover letter for you.

What should the major points of my cover letter for a Swedish visa be?

Your travel schedule, dates, and day-by-day itinerary, as well as any documents you’ve completed to have your Swedish Schengen visa granted, should all be stated in your cover letter.

When applying for a visa, which document must I provide with my cover letter?

To get your visa accepted, you must include every document you want to submit. Please detail any further documents you have.

I’m writing a cover letter for a visa application; should I use the same font size and style?

No. However, a plain, clear typeface is preferable over one that appears ornate. Use no more than two lines, correctly structured with the suitable line height. This should make it easier for the visa officer to read your invitation letter.

Which cover letter is most effective for a visa application?

The best cover letter tells the Swedish officer all they need to know about your trip in an easy-to-understand format. In this regard, the FlightGen App produces the best cover letters.

What should a cover letter for a visa application include?

Your cover letter should include the following information: the itinerary, dates, and times of travel. Please provide any additional papers required for Swedish Schengen visa approval.

Include contact details in case the consulate wants to contact you.

What common faults should I avoid while writing a cover letter for a Swedish visa application?

The most important thing to remember while writing a cover letter is to avoid telling half-truths or publishing made-up or erroneous material.

Schengen Visa Application Cover Letter – Sample Letter for Schengen Tourist Visa

The cover letter you must submit for your Schengen Visa application is an important document that states the reason you are traveling to a certain Schengen country. In your Schengen Visa Application Cover Letter, you must address the Embassy or Consulate of the destination country you plan to visit, as your main goal is to persuade the Consular staff that you are a suitable candidate for receiving the Schengen visa.

How to Write a Cover Letter for a Schengen Tourist Visa?

Your Schengen tourist visa application cover letter should include the information listed below:

• Your full name.
• Your date of birth.
• Your nationality.
• Your passport details (passport number, issue date, and expiry date).
• Your current address.
• Your email address.
• Your phone number.
• The date when you are writing the letter.
• The name of the embassy or consulate where you are applying for the Schengen visa.
• The embassy or consulate’s address.
• The intention of traveling with a Schengen Tourist Visa (e.g., tourism, sightseeing, visiting friends or family, attending an event, etc.).
• The entry and exit dates of your trip.
• A detailed itinerary of your trip, including the Schengen countries you plan to visit during your trip, information about your planned accommodations, flights, and any tours or activities you have booked.
• Your financial capacity to cover your trip expenses.

Tourist Visa Application Cover Letter Sample

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Välkommen! /r/TillSverige is a forum and resource for people who are moving or traveling to Sweden. This is a place for friendly advice, discussion, and information about the immigration process and its struggles. Before posting, familiarize yourself with the rules of the sub. Posting implies you have read and understood the rules. PLEASE DO NOT POST Blocket inquiries, polls, job listings/job searches, surveys, travel blogs, product/restaurant recommendations, etc.

Swedish CV format

Hello Redditors,

I read some posts in Quora about preferred/widely accepted CV format differs from the one which is used in South Asia/MiddleEast etc. and more focus should given to the cover letter.

I have seen samples online of CVs made to apply jobs in Sweden and looked pretty like the format that I'm using currently. (2 pages, emphasis on the work experience, IT skills etc)

I would very much if you can shed some light on this and advice about CV format and the point about cover letter.

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Schengen Visa Cover Letter Format with sample and common mistakes

Schengen visa cover letter format with samples and common mistakes.

So, a close friend was rejected a Tourist Schengen Visa for France from India – twice in a row. She had to postpone her flight to a later date, but lost quite some money on Visa fees, hotel bookings and some internal flights within Schengen area. The reason quoted for the rejection was – ‘The information submitted regarding the justification for the purpose and conditions of the intended stay was not reliable‘ and ‘Your intention to leave the territory of the Member States before the expiry of the visa applied for could not be ascertained’ . I was intrigued and asked her for the covering letter that she submitted while applying for Schengen Visa. Her cover letter, though has necessary details, and was flawed at some places, which triggered me to pen down this post.

How am I qualified to write this post on Schengen Visa Cover Letter?

Having obtained Schengen Visa twice now – for Italy in 2016 and Sweden in 2017, though not an expert on this topic, I stand qualified to share my 2 bits – How not to screw up your Covering letter for Schengen Visa?

First off, let’s discuss – Why do we need a cover letter at all?

Why do we need a cover letter for Schengen Visa?

Just like any official interaction, be it a job application or any sort of request where we are seek attention of the reader – we need to introduce ourselves and make our intentions clear , right? That is why we need a cover letter. Given this, we need to make optimum use of this opportunity and give a clear picture to the Embassy officer – who doesn’t know who we are nor has the power to read our minds nor does he/she have the patience to figure out the jigsaw puzzle we have handed over to them in the form of travel documents!

Covering letter is your best chance to convince the Embassy officers to put that much needed Visa stamp on your passport. Imagine a cover letter like an interview, only that you will not be present in front of them, but it speaks on your behalf. (Scroll down at the end of this page to receive your Free copy of an editable format of an ideal ‘Schengen Visa Cover Letter’ )

Just think, in an interview – What all they might ask? What do you need to inform them about you? About your trip?

Any apprehensions, any communication – everything has to be done through the cover letter.

While applying Schengen Visa Italy last year, I did not understand why a cover letter is so important. But this time around, while applying Schengen for Sweden, I realized the power of a cover letter . The reason being these three scenarios:

1. Our middle names in the flight tickets were left out, as the website which was used to book the tickets had some bizarre mandatory name requirements. This was a worrying factor. So, before we applied Schengen for Sweden, I wrote to Sweden VFS Visa helpline and they responded within a day and instructed me to mention the same in the cover letter.

2. In Sweden, we will be travelling to Swedish Lapland and we have an overnight train journey from Stockholm to Kiruna and the same applies for the return journey too. A First class sleeper coach was booked for the night train journey, which was attached with the Visa application. In VFS office, the teller there pointed out that there are no hotel bookings made for those two dates. For which we diligently showed the train bookings with specific dates, travel time that exceeded 16 hours each side and a mention of sleeper coach. She highlighted dates in the train bookings and still insisted that we mention the same in the cover letter . We had to write that info at the back of the cover letter and sign it, as adding the same in the soft copy of cover letter and getting a print again was not feasible at that point in time.

So, what all do we need to mention in a cover letter?

• The purpose of your travel to the Schengen countries – is it for tourism purpose? Or official purpose? Or for studies? • List the countries are you visiting during your stay in Schengen area. • How and who is sponsoring your trip? Is it self-sponsored or sponsored by someone (husband, father etc.) and by what means – Cash (by showing balance in bank)? Credit card? Forex? Traveller cheques? • If you have a sponsor in the country you are visiting, then ask them for an invitation letter and clearly explain your relationship with your sponsor and the reason why they will be sponsoring your trip. Here, a sponsor might be a friend, relative or something/someone official. • A brief of your itinerary . Here, it is a good idea to use a table format with countries you’d like to visit, days spent there and a mention of places you will be visiting while you are there. (For an example, see the sample below) • Explain clearly why you chose to apply at that specific Embassy and not through any other country. • List the documents that are attached with the Visa application • In case you are not able to produce any particular document , mention that and try providing an alternative document which would cover the necessity of the former. • Mention the company and your designation of your employment in cover letter and write that you have taken a leave for the duration of the trip and are required to join back work after the vacation. • And any other specific communication which you think the Embassy officer needs to know.

Some tips and suggestions:

• Apply Visa as early as possible – we can apply for a Schengen Visa 90 days before our travel date. • Go through the Visa requirements checklist many times – even after securing all documents, there might be something that is always left out for the last minute! Isn’t it? Mr. Murphy is always lurking somewhere nearby. • Do NOT assume that the things are obvious and will be understood from the documents submitted. Always mention such things. The Embassy officer has to go through loads of applications every day. So, its not a really good idea to let him/her figure out stuff. • Try limiting your cover letter to one page. • And obviously, write a convincing cover letter 🙂 • Go through it again and check it for any spelling mistakes and do a Spell Check in MS Word or similar. Its not that you will be penalized for spell errors. It just gives a good first impression. • Doesn’t matter for what country you are applying – France, Hungary, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Norway, Austria or any Schengen country for that matter – whether a cover letter is mandatory or not – Just write it and write a rocking one!

My secret tip: Almost all visa applications ask for confirmed hotel bookings. With so many booking sites and hundreds of hotels and apartments, its indeed difficult to choose the place which suits our taste. I always check the prices of hotels/apartment from this website and compare prices offered by different booking sites and book the accommodation from the one that offers the best price. Compare hotels by checking in this search box below !

For booking car for our self drive journeys, I trust this site and have booked from here in all our self drive sojourns.

Fine, enough for today’s Theory session. Let the practical class begin now!

This was my friend’s Cover Letter. Let me try and point out what could have been added and how can it be improvised.

21/06/2017 Place: Bangalore

THE HONOURABLE CONSUL, EMBASSY OF FRANCE 21 Palace Road, Vasanth Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560052

Dear Sir or Madam,

Sub: Application for Short Stay Visa for Tourism from 30/06/2017 to 11/07/2017 (Self-Sponsored)

I intend to travel to countries France, Belgium and Switzerland from 30/06/2017 to 11/07/2017 and would therefore like to obtain a Schengen travel visa.

The purpose of my trip is tourism, to visit popular places in these European countries, especially the Eiffel Tower, the Paris Disneyland and the Louvre Pyramid in France, Interlaken, Jungfrau in Switzerland and Grand Palace, Bruges, Pairi Daiza etc in Belgium. During the trip in Belgium, I will stay in my sister’s home who is a resident of Belgium (attached the required document for the same)

Please find enclosed the following documents to support my visa application: 1. Original and copy of my passport 2. Application Form duly filled and signed with Photograph as per specifications, attached 3. Documentary evidence of my employment (leave sanction letter) 4. Copy of my booking at Hotels in Paris and Switzerland. 5. Invitation letter from my sister, a resident of Belgium and copy of residential permit 6. Income tax returns of last 3 years 7. Personal bank statements of last 3 months 8. Salary slips of last 3 months 9. Copy of my travel medical insurance policy, valid for the whole Schengen Area and covering up to 100,000 Euros for medical and hospital care plus repatriation for emergency medical reasons 10. Copy of e-ticket for my return flight to Bangalore via Doha with Qatar Airways

I trust you will find that everything is in order, but please feel free to contact me should you need any additional details or documents. Looking forward to hearing from you,

Yours sincerely, XYZ, Address, Phone, Email.

Here, I find 3 major flaws:

• She had submitted the official leave letter with the application, but there isn’t any mention of her employer or designation in the cover letter. As I said earlier, lets not assume that it is understood. Even if it is obvious, mentioning it in the cover letter makes a huge difference. • The itinerary presented was very cloudy . Seems like there is a no perfect plan chalked out. But in reality, the plan was present, that is why the hotel bookings were done. But it hasn’t been mentioned clearly in the cover letter. • Another major point – there is NO reason presented here as to why France is being chosen as a Consulate to apply Schengen Visa.

A template or a sample which we used for Schengen Italy Cover Letter:

May 3, 2016 Bengaluru

The Honorable Consulate, Embassy of Italy, Kanchanjunga, Piano Terra, 72 G.Deshmukh Marg Mumbai – 400 026

Dear Sir/Madam,

I would like to apply for Schengen visa to spend a holiday in five countries – Italy , Croatia , Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia and Montenegro, this May 27 to June 12, 2016. I am applying through your Honourable Consulate, as Italy is my main destination and first point of entry as well as my point of exit.

We are a family of five travelling together. Tourism is the main purpose of our visit, to see the beautiful sights especially the museums and ancient architecture.

Our detailed itinerary is attached inside. Brief itinerary would be as follows:

I am employed at XYZ, Bengaluru since July 2010 and currently holding the position of ABC. Vacation from work has already been approved for the whole duration of this trip.

Please find the following documents to support my visa application enclosed herewith:

* Application form, duly dated and signed with passport-size picture * Passports * Employment and Leave certificates showing the date I’m expected to return for work * Detailed itinerary * Hotel booking reservation as proof of accommodation * Payslips, Bank Statements, Statement of Account as proof of income, ITR, Credit card statements, Forex receipts * Travel Insurance with benefits coverage of 50,000 Euro for each person travelling * Plane ticket booking reservation via Qatar Airways for Bangalore – Rome – Bangalore on May 27 – June 12, 2016

I trust that you will find that everything is in order, and I remain at your disposal for any further information. Thank you very much for your time. I hope for a favourable response for my visa application. For questions and clarifications, please feel free to contact me anytime.

Sincerely, Name Mobile: Email:

This format bought us Schengen Visa for Italy on our European Odyssey last year.  Hope this post helps you in crafting your letter.

If you are planning to apply a Schengen Visa for Italy, then  click here to read a post about the process of applying Schengen Visa for Italy.

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Other related important reads:

Ultimate guide for Schengen Visa Italy from India

Italy Self drive Itinerary

Iceland 10 day itinerary

Croatia 7/10 days itinerary

14 things to know before driving in Italy

Plitvice Lakes – Land of Falling Lakes, Croatia

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114 comments

Lovely article and timely we r applying for our visa in coming week. This article is very informative. Thank you to pen it down

Glad it was of your help 🙂

Hi Ashwini, I’ts a great help for me your blog since, I’m a first timer to travel. Would you mind please to share with me your email as i want to write you for more clarification? as I’m a bit confused. Thanks and awaiting Chona

Please write into us at [email protected]

Hi Ashwini, Thanks a ton for this article. we are applying for our visas next weeK, we intent to travel to Italy, switzerland and france. p.o.e. Italy. Some queries to be answered, as i am getting mixed replies for the same. Do we need to book all internal train travels i.e. rome to venice, venice to interlaken n henceforth. we have done no prepayment booking from booking.com for accomodations, hope thats valid.

There is no need for you to show the proof of travel inside a specific country. However, it is a good practice to mention how you intend to travel inside a country and between two countries. And this can be achieved through a cover letter!

And yes, no prepayment bookings from booking.com is valid. We always do the same 🙂

this article is very informative and helpful for visa we Indians not blessed with highest rank passports which allows visa on arrival to most of countries. It seems so much headache when applying for visa.But if apply it in order as you mentioned issues can be resolved

Very true Mayuri!

Hi Ashwini,

I plan to visit my brother who stays in Germany, can you kindly let me know how should the invitation letter be all are the required details? Do share if u have any format for the same. Thank you.

Sorry for the late reply Vini. I do not have a format handy. I shall write a blog post on it soon.

Hi ashwini, You have mentioned about Detailed itinerary, could you please explain this also, I mean how one should write it. Are we suppose to mention each and every thing which we are going to do each day?

Hai Harpreet,

If you see the sample I have provided, the itinerary we mentioned was one line with places we planned to go for that day. I think that should suffice and too much detail will make the cover letter too lengthy and unappealing. Hope I have answered your question!

YOUR ARTICLE HAS BEEN OF GREAT HELP…..HOWEVER ONE THING IS REALLY CONFUSING ME…. I AM PLANNING TO APPLY FOR FRANCE AND SWISS TOURIST VISA……PEOPLE ARE ADVISING TO GO WITH FLIGHT RESERVATION AND DUMMY HOTEL BOOKING FOR APPLYING THE VISA……IS IT SAFE TO DO SO…….

Yes Karan. Thats is true. Go through this post for more details. http://hoppingmiles.com/schengen-visa-italy-indians-citizens-checklist/

Hey … thanks for amazing info. I have question . Did you visit bosnia and croatia in same schengen visa … because they dont come in schengen country.

Even though Bosnia and Croatia do not come under Schengen Visa, these countries allow visitors with a valid Schengen Visa. For this, you need to have a Multiple Entry Schengen Visa.

Hey Ashwini I also applied for France from Delhi and my visa got rejected with same reason. Now I am scared from which Embassy I should apply as I already booked my paid ticket and hotel I submitted all paid hotel and flight tickets even for Europe, I think I am going on solo trip that may the reason not sure. Any suggestion which country I should apply?

Hi Adhiman,

The rule goes by the fact that we need to apply to the country where we are staying for more number of days. If we are by any chance staying in two countries for equal number of days, then we need to apply to the Embassy of the country which will be our first port of entry.

Thanks for the article, this was helpful. Do you have any advice for writing an invitation letter? I want to give one to my brother to visit.

Sure Ezinne. I shall try to pen down that post soon 🙂

My name is Vivek. I would be travelling with my wife. So apart from booking two appointments, will there be a need to get two sets of required documents and two covering letters or only one set. Her application form would be different.

Yes.Two separate set of documents and seperate application forms. Cover letter can be the same but you need separate copies of that each too!

Hi…My schengen visa got rejected due to reason for travel does not seem reliable. I am reapplying for the same. Just wanted to know in the new covering letter do i write the letter as a fresh application or do i mention the previous rejection and give further justifications

I am in two minds about it as I haven’t been in this situation. Why don’t you call the VFS helpline? They are the best folks to answer this question.

Hi i would like to read your thoughts about our story, please. We have been granted a Belgium Schengen visa my wife and i but after our departure date. We have reached out the Consulate to get our passports back, to our surprise Bangg! empty passports. The consulate officer told us that they couldn’t put our visas into our passport because it’s been granted after our travel date so what does it mean? do they have the right to do that after been approved? your thoughts will be appreciated , thanks

Honestly, If I were you, I too would have been disappointed. And yes, what they say is right. Because, the reason that a schengen visa demands a confirmed return flight is that they want to confirm that we come out of schengen area within a specific time frame. If your flight date has lapsed, that means you can’t commit to your promise of going and coming out of schengen area on the dates you have mentioned in the cover letter. So, a fresh application is recommended. But this time, be careful and apply as early as possible.

Thank you very much, i appreciate your reply.

By the way do we need to stick our-self with the same consulate?

That depends on your travel plans. Read this post if you are visiting multiple schengen countries and have a confusion as to which country to apply to : http://hoppingmiles.com/schengen-visa-italy-indians-citizens-checklist/

Hi! Thank you for the link, very helpful. I have got another question, how can we proof that we have been granted a Schengen visa if we decide to go to Italy this time. As I mentioned before we have been granted, but we didn’t travel because the consulate didn’t stick our visas into our passport due to the fact that our departure date has passed, Thank you in advance

There is no proof as your visas haven’t been stamped. Try a fresh application. All the best.

Thanks for sharing your knowledgeable experience, I really appreciate your care and concern Ashwini towards helping people. I’m sending you an email for your further help as i applied for visa and got refused.

Hi Ashwini, Really your post is very informative. I am planning to invite my wife to Paris as I’m already here from past 1 month. And when we asked for the details we have lot of opinions so more confused with what are the basic requirements. We have been told that will require an Invitation letter from me inviting my wife to Paris. I tried to search for a format but not able to get it. can you help me on that?

Also if my wife provide 6 months bank statement for my salary account will it be ok for Consulate?

As I’m already in Paris I have stay booked till my return journey is it fine to provide the same with my name?

Even we have suggestion for my wife to not show that you are working to save document for leave approval which is quite difficult for her.

I have 1 question in mind as we didn’t planned any internal journey as of now and if we mention about the visit to different countries is it mandatory to show the details of the stay for other countries? Looking forward for your reply which will help us. Thank you

Hrisheekesh Pargaonkar ±33753190588 ±917588436499

Answering your questions one by one.

q: We have been told that will require an Invitation letter from me inviting my wife to Paris. I tried to search for a format but not able to get it. can you help me on that? a: Will try writing a post on that.

q: Also if my wife provide 6 months bank statement for my salary account will it be ok for Consulate? a: They ask only for recent 3 months. Doesn’t count even if you provide more as they will remove extra months docs in VFS Office. Just make sure you have a healthy bank balance.

q: As I’m already in Paris I have stay booked till my return journey is it fine to provide the same with my name? a: Guess that would suffice. Confirm once with VFS call centre.

q: Even we have suggestion for my wife to not show that you are working to save document for leave approval which is quite difficult for her. a: Confirm once with VFS call centre.

q: I have 1 question in mind as we didn’t planned any internal journey as of now and if we mention about the visit to different countries is it mandatory to show the details of the stay for other countries? a: Definitely yes. You can do temporary bookings in booking.com. If you have plans of visiting other countries, then make sure she gets a ‘multiple entry’ Schengen visa.

Hope this helps. Thanks

hello , my wife is the citizen of italy (permanant green card ) as such we got married on dec 2015 and now she is pragnant and in italy she wants to invite me for her delivery as such i m having her name on my passport , marriage certificate, my name on her passport issue from milan italy. and a doctor covring letter of her pragnancy form italy. i need to know that how can i apply and a covering letter format. and the chances of visa….really worried about can u help a part.

waiting for reply

Please contact your VFS office and they will be able to guide you better. Thanks and congrats on the baby 🙂

Can you please put more light on the format of ‘Detailed Itinerary’

Detailed Itinerary would be your confirmed accommodation booking printouts, flight tickets and inter city/inter country travel docs if any.

Thanks for the info here. One more thing i wanted to know that yesterday i called Thomas Cook for the Visa and they said that they can get it done and they will show the confirmed tickets & hotel bookings and as we get the visa they will cancel it and we can then book our hotels on our own. Do you think hiring them will be good idea or shall i do the visa process on my own.

It upto you Vikas. Totally your decision 🙂

Hi, I was planning to go for a road trip in Europe, all planning is done from caravan to tickets. But all hopes are on visas. How do I compel them not to reject our visa. Please help. And if possible can u send me your mail. Thanks

If your planning is already done, then please apply visa asap. Follow the points given in the article and craft a convincing cover letter – that is the only thing we can do from our side to compel them. Subscribe with your mail id in the text box provided in the article and you will automatically get the mail.

Hi, I am planning a solo trip to Amsterdam in coming June month for 7 days. Is it a fact that solo trip visas are mostly rejected ? and I intend to travel in and around Amsterdam only. Would that be a problem considering it is a short itinerary for cover letter? Thanks in advance.

Don’t think it’ll be a problem to acquire visa if you are only in and Amsterdam for the entire trip duration. Just make sure you have accommodation booked for all the days and mention what all have you planned to see over the 7 days.

Hi, Thanks for the article,it is really helpful I have some doubts 1)I can give just reserved tickets(Not paid)? Many airlines provide free reserved ticket which block the ticket for 3 days. I have this question because on the main page of VFS website,they clearly mention that do not confirm your travel plans till visa is approved.So can i give reserved ticket(not paid) instead of a confirmed ticket(paid for)

2)The cover letter can be written on an A4 size paper write?

Thanks in Advance

Answering pointwise:

1. Will do but during the time of verification of your application by Embassy people, your ticket should be valid and should not be cancelled as they will verify it.

2. Should be printed on A4 size paper

Hello Ashwni

I find this post really informative, ad would like to clarify a few things w.r.t our trip Me and my husband are planning for a trip to Swiss-Belgium (and make day trips to France and Amsterdam while staying in Belgium). Our point of entry will be Swiss (will stay there for 3 nights) and then travel to Belgium( where we will stay for 5 nights). But while we stay in Belgium we intend to do a day trip to Paris and another day trip to Amsterdam. Our p.o.e will be Belgium. Q1 – Which country should we apply the Schengen Visa for? – Swiss or Belgium? Q2 – Also, both of us are working, but the way our budgeting works is I have more bank balance, and his is more like a current account, rather savings account. Keeping this in mind, what will give better chances of approval – applying together and showing both the bank statements or applying mentioning am sponsoring the trip? Please suggest 🙂

Answer 1: Belgium Answer 2: Both bank statements will be a good idea i guess. Please clarify with local VFS office

I am planning to travel to Europe (Italy, Austria & Switzerland in that order) for a month in mid April with Italy being port of entry & main destination as I am spending 15 days there. I am travelling solo to Italy and then being joined by friends in Austria & Switzerland. Post that, I am heading to the US for 4 months where I am staying with my sister. I have a valid US visa. I also have previously traveled to the Schengen region 4 times in the last 8 years.

The tricky part is I am obviously travelling for this long as I have quit my job of 8 years and planning on taking a break for some time and find something once I am back.

My queries, hence, are:

1) Should I mention that I have quit my job in the cover letter itself hence declaring I wont have a Leave letter from my organisation. 2) Will I require any other document from my current employer (serving notice here) to support my claim? Shall i include one just to be sure? 3) I’m sponsoring my own trip, travelling solo & quitting my job for that- Will these 3 things pose to be possible reasons why my Visa could get rejected. If yes, what additional documents shall I submit to cover all bases.

Thanks in advance.

Thanks for writing in Rupal. Yes, your case is tricky. But tel me one thing, is your flight to US from India, after you come back from Italy or the flight is directly from Italy? Whatever is the case, please mention it in the cover letter. Yes, supporting documents to prove that you are leaving the job might work.

Again, convincing them that you are traveling to US later is essential. So flight tickets to US if available and shown, will make the job easy.

Hello, I am Bangalore.. planning to travel to Ireland in the month of June. Since I didn’t get any post related to Ireland, I am posting few questions here 🙂 . 1. My daughter will be travelling with me, so we need her father’s consent letter since he is not coming with us. Do I need to get the letter Notarized? 2. I will be travelling with my friend , do I need to give proof of relationship with her? 2. My application letter should address to whom? Should it be The Honorable Consulate Embassy of Ireland c/o Biocon Limited 20th K M Hosur Road Electronics City PO Bangalore 560100 (as found under Emabassy of Ireland, Honorary Consuls- India, Bangalore) 3. If you can help me with writing a detailed itinerary plan. Thanks in advance! 🙂

1. My daughter will be travelling with me, so we need her father’s consent letter since he is not coming with us. Do I need to get the letter Notarized? Father’s consent letter and permission letter from school. Notary sign not required.

2. I will be travelling with my friend , do I need to give proof of relationship with her? Haha. No. You can’t prove if someone is your friend. There is no such formal document that exists to prove it.

2. My application letter should address to whom? Should it be The Honorable Consulate Embassy of Ireland c/o Biocon Limited 20th K M Hosur Road Electronics City PO Bangalore 560100 (as found under Emabassy of Ireland, Honorary Consuls- India, Bangalore) Yes.

3. If you can help me with writing a detailed itinerary plan. Please check the post, I have mentioned the format. Follow the same with your plans and itinerary.

Thanks for reply 🙂 . One more question, Do i need to submit flight tickets/confirmation for visa application, though it’s not mentioned anywhere under required documents for visa.

I’m surprised that it isn’t mentioned. Return flight tickets are mandatory for any Visa 🙂

Hi … Me and my wife are travelling to Austria and Czeh Republic for 16 days with 9 days in Austria and hence applying from the Austrian Embassy. I am also doing two day trips to Neuschwanstein Castle and Berchtesgaden Salt mines both being in Germany with our stay being in Innsbruck and Salzburg respectively on the day of the day trips.

In light of the above in the application form in Point 22 it mentions Member State (s) to visit should I mention only Austria OR Austria and Czeh Republic OR Austria Germany and CzehRepublic

Mention all the member states you are traveling to. Also check the multiple entry option in the application form

Hello I am applying for a schengen short term tourist visa. I am applying through the Netherlands embassy as I will be staying there for the longest. I have some queries.

1) This is a solo trip. I am male,single and in mid 20s. I have been to singapore last month as a tourist. Should I mention it in the cover letter indicating that I have traveled solo before and attach visa and stamp copies? Or should I avoid mentioning it?

2) I work For an IT company with a monthly salary of about 35k. I have been working there for about 2 years. and will show about 2 lakhs in my salary account with salary slips and ITR for 14 days trip. I still feel that this might not be enough to convince the authority. I am thinking of attaching my mother’s bank statements and ITR along with a letter. The thing is, I don’t want authorities to think that my mother is the sole sponsorer of this trip as I earn a descent amount of money .I am more inclined towards a middle path by writing something like this in the cover letter-‘The trip will be sponsored by myself. I will also carry my Mother’s international debit card linked to her salary account to deal with any unforeseen circumstances. Her Bank statements,ITR and letter of consent are attached”.

Is this recommended? Or should I change some words like “unforeseen circumstances”Please Reply

1. No need to mention Singapore trip. If you have been to Schengen countries earlier, then the application form asks for Visa number.

2. I feel 2L for a single person for 14 days should suffice. Attach your credit card statement to show that you have a credit card too.

Hi Ashwini, I am applying for Schengen through the Belgium consulate. I intend to travel to Brussels, Amsterdam and Paris and I will be flying in and out of Amsterdam. Here are my questions –

1. I am travelling solo, for the first time to Europe or anywhere. I am quitting work at my current organization and have a 3 week break until I join the new company. Would be using this break to travel. Would this by any chance be a problem and lead to rejection? I have clearly stated in my cover letter about this and would be attaching the resignation confirmation and new job offer letter, and as well as confirmed return ticket and accomodation details (booking.com no pre payment reservations). 2. Is it okay to apply through Belgium consulate and not Netherlands (as my country of entry and exit is this)? 3. How long does it usually take to receive the visa? I am getting my tickets for 5th May.

Thanks in advance

1. Should not be a problem 2. If you are staying max number of days in Belgium, this is fine. 3. 15 working days is what they say.

Thank you so much. This is very helpful. I was hoping you could help me with some questions. I am travelling to italy for a month with my boyfriend. During my stay in Italy i will be staying with my BF family for 18 days. During my stay there i will be attending a wedding and also seeing the amalafi coast. After the 18 days period we will be visiting Rome, Venice and Florence. I will be applying a visa for myself only since my BF is a Canadian Citizen. I hold a Permenant Residence here in Canada. I was told if i am applying for a private visa to not mention Tourism. I am currently working full time as an Account Manager but i will be resigning before my trip. This is because i will be going to College full time when i come back.

1) Do i have to let the embassy know that i will be going other places in italy? ( i was going to say i am staying with my BF family for all the 30 days) 2) Is proof of school letter station start date enough to show them that i will be returning( including my return flight) 3)If i am applying for a private visa do i have to tell them i will also be visiting Amalafi while at my sponsers? 4) I do not want to ask my sponser to get statements of their bank. Can i mention that i will be supporting myself as well and show my own bank account and sufficient funds. ( how much $ is needed to show for about 28 days) While i will be staying with my sponser?

Thank you so much!!

1. If you are traveling within Italy and not going out of the country, then its not needed to mention. 2. Yes. Should suffice. Mention that in cover letter 3. No need. Just mention in cover letter that you will be staying with your Bf’s family. Ask them for an invitation letter stating that they are inviting you to stay with them. Attach it with your docs 4. Showing your bank details will be enough. The amount depends on the country you stay. Ask your local VFS office or check their website for these details.

Hey, I wish to apply for Shengen visa next week from France Embassy. I have already drafted a cover letter, would you be able to check it and let me know of any improvements? really appreciate.

Please mail me to [email protected]

I have WP120 visa for Switzerland and wish to get Tourist visa for my wife and son (3yr old) to stay with me for a period of 75 days. Can you please help me with covering letter and/or invitation letter that my wife should submit along with her visa application form. Trip would be sponsored by me but my wife also has sufficienct balance in her bank account. Please do let me know if you have any other suggestions for visa application.

Thank you in advance.

I’ve already mentioned the cover letter format in this article. Please go through it thoroughly. Showing her bank statement is fine if she has good balance.

Hi, Thanks for such an informative post….. great job My query is that i am getting married on july 15th and leaving on morning of july 18th morning for a 7 day trip covering amsterdam, antwerpen & paris. the issue is i wont be having a marriage certificate while i apply for me and my to-be wife’s visa. I will be taking care of all the expenses for travel. i am not sure about which documents should i place for my wife’s visa application

Try attaching the wedding invitation card and mention the same in your cover letter.

Hi, Did you attach invitation while submitting application ? Any other document that would require particularly to apply visa along with my fiancee ?

Hi I have a query. I am a practicing as a advocate. as I only few months back started my practice so that’s why I never filled tax,itr etc. I want to visit Belgium(20 days) to visit my sister she is staying there with her husband. can my father sponser me for the same and please share format for sponser letter and cover letter

Cover letter is already in the post. In addition to Sponsor Letter, you will need an invitation letter from your sister inviting you to their home and they need to mention that you shall be staying with them. The format will be a usual formal letter format with your details, purpose and intent of travel.

hi, I Am applying for a Shengen visa in germany, but will also be visiting hungary, austria, czech republic and poland, is the hostel reservation through booking.com valid, as in their email they show free cancellation date and also no prepayment required , so will those hostel booking will be valid. Also is it ok if i book a return flight from another country and city. Also One of my school friend works in berlin, and will be staying with him for couple of days, so is it ok to mention that in the letter to the embassy and do i have to get a letter from mentioning that i will be staying with him for couple of days and the whole trip will be self sponsored. Also would like to know i have resigned from my current job , and will be look for a new job after my return from my vacation , so will that be ok.

1. Hostel bookings are valid. Make sure you have your name on those. 2. Flight- Not an issue. Make sure you apply visa to the country which you will be staying the max number of days 3. Stay with friend – Yes, an invitation letter from him is needed. If you want to avoid the hassle, do bookings with free cancellation and then cancel those when your visa is stamped. 4. Job – Will not be a problem. Mention the same in cover letter. Also add a line that your family and work commitments are deep rooted here and you will have to return to your home country to fulfil those and you are visiting Europe just for tourism purpose.

hello, I have got an LOI from a reputed airline in India,and they wants me to do a short term ( 75 days )course from Madrid. once i get it done i will be employed by them.i have also received the invitation letter from the training centre from Madrid. My dad is sponsoring my course fee and all other expenses for the trip.He is getting a loan from a private firm for the same.

Now to apply for the visa (business) they wants the IT returns or form 16 which my dad doesnt have. He is retired and used to be an NRI. so my query is this, what other supporting documents can i produce ? (apart from my own personal bank statement and my dads )

Please call the VFS Helpline to get clarification on this.

Hello, thanks for the informative blogpost. I’m traveling with my friend who is applying as well for a short stay tourist visa at the French embassy, however we live in different states and plan on applying at the embassy in our respective states in Nigeria rather than as a group. Is it okay if I indicate that I will be traveling with my friend in my cover letter. (Note that all hotel reservations were made in both our names)

I think this should be fine. Can you please call VFS helpline and confirm with them?

Sorry but spelling mistake – The Honourable Consulate not Honorable.

Thanks for your concern 🙂 Please have a look at this: https://wikidiff.com/honourable/honorable

Hi, i have couple of questions. 1. I would be visiting 3 Schengen countries in one trip, should i be applying for a single entry or multiple entry visa? I plan to reach France then Switzerland then Iceland which are all Schengen members. 2. I would be applying the visa at France consulate (because it is the only consulate closer to me) by showing trip to 1 country only but i plan to visit 3 later on. Once the visa is issued, can i still travel as per my plan or is it a problem? I have read that once the visa is issued, you can travel to any Schengen country.

1. Multiple Entry Visa 2. You can but if you show one country in your itinerary and tick the multiple entry option, there are high chances that they will approve it as a single entry visa. So make your move carefully.

Hi Ashwini Actually i researched on it meanwhile and found that single entry visa means entry to Schengen members while staying in Schengen members. It doesn’t mean single country. So as long as you are staying inside the Schengen region (it can be one country or more) without going out of this region, single visit is sufficient. Multiple visit means for example, India to France then to UK (which is outside Schengen) then to Italy.

I agree. Thats what we had been told when we went to Sweden last year where, though we had applied for ‘Multiple entry’ visa, we were granted only a ‘Single entry’ visa. So we too went by this defination and thought we can explore Paris for a few hours in our long layover at France, but the immigration folks didn’t allow us to step out of the airport a this was a ‘Single Entry’ visa.

For the same reason, we were scared if we would be allowed inside Iceland or not. But,in Iceland, we had no problems as we had flown in from Sweden which is a Schengen country. So, I cannot guarantee that the statement holds good, as I have been a personal victim to prove that definition wrong!

Hi, I would be travelling to three countries France, Belgium and Netherlands in September. I’m applying at the Netherlands embassy. Onward flight is from India to Paris(transfer at Doha) and return is from Amsterdam(transfer at Moscow). Can you tell me if I should take a single or multiple entry Visa? Thanks in advance

Mulitple Entry Visa

Hi Ashwini, I’m a first time traveller to Europe, it would really help if you could tell me the reason why I would need a multiple entry visa if all the member states I intend to visit are in the Schengen area. Also, what reason should I mention about this in the cover letter Thanks

Please check the above comment

Sir, I am Sudip Panday from Nepal Will you please give your email address so that I can ask some of the personal information regarding visa application ?

Please write to us at [email protected]

Hi my mom went her son home Italy two time with my father ,now she is trying to go alone , so she is housewife. is she can show enough money into bank for her expenses ?

Yes. She can show money in her account and can self sponsor.

Hi Ashwini! My wife is resident of Finland and she is inviting me and my mother for a visit visa.I am currently working as Assistant Manager Mechanical engineer in a private firm and also have last 05 years ITR and all other official working documents,.I am applying through Netherlands embassy.I have some queries. 1. I book an appointment with my mother but she is paying for her whole trip she have strong bank statement,Pension slips and agricultural as well as residential property so is it fine to put my application with her? or should we apply separate as our insurance and applications are separate too. 2. Finnish embassy is not in my country and Netherlands embassy is accepting applications on behalf of Finland. So whom should i address in my cover letter? Finland embassy or Netherlands embassy? 3. About travel Itinerary,I am travelling to Finland and then we have plan to visit Sweden and i also have booked a hotel in Sweden through Agoda.com, so should we just write our visit to finland and sweden? and do we need to mention places in finland and sweden we intend to visit? Ps. I will stay in Finland for almost 1 month and my mother will stay for 2 months.Please answer according to that In Itinerary question Thanks, Need your suggestions soon as i have appointment on this tuesday

Answering your question pointwise:

1. Mention in cover letter that you both are travelling together but have different sources of income which are stable and strong, hence applying separately with different set of documents but will be staying and travelling together. 2. In a similar situation, My sister applied Iceland visa last year through Denmark embassy as it is one which processes Iceland visa in our country. Her cover letter started like this. FYI, she got her visa approved in time.

July 20, 2017 The Honorable Consulate Embassy of Denmark 11, Golf Links, New Delhi Delhi 110003 India

Dear Sir/Madam, I would like to apply for Schengen Visa to spend a holiday in two European countries – Iceland and Sweden, this August 20 to September 2, 2017. I am applying through your Honorable Consulate Denmark as Iceland is my main destination and will be staying here maximum number of days and will be flying in and out of Reykjavik. Myself and my wife are travelling together on this trip. Tourism is the main purpose of our visit, to see the beautiful landscapes and experience the rich culture and heritage offered by both the countries

Arrival date | Departure date | Days | City(Country) 20 August 2017 | 21 August 2017 | 1 | Stockholm(Sweden) 21 August 2017 | 31 September 2017 11 | Reykjavik – Bruarfoss – Vik – Hof – Detifoss – Husavik – Latrabjarg -Reykjavik (Iceland) 1 September 2017 | 1 September 2017 | 1 | Reykjavik (Iceland) – Stockholm(Sweden)

……(continues)

P.S: Above itinerary was in table format. Couldn’t paste it in the same format. Please make a table.

3. I hope the above snapshot of my sister’s cover letter would have given you an idea about the answer for this question.

P.S: An invitation letter from your wife with her proof of residence must be attached with both of your documents and don’t forget to mention in the cover letter that you both are being invited by her and that the invitation doc is attached.

hello, i applied to france embassy and i got rejected today. me and my husband planning to travel France ( Paris) and Netherland (AMsterdam) from 4th Nov to 11th Nov. i am working and i have all documents from ITR papers to work leave letter and enough funds in account. Problem is my Husband only got 1 year ITR paper that is 2018 and he is working as share trader and handle clients but as freelancer. so how to show sponsor and what to mentioned on cover letter. who can be sponsor??? we both have funds in accounts but as he is freelancer is it going to hamper our visa decision?? can you please guide me how to make changes in our profile and get visa for france second time?? what all documents we show as to show ties to come back to home country??? i have my all bookings done. Flights and hotels all booked. i want visa to go.. please guide me

Try mentioning that you have strong family ties back here in India. Have a home and job to join back(for you) and projects to finish(for him). Otherwise, I guess, you have all req documents in place.

Hi, I’m from Mumbai & intend to travel to the Czech Republic for a few days. I am a confused as to whom the cover letter should be addressed, should it be addressed to the Embassy in Delhi or to their Honorary Consulate in Mumbai?

Don’t think that would matter as much as the content inside the cover letter. Either one would do

Me and my husband are planning to Go to Prague and Italy in Jan.We are applying to Prague as we are staying there for max. no of days as well as it being the country of entry.

The issue is I have been working for only 1.5 yrs and have 1 yr IT return document. Also my account shows liquid cash of 1.5 lakhs (FD of 1 lakh is there too but not liquid) Husband only got 3 year ITR paper and also approx 3 lakh cash in account. I am mentioning that I am working also submitting all docs(statements, NOC etc)

So whom to show as sponsor on my cover letter ?? Should I show self/joint/ husband as the sponsor on my letter? Please let me know.

You can say that you are sponsoring yourself.

Hi. Great Post. I have dropped you an email for further queries on my solo trip to Europe coming Feb. Hope to see a response. Thanks.

Hi , Thanks for your valuable post. I just wanted to know one thing , do I need to download the application form from the VFS Italy and then fill it out with a Pen. Otherwise there seems no other option, because attached is a PDF file on the website. The only option seems to be download the file and then fill it up with Pen. Can you please guide me to the correct way,

Yes, download it and take a print and fill it by hand.

Hi, Thank you for bringing up such a wonderful post. I have question before proceeding further for Schengen visa. I stay in Bangalore and my parents stay in Odisha. Their passports are issued recently in Odisha. Can we all apply together in Bangalore Vfs? If yes, do I need to mention that parents stays with me in Bangalore? P:S, I have to show their bank statement as well in support to show sufficient finances.

They can apply with you I guess. Please call VFS helpline and confirm

Hi Ashwini…I read all your comments respective of all questions you gave useful tips. So helpful. Thanks. Here is my Question…… I planning to travel with my minor kids to Malta…If i will get the Malta visa, can i book the ticket to France to visit the places in france and return from France.

If you plan so, please mention the same in cover letter and do all the bookings. Last time, we had a 6 hour layover in Paris and officials there did not allow us to go out though France was in Schengen and said that we did nit have a multiple entry visa. So mention that in cover letter and ask for a multiple entry access.

Hi, can you please help me with ‘covering letter for long term student visa’? I am from India and would be traveling to Italy for masters. Can you share if any examples?

The format is the same except the itinerary in the table form. Convince them that you are going there to study with all the related documents.

Hi Ashwini, i want to apply for a Schenegen Visa from French embassy. I am travelling with a group of 9 friends. Do i need to mention their names or passport numbers in the cover letter or attach their passport copies in the documents?

Well, 9 friends. Hmm.. Don’t think its required. It’ll be too much information and can confuse the embassy officer!

Hi. I am visiting germany for a conference (business visa) and i have hotel bookings for all the days in Berlin. But if time permits i might visit france and amsterdam.Now my doubt is..do i need to mention about the probable countries i might visit in the visa application form question no.22 where the column asks for ‘Member state (s) of destination’ ?

If you are going by road to France and Amsterdam, Then I dont think you need to mention that as there will rarely be checks on the road inside Schengen area. Otherwise, I guess, you must have to.

Hi ashwini,

i’m kranthi and Am applying for Student Visa( D-Visa) to Spain. I almost Completed with my Documents part . Preparing for Cover letter and this blog really helped me . Do you have any suggestion format for Student Visa as such a Sample Cover letter. Because the program Duration will be 18 months . i dont have any Accommodation proof because i have to go and find it out. But college gave me confirmation letter saying they will provide Accommodation but they didn’t mention address in specific .Should i mention this in my Cover letter

Yes. Please mention this in the cover letter.

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