Italian CV

How to write an Italian CV: Your Complete Guide

If you're eyeing career opportunities in Italy, a polished and modern CV that adheres to Italian norms is crucial. While it shares similarities with other European CVs, there are specific expectations and conventions unique to the Italian job market. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to create an outstanding Italian CV, from essential structure to expert tips.

What’s in this guide?

• Key sections of an Italian CV / Esempio CV Italiano / Italian resume / modello CV Italiano.

• How to make a CV for a job in Italy.

• Insider tips for job applications in Italy.

• Writing your CV in Italian.

• The next steps in your job search.

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Make CV writing a breeze with an Italian CVMaker: easy-to-use tools and customisable CV templates.

Italian CV example / modello de curriculum italian

Italian CV format download in PDF.

Essential Italian CV terminology you need to know

Navigating CV writing in Italian can feel overwhelming, but mastering some key terms will make the process smoother. Before diving into your CV, consider starting with a master CV, which can be easily customised for individual applications.

Here’s a quick glossary of useful Italian CV terms:

What to include in an Italian CV?

Italian CVs typically start with the following:

Dati personali - Personal Details

• Nome e cognome - Full name

• Indirizzo - Address

• Numero di telefono - Phone number

• Email - Email address

You might see more personal details in an Italian CV such as. Whilst commonly included, they are still optional:

• Data di nascita - Date of birth

• Luogo di nascita - Place of birth

• Sesso - Gender

• Stato civile - Marital status

• Indirizzo completo - Full address

• Nazionalità - Nationality

Sezioni del CV indispensabili

• Dati personali: Includi un indirizzo e-mail e un numero di telefono

• Profilo personale: Sintesi delle esperienze e delle qualifiche

• Esperienza lavorativa: Usa elenchi puntati e verbi d'azione

• Competenze: Dimostra la tua idoneità al ruolo

• Istruzione: Indica le qualifiche più rilevanti

The main section sections for a good Italian CV template are:

• Profilo personale - Personal profile

• Esperienza lavorativa - Work experience

• Istruzione - Education

• Competenze - Skills

Learn more about how write a good CV for your next job application.

How to structure an Italian CV

When you apply for roles in Italy, your UK CV will need a few structural adjustments to meet local expectations. The Italian job market has specific requirements that hiring managers look for immediately. Getting these right helps your application pass the initial screening and ensures your document is ready for local applicant tracking systems.

• First, you should include a professional photo. While this is not common practice in the UK, Italian employers expect to see a photo on your CV. Add a clear, high-quality headshot to the top right corner of your document. This simple step makes your profile feel complete and professional to a local recruiter. You can even use AI to help with this!

• Next, you must include a GDPR data protection consent line. Without this statement, Italian recruitment software and HR teams cannot legally process your application. You just need to add a short sentence at the bottom of your CV authorising the processing of your personal data. A standard phrase like "Autorizzo il trattamento dei miei dati personali ai sensi del D. Lgs. 196/2003 e del Reg. UE 2016/679" is all you need to stay compliant.

• You also need to format your language skills carefully. Italian employers prefer the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) grid. Instead of just stating that you are fluent or conversational, use the official grades from A1 to C2. For example, list your native English as C2 and any Italian skills as A2 or B1. This gives employers a clear, standardised view of your abilities.

What is a personal profile (“Profilo professionale”) on an Italian CV?

A professional profile in your CV is an essential element to effectively present your skills and professional experience to a potential employer. This opening paragraph should be able to immediately capture the recruiter's attention and provide a compelling preview of your qualifications. Below, we have listed some guidelines on how a good professional profile example should be structured and the key information it should contain:

1. Impactful Introduction: Begin with a statement or phrase that immediately captures the reader's attention, such as a significant accomplishment or a powerful description of your professional experience.

2. Title or role: Indicate your current position or title, providing clear context of your role and level of expertise.

3. Skills and achievements: Describe your key skills and highlight past achievements, using relevant quantitative data or statistics to demonstrate them.

4. Desired position: Make sure to tailor your personal profile to the desired position. Highlight specific experience and skills that are relevant to the role, demonstrating your suitability for the job.

5. Short/long term goals: Share your professional career goals, both short and long term. This will show your motivation and commitment to professional growth and development.

Examples of personal profiles for an Italian CV

Are you exploring your job opportunities? Follow our tips for how to network for job search success!

How to add work experience (Esperienza lavorativa) to an Italian CV

Employers want to know if your CV work experience is relevant to their vacancy. That's why you need to start with your current or most recent job and work backwards. Focus on the responsibilities mentioned in the job posting and leave out anything that is irrelevant. List your work experience in reverse chronological order, detailing:

• Ruolo - Job title

• Azienda - Company name

• Località - Location

• Date di impiego - Employment dates

• Responsabilità principali - Key responsibilities

Sales assistant work experience example

Commessa, H&M, Padova | 2022 - Presente

Assisto i clienti nella ricerca e nella scelta dei prodotti, fornendo informazioni e consigli personalizzati. Gestisco i pagamenti in modo accurato, occupandomi anche dell'elaborazione dei resi e del cambio merce. Contribuisco a mantenere il punto vendita pulito e organizzato, rifornisco gli scaffali e mi assicuro che siano visivamente attraenti.

• Ho contribuito ad aumentare le vendite dei prodotti del 5%.

• Ho assistito i clienti e ho gestito qualsiasi problema in negozio, ricevendo il titolo di "Impiegata del mese" per sei mesi consecutivi.

Administration assistant work experience example

Amministratore d'ufficio, NETtoWORK, Milano | 2021 – presente

Gestisco una varietà di compiti amministrativi, dimostrando una forte leadership e mantenendo un ambiente d'ufficio produttivo. Supervisiono quotidianamente le prestazioni del mio team e creo rapporti dettagliati per i dirigenti. Collaboro con differenti servizi interni per risolvere i problemi in modo efficiente e partecipo attivamente a riunioni strategiche per promuovere il miglioramento continuo all'interno dell'azienda.

• Ho ricevuto i complimenti da parte dei dirigenti dell'azienda per le mie eccezionali capacità organizzative e per la mia grande attenzione ai dettagli.

• Ho semplificato i processi amministrativi, con conseguente miglioramento del flusso di lavoro e riduzione dei costi.

• Sono stato premiato come dipendente dell'anno, grazie al feedback positivo di colleghi e responsabili per l'eccezionale servizio clienti fornito e per la mia professionalità.

Engineer work experience example

Ingegnere meccanico, Ecosfera Servizi SpA, Roma, Italia, 2018 - oggi

Svolgo attività di progettazione di impianti termici, HVAC, idrico-sanitari e antincendio per edifici civili e industriali, assicurando il rispetto delle normative tecniche e ambientali. Mi occupo di interventi di efficientamento energetico integrando fonti rinnovabili e della gestione di pratiche per l’ottenimento di incentivi GSE, lavorando in stretta collaborazione con il team tecnico e gli enti di certificazione.

• Ho contribuito ad una riduzione dei consumi energetici del 30% in media nei progetti di riqualificazione gestiti, con un aumento del ROI per i clienti;

• Ho ottenuto il 100% degli incentivi GSE richiesti, con un tempo medio di approvazione inferiore del 20% rispetto alla media di settore.

How to add education (Formazione) to an Italian CV

The education section highlights your academic background. Be sure to adapt UK qualifications into their Italian equivalents, such as:

It might be difficult to match your own qualifications to their Italian equivalent but as long as it's clear what degree you have and in what subject, this should be sufficient.

Examples of education for an Italian CV:

What skills (“Competenze”) should I add on my Italian CV?

Highlight a mix of hard and soft skills relevant to the role. Use this section to stand out by listing skills in both Italian and English. When adding your skills to a CV, we recommend to list at least five hard skills that are relevant to the position you are applying for. Hard skills are those that are related to the job, such as web development, computer skills, and statistical modelling. Soft skills include effective communication, problem solving, decision making, and critical thinking.

Common skills you can include on an Italian CV:

How to show your language (Lingue) skills on an Italian CV

Multilingualism is highly valued in the Italian job market. Use a proficiency scale to describe your language skills, such as:

• Base - Basic

• Intermedio - Intermediate

• Avanzato - Advanced

• Madrelingua - Native speaker

Example:

Inglese: Avanzato (C1)

What optional sections can you include?

• Referenze (References): Include if requested by the employer, listing names, job titles, and contact details.

• Hobby e interessi (Hobbies and Interests): Add only if they enhance your professional profile or align with the job role.

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Tips for translating an English CV into Italian

Translating your CV into the local language can significantly enhance your job application, demonstrating your commitment to integrating into the local culture and business environment. It shows potential employers you're serious about your career in their country and respectful of language and customs. Here are some concise tips for effectively translating your CV into Italian:

• Native speaker review: Have it reviewed by a native Italian speaker.

• Adapt to Italian standards: Include specific Italian CV formatting and content.

• Cultural and terminology adaptation: Reflect Italian business culture and use Italian job titles and qualifications.

• Proofreading: Ensure there are no grammatical or spelling errors.

• Use professional translation services: For accuracy and cultural nuances consider using a professional CV writing service.

If you're thinking but 'how to write a CV in Italian?' With CVMaker, you can easily make an Italian translation of your CV. Simply import your original CV in just a few clicks! In "My CVs" you can choose to "duplicate" the English CV. You can then set the language of the duplicate CV in the "Settings" step to "Italian". All headings and labels are now automatically translated, but you still have to translate everything you have entered. Or you can choose to customise the Italian CV example provided when you select to create a 'New CV'.

With the AI feature, you can easily translate content to a language of your choice. Simply insert the prompt 'Rewrite in Italian' and the output with then be in Italian.

Translate your CV in just a few clicks with AI

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Key takeaways

• An Italy CV format has unique requirements, such as including a photo.

• Adapt your qualifications, skills, and work experience to suit the Italian job market.

• Use clear, professional formatting with sections in both Italian and English for clarity.

Next steps?

Ready to create your Italian CV? Use our CV templates and start crafting a CV that sets you apart in the Italian job market today. Draw inspiration from our blog for tips on how to save time, emphasise important sections and make it easier for hiring managers to grasp your unique professional offer. To accompany your CV, discover our cover letter templates.

FAQs

How to write a CV for Italy?

To write a CV for Italy, include personal details (with a professional photo), a clear profile, and sections for work experience, education, and skills, formatted in reverse chronological order. Tailor your qualifications using Italian equivalents (e.g., Laurea Triennale for a bachelor’s degree). Keep it professional, concise (1-2 pages), and, if applying locally, write it in Italian. Learn more about non-UK CV best practices with the Europass CV example.

How do I format my CV in Italy?

An Italian CV should be concise (1-2 pages), written in reverse chronological order, and tailored to the job you’re applying for. Use a clear structure with sections for personal details (including a professional photo), a brief profile, work experience, education, skills, and languages.

What is an Italian CV?

An Italian CV is a professional document that outlines your qualifications, work experience, and skills for the Italian job market. It often includes a photograph, tailored sections such as a personal profile (Profilo personale). While similar to CVs in other countries, Italian CVs emphasise professionalism, clear formatting, and relevance to the role.

Is it hard to find a job in Italy?

Finding a job in Italy can be challenging, especially for non-Italians, due to factors like high unemployment rates in some regions, language barriers, and competitive job markets. However, opportunities exist in industries such as tourism, technology, engineering, and fashion, especially in larger cities like Milan and Rome. Networking, speaking Italian, and tailoring your CV to Italian standards can significantly improve your chances.

What jobs are in demand in Italy for UK jobseekers?

If you’re considering relocating to Italy for work, several sectors have strong demand for UK jobseekers:

• Healthcare: There’s a high need for hospital doctors, clinical psychologists, and specialist nurses, especially in English-speaking teams at major hospitals.

• Renewable energy and engineering: Solar and wind engineers, grid analysts, and land access managers are in demand, with growing investment in energy transition projects.

• Finance and fintech: Roles like mid-senior fintech advisors, investment brokers, and rating analysts are sought after by both international firms and Italian employers, especially in Milan and Turin.

• Technology and data: Data engineers and analysts can find opportunities, particularly through remote contracts or with Employer-of-Record platforms.

• Gaming and creative industries: Game designers, narrative leads, and technical artists are needed in studios across Turin, Bologna, and Florence.