How to Write a CV for Swedish Tech Companies

In Sweden, tech companies get a lot of applications. Most international candidates get filtered out quickly—not because they aren't good enough, but because their CV doesn't quite 'feel' like what Swedish recruiters are used to seeing. This guide walks you through exactly what we look for.

Keep it short: 1–2 Pages Max

Swedish recruiters love it when you get straight to the point. If your CV is longer than two pages, it often signals that you can't prioritize what matters—which is a big deal in a tech role. Stick to one page for every 5 or 7 years of work. If you're a real veteran, three pages is the absolute limit, but only if every line is high-value.

Yes, include a professional photo

Unlike parts of the US or UK, having a photo on your CV is expected in Sweden. It helps recruiters put a face to the name and makes your application feel complete. Just make sure it’s a professional, clean headshot—the same kind you’d use on LinkedIn.

CV Structure Swedish Recruiters Expect

Swedish CVs follow a reverse-chronological format. The order that works consistently:

1. Contact details — name, email, phone, LinkedIn, GitHub or portfolio
2. Professional summary — three to four lines maximum
3. Core technical skills — languages, frameworks, tools, platforms
4. Work experience in reverse chronological order
5. Education
6. Languages spoken

How to Describe Your Experience

Each role should describe impact, not just duties. Swedish recruiters want to know what changed because of your work. Use this formula:

ATS Compatibility

Most Swedish tech companies use ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) as a first filter. Your CV needs to pass the machine before a human sees it. Avoid tables, columns, graphics, and headers or footers — these break most ATS parsers. Use a clean single-column layout, standard section headings, and plain fonts. Save as PDF.