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. To simplify the process, check out our CV templates and tips on writing a professional CV.

What’s in this guide?

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

• Insider tips for job applications in Italy.

• Writing your CV in Italian.

• The next steps in your job search.

Customise this modello CV Italiano

Start now

Make CV writing a breeze with CVMaker's easy-to-use tools and customisable CV templates.

Italian CV example 

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

Unlike the UK, in Italy, it is strongly recommended to include a photo to your CV to make it more personal. If you decide to attach a photo to your CV, make sure it's a professional one. There are many tools available nowadays to make a professional headshot with AI! Learn more about attaching a photo to your CV.

The main section sections for an Italian CV 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.

What is a personal profile (“Profilo professionale”) on a 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

Examples of work experience on an Italian CV

Sales Assistant

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%.

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

Administration Assistant

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

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 qualitifcations 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 modeling. 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.

Get an Italian CV in just a few clicks

Try it now

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 have already made a English CV with CVMaker, you can easily make a Italian translation. In "My CVs" you can choose to "duplicate" the English CV. You can then set the language of the duplicate CV in the "Customise" step to "Spanish". All headings and labels are now automatically translated, you still have to translate everything you have entered. Or you can choose to customise the Spanish CV example provided when you select to create a 'New CV'.

Key takeaways

• An Italian CV 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 personalet. 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.