How to Write a CV in Finland: Format & Guide 2026

Finland combines a Nordic welfare economy with a competitive industrial base and a dynamic technology sector. Finnish CVs are among the most concise in Europe: content is prioritized over presentation, and anything that does not directly support the application is left out. Understanding what Finnish employers expect, and what they specifically do not want, is as important as the content itself.

Document Name and Length

The document is called an ansioluettelo in Finnish or a CV in English-language contexts. Standard length is one to two pages; one page is the norm for candidates with fewer than ten years of experience. Exceeding two pages is uncommon in the private sector and is typically reserved for academic or senior executive applications.

Language

For Finnish-language employers and most domestic companies: write in Finnish. For international companies operating in Finland (Nokia, Wärtsilä, KONE, Neste, Fortum, SAP Finland, Microsoft Finland): English is acceptable and often preferred. In the Ostrobothnia and Åland regions, where Swedish is the primary language, a Swedish-language CV may be appropriate for local public-sector roles.

Professional Photo

A professional photo is not expected on a Finnish CV. Including one is unusual and may be considered inappropriate given Finland's equality legislation. Do not include a photo unless an employer explicitly requests one.

Personal Information

Include: full name, phone number, professional email address, city of residence, and a LinkedIn URL for professional roles. Do not include date of birth, marital status, nationality, or national ID number. These are not expected on a CV in Finland and their inclusion is unusual to a local recruiter.

Education

Finland's higher education system divides between universities (yliopisto), which focus on academic and research programs, and universities of applied sciences (ammattikorkeakoulu, abbreviated AMK), which have a professional orientation. The most recognized institutions:

• University of Helsinki: the country's flagship university, strong in law, medicine, social sciences, and natural sciences
• Aalto University (formed from Helsinki University of Technology, Helsinki School of Economics, and the University of Art and Design Helsinki): engineering, business, architecture, and design; highly valued by technology and industrial sector employers
• Tampere University: engineering, information technology, medicine, and social sciences
• University of Turku: business, law, and sciences
• LUT University (Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology): technology and business, strong in energy and sustainability
• Hanken School of Economics: the Finnish Swedish-language business school, valued in finance and international trade

State the exact degree, major, institution, and graduation year. The distinction between yliopisto and AMK degrees is understood by Finnish employers; do not obscure it.

Work Experience

List experience in reverse chronological order. For each role include: job title, employer name, employment period, and three to five bullet points with specific achievements. Finnish employers value factual, unembellished descriptions. Avoid marketing language and focus on what you actually did and the concrete result.

Finland's most recognized employers include: Nokia, KONE, Wärtsilä, Neste, Fortum, UPM-Kymmene, Stora Enso, Outokumpu, Metso, Finnair, and technology companies including Supercell, Rovio, and WithSecure (formerly F-Secure). In the public sector, government ministries, Kela (the Social Insurance Institution of Finland), and regional health authorities are major employers.

Skills and Languages

List Finnish, Swedish (if applicable), and English proficiency levels using CEFR. Swedish is a co-official language and a meaningful differentiator for roles in Swedish-speaking regions or in companies with significant Swedish market exposure. Other languages, including German, French, and Russian, are an advantage in international trade and manufacturing roles.

Technical skills should be listed specifically. For software engineering roles: programming languages, frameworks, and development environments. For engineering and manufacturing: relevant CAD tools, simulation software, and industry standards (ISO, IEC).

Key Sectors

Finland's main employment sectors include: technology (Nokia, gaming with Supercell and Rovio, a growing SaaS startup scene centered on Helsinki), industrial manufacturing (KONE elevators, Wärtsilä marine engines, Metso mining and aggregates, Neste renewable fuels), energy and cleantech (Fortum, Helen), forestry and paper (UPM, Stora Enso), financial services (OP Financial Group, Nordea Finland, Sampo Group), and a strong public sector including healthcare and education.

Cover Letter

A cover letter (hakukirje or motivaatiokirje) is expected for most job applications in Finland. It should be concise: three to four paragraphs covering why you want this specific role at this specific company, what you bring, and your availability. Finnish employers are skeptical of hyperbolic language; write plainly and specifically.

Common CV Mistakes in Finland

• Including a photo: not expected and can create an unfavorable impression; omit it
• Exceeding two pages: Finnish recruiters value efficiency; a long CV often signals poor prioritization rather than broad experience
• Including date of birth, nationality, or marital status: these are not expected and may raise questions about unfamiliarity with Finnish norms
• Generic cover letters: Finnish employers identify template letters immediately; tailor every application to the company and role
• Overusing adjectives: describing yourself as "dynamic," "passionate," or "results-driven" without evidence carries no weight; state facts instead
• Ignoring language expectations: applying to a Finnish-language employer with an English-only CV signals limited Finnish proficiency