How to Write a CV in Moldova: Format & Guide 2026
Moldova is a small Eastern European country with one of the most remittance-dependent economies in the region, but its formal labour market is modernising rapidly as EU association deepens and the IT sector expands. With EU candidate status granted in 2022, Moldovan employers are increasingly aligning with European hiring standards, making a well-structured, internationally competitive CV more important than ever.
CV Format in Moldova
The document is called a CV (curriculum vitae) or reluare (Romanian). The standard length is one to two pages. The Europass format is widely recognised and commonly used for applications to government institutions, EU-funded projects, and public administration. A clean, professional design is expected. PDFs are the standard submission format.
Language of the CV
Romanian (officially called "Moldovan Romanian" or "Moldovan" in some government contexts, though linguistically identical to Romanian) is the official language and dominant language for CVs in domestic companies and public administration. Russian is widely spoken and may be relevant for applications to companies serving the Russian-speaking community or operating in Transnistria-adjacent markets. English is increasingly used for IT sector roles, international organisations, and companies with EU connections. Match the CV language to the job posting.
Professional Photo
A professional photo is commonly included on Moldovan CVs. Place it at the top right in portrait ID-card format, with formal attire and a neutral background. For applications to EU-funded projects and international NGOs operating in Chișinău, the photo is optional and increasingly omitted following Western European practice.
Personal Information
Include: full name, date of birth, nationality, address in Chișinău or the relevant town, phone number, and email. Marital status is occasionally included for traditional employers. The national identity number (IDNP) is not included in the CV body. For foreign candidates, indicate your residence permit status.
Education
List education in reverse chronological order. The main institutions recognised by Moldovan employers include Moldova State University (USM), Technical University of Moldova (UTM), the Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova (ASEM), the State Medical and Pharmaceutical University Nicolae Testemiţanu, the State Pedagogical University Ion Creangă, and the Free International University of Moldova (ULIM). Degrees from Romanian universities (Universitatea Alexandru Ioan Cuza, Universitatea Babeș-Bolyai), from Ukraine, or from EU countries are well recognised. The Bologna Process alignment means EU degrees transfer readily.
Work Experience
List experience in reverse chronological order with the job title, employer, dates, city, and a description of responsibilities with measurable results. Recognised formal-sector employers in Moldova include Orange Moldova, Moldcell (now Unite), Maib (Moldova Agroindbank), Moldindconbank, Moldovagaz, Premier Energy (E.ON distribution successor), METRO Cash and Carry Moldova, Kaufland Moldova, and technology companies such as Endava Moldova, Pentalog Moldova, and Cerebrum Hub. International organisations including the EU Delegation to Moldova, UNDP Moldova, USAID Moldova, and the World Bank Moldova office are major professional employers in Chișinău.
Skills and Languages
Group technical skills by category. For languages, use CEFR levels. Romanian is listed first. Russian proficiency is an asset for many roles given the bilingual nature of Moldovan society. English is increasingly required in IT and international business. French is an asset through Moldova's Francophonie membership and scholarship links. Technical certifications valued in Moldova include ACCA (accountancy), PMP (project management), Microsoft and AWS certifications (IT), and CISCO networking qualifications.
Key Sectors
Moldova's formal economy centres on agriculture and food processing (wine, fruit, sunflower oil), telecommunications (Orange Moldova, Unite), banking (Maib, Moldindconbank), retail (Kaufland, METRO, Linella), information technology (Endava, Pentalog, Cerebrum Hub), and international development funding. Wine production is a significant heritage industry, with brands including Cricova, Mileștii Mici (holder of the world's largest wine cellar by volume), and KVINT (from Tiraspol). The IT sector has grown strongly, positioning Moldova as a nearshore development destination for EU markets.
Cover Letter
A cover letter of one page is expected for formal applications in Moldova. For EU-funded project roles, demonstrate understanding of the specific programme's objectives and Moldova's EU integration agenda. For private sector roles, focus on how your competencies match the employer's specific needs.
Common CV Mistakes in Moldova
- Using a photo that is too informal: for the local market, a formal ID-style photo is the standard.
- Listing duties without outcomes: "handled client accounts" is weaker than "managed a portfolio of 45 corporate clients, growing revenue by 18%."
- Omitting Russian or English language levels: both are often tested and their absence signals limited range.
- Using an outdated objective section: replace with a brief, targeted professional profile summary.
- Not including EU-alignment experience: given Moldova's EU accession path, experience with EU-standard regulations (GDPR, procurement rules, food safety) is increasingly valued.