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With approximately 500 million native Spanish speakers globally and 13% of the U.S. population speaking Spanish, writing a Spanish resume is crucial for job seekers in Spanish-speaking markets. 

This guide outlines how to write a Spanish resume, or Spanish CV as it’s known in Europe, to meet the specific requirements of Spanish-speaking countries, whether you’re targeting opportunities in the U.S. or abroad.

Along with a complete Spanish resume sample, you’ll learn essential formatting tips and answers to frequently asked questions that you can use alongside our AI resume builder.

How To Write a Resume in Spanish

If you need to write a resume in Spanish, go beyond simply translating the information. Adapt to Spanish conventions, taking into consideration the differences in layout and relevant details.

For example, make good use of bullet points. If you’re including more information than just dates, titles, and places, use bullet points to break up the information into digestible chunks.

Make your descriptions pop by using strong action verbs. A good Spanish-style resume vocabulary must include:

• Prepare (preparar)
• Achieve  (lograr)
• Obtain (conseguir)
• Promote (fomentar)

Be sure to describe your experiences in understandable ways. For example:

• Problem solving – resolución de problemas
• Teamwork – trabajo en equipo
• Time management – gestión del tiempo
• Communication skills – habilidades de comunicación
• Project management – gestión de proyectos

Spanish may be a foreign language to you, but the hiring manager will spot spelling or grammar mistakes in an instant. Ask a native speaker to proofread the finished product.

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Spanish Resume Example: Complete Template With Every Section

To create an eye-catching resume, use the following Spanish resume sample for guidance.

This can help you select relevant sections, format your resume effectively, and incorporate common terms and phrases used by Spanish-speaking recruiters.

Combine what you learn from the example with our templates and AI suggestions to build a custom Spanish resume template.

Spanish Resume Example

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Lucía Fernández López

Solicitando el puesto de Asistente de Investigación

📍 Calle Gran Vía, 15, 28013, Madrid

📧 lucia.fernandez.lopez@gmail.com

📞 612 345 7XX

🔗 linkedin.com/luciafernandezlopez

Perfil profesional

Graduada en Biotecnología con un Máster Universitario en Investigación Biomédica, buscando su primera experiencia profesional remunerada. Tras haber realizado mis prácticas en el Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de la Universidad Complutense, me gustaría tener la oportunidad de ampliar mis conocimientos laborales y aprender de destacados profesionales en el campo.

Experiencia laboral

Asistente de investigación (prácticas)

Instituto de Investigación Biomédica | Madrid

Octubre 2022 – Junio 2023

• Manejo de equipos de laboratorio avanzados
• Colaboración en proyectos de secuenciación genética
• Gestión y análisis de muestras biológicas
• Desarrollo de tareas en entorno de investigación regulado
• Análisis de datos para la mejora de procesos experimentales

Formación académica

Máster Universitario en Investigación Biomédica

Universidad Complutense de Madrid | Madrid

Septiembre de 2021 – Junio de 2023

Grado en Biotecnología

Universidad Autónoma de Madrid | Madrid

Septiembre de 2017 – Junio de 2021

Habilidades y aptitudes

• Análisis de datos e información
• Optimización de procesos y recursos
• Persona dinámica, proactiva, cooperadora y responsable
• Experiencia en trabajo en equipo y enfoque en objetivos
• Capacidad de organización de tiempos y tareas

Idiomas

Nivel nativo de español.

Información adicional

• Permiso de conducir
• Vehículo propio

To complete a resume for Spain, Mexico, or another Spanish-speaking nation or company, you’ll need to present both a Spanish curriculum and a cover letter, or carta de presentación. The ResumeCoach’s AI cover letter generator can help.

Format and Sections in a Spanish Resume

The Spanish resume follows a clear, standardized structure that helps recruiters quickly find key information.

In general, it should be no longer than two A4 pages and use consistent margins of 3 cm (just over 1 inch) from the top of the page and 2.5 cm (1 inch) from each side.

Your resume should begin with a clear header that includes your name and essential personal details, with sections arranged in an order familiar to Spanish-speaking employers.

Once this formatting is in place, you can adapt your resume to meet local standards and avoid early rejection, as outlined in the sections below.

Photo on a Spanish resume

While not mandatory, the Spanish curriculum commonly includes a passport-sized photo. The photo should show only the head and shoulders. 

Use a professional headshot, not a selfie or a cropped group photo. A good professional photo will:

• Have good image quality, not pixelated due to small file size.
• Be set against a neutral background, such as a solid-colored wall or simple pattern
• Be framed at eye level with no distortion or distracting elements

Traditionally, Spanish-speaking recruiters expect a photo. In Spain, failure to include one might result in your application being discarded. In other regions, such as Mexico, expectations vary by industry.

Especially in tech positions, the ‘anonymous CV’ (one without a photo) is becoming increasingly accepted.

Personal information (Datos personales)

In the header for your resume, include a section dedicated to contact and personal information.

• Full name – Nombre completo (First and Last name = Nombre y Apellido).
• Address – Dirección or Ubicación (Estado, Zona, Región, Ciudad).
• Email address – Correo electrónico.
• Phone number – Número de teléfono.
• ID number (optional) – In Spain, the NIE or número de identidad extranjero gives permission to work and pay into the tax and social security system.

Be careful about over-sharing sensitive personal data, such as age or marital status. These details are no longer common on resumes in Spanish.

Education and training (Formación académica)

The education or training section is often found at the top of a resume for Spanish-speaking countries, especially for entry-level or student resume candidates.

This section should list:

• Degrees and certificates
• Professional courses
• Training programs in reverse chronological order, including the type of qualification (with a Spanish equivalent where possible)
• Institution or academy name
• Location and start/end dates

You can combine academic degrees and professional training in the same section, or list only the most recent/relevant.

Grades are optional, but if included, they should be converted into a format that is easily understandable in your target country.

Professional experience (Experiencia profesional)

Next, the work experience section should list the most recent and important positions you have held. List previous posts in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent and working backward.

You don’t have to include every job you’ve ever held; focus on those related to the company, industry, or position you’re applying to.

Add internships and significant volunteer experience in this category, especially if you’re just entering the workforce.

Each entry should include:

• Name of position/Job title
• Company name/sector 
• Location
• Dates of employment (DD/MM/YYYY format)
• Bulleted description of tasks and responsibilities

In your descriptions, the use of the Spanish equivalent of the first person singular ‘I’ – ‘Yo’ should be limited. Instead, simply use the past or infinitive form of the verb.

Strong Spanish resume verbs include coordinar (to coordinate), desarrollar (to develop), implementar (to implement), optimizar (to optimize), and gestionar (to manage). Consider the following examples:

• Coordiné un equipo de 5 personas para completar proyectos antes del plazo.
• Optimicé procesos administrativos, reduciendo errores en un 20%.
• Desarrollé informes mensuales para apoyar la toma de decisiones internas.

Skills (Habilidades y competencias)

The most essential skills that you should mention in this section are those directly related to the job you’re applying for. You’ll find them in the job description.

Try to demonstrate both hard and soft skills. Hard skills are technical abilities (i.e., a programming language) while soft skills are personality traits (attention to detail, working well under pressure, etc.).

Some of the most crucial to highlight on a Spanish resume include linguistic abilities and IT skills. If your target job focuses on one of these skill sets, you might even make a dedicated section for it. Otherwise, include all in one section.

Your skills list might include:

• Gestión de proyectos internacionales
• Atención al cliente bilingüe

Languages (Idiomas)

You can add the languages you speak with your skills or in a dedicated language section. Include your level of mastery. 

For Spain, use the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), which rates fluency on a scale of basic knowledge to native fluency (A1 to C2).

Alternatively, you can use descriptive levels: básico (basic), intermedio (intermediate), avanzado (advanced), bilingüe (bilingual), lengua materna (native/mother tongue). Always be honest and candid in your descriptions.

If you have completed any universally recognized exams, such as a DELE (Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera = Diploma of Spanish as a Foreign Language), include them in this section.

What might this look like on your skills list?

• Gestión de proyectos internacionales
• Atención al cliente bilingüe

Hobbies and interests (Aficiones)

Only around 30% of Spanish recruiters value a hobbies and interests section, so it should be treated as optional. When added, it must be relevant and present a more well-rounded professional profile.

Sometimes, carefully chosen interests can reinforce shared values and strengthen your application.

Avoid filler content and focus on activities that add value, such as volunteering, team sports, or membership in professional associations.

Additional information (Información adicional)

You may have additional qualifications that don’t fit well in other categories. Here, you might provide:

• Availability
• Driving license type
• Right-to-work details
• Key certifications, such as first aid or project management

Remember, make sure anything you include is relevant to the job you’re seeking.

Resume in Spanish for Mexico

When applying for jobs in Mexico, it’s important to tailor your resume to meet local expectations rather than simply translating an existing one. 

In Mexico, a resume is commonly referred to as a CV or currículum and is similar to those used in Spain or the hoja de vida in other Latin American countries.

The main difference is the education section. In CVs in Spanish in Mexico, this should be highly detailed, including college activities, honors, and awards. 

Another notable difference is the use of a separate “Actualizaciones” or updates section, where candidates list recent courses, certifications, or professional training instead of adding them to the education section. 

While the overall structure is similar to Spain’s, these small adjustments can make a strong impression.

Differences between a Spanish resume for Spain vs. Latin America

Depending on whether you send your resume to Spain or a country in Latin America, you may need to focus on certain sections differently, or even leave parts out.

There are also dialect and language considerations to be aware of. To help you see key differences in a resume in Spanish by location, take a look at the table below.

Aspect	Resume for Spain	Resume for Latin American countries
Photo	Commonly included and generally expected, especially for traditional roles.	Less common and sometimes discouraged to avoid bias, depending on the country and company.
Regional adaptation	Recruiters expect alignment with European standards and terminology.	Localization by country is important (Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, etc. differ slightly).
Verb tenses	Frequently uses the present perfect for recent experience (he trabajado este año).	More commonly uses the simple past even for recent actions (trabajé este año).

Common Questions About Writing a Spanish Resume

Below, you’ll find answers to common questions about Spanish resume tips.

What is the difference between an American resume and a Spanish CV?

CVs in Spanish contain less narrative detail than American resumes. Lists of achievements or responsibilities are straightforward.

Often, Spanish resumes contain a photo, while American ones do not. American resumes are more likely to have a Skills section and Hobbies section, but these are becoming more common in Spanish job markets.

What does a Spanish resume look like?

A Spanish resume typically includes sections for personal information (name, contact details, and a photo), a professional summary, education, work experience, and skills including languages. Additional information like certifications or availability can be listed in an optional section.

How do I create a resume in Spanish?

• Step 1: Collect your contact information, education and work history, skills, and any other relevant information.
• Step 2: Create a document using the correct Spanish terms for each section. 
• Step 3: Use bullet points in your descriptions.
• Step 4: If originally written in English, translate your text into Spanish.
  Step 5: Use ResumeCoach’s resume builder with Spanish templates to make formatting your document easy.

By following these steps, you can create your resume or “Spanish CV“ in minutes.

How do you describe your Spanish language skills in a resume?

Specify your proficiency level using terms like básico (basic), intermedio (intermediate), avanzado (advanced), or nativo (native). 

You can also use standardized levels such as A1-C2 from the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Specify whether your skills are spoken, written, or reading.

What should I include in a Spanish resume with no experience?

Focus on highlighting your education and skills. You can also include internships, volunteer work, and any relevant extracurricular activities. Your projects and coursework can give evidence of your skills in action.

Write a short personal profile to demonstrate how these experiences equip you for the job at hand and convey your career goals and enthusiasm.