How to Write a CV in Norwegian: Language and Format Tips

Introduction

In today’s competitive job market, having a well-crafted CV (Curriculum Vitae) is essential for landing your dream job in Norway. Whether you’re a native Norwegian speaker or learning the language, creating a CV in Norwegian requires attention to detail, cultural awareness, and a good grasp of the language. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of writing an effective Norwegian CV, covering language nuances, formatting tips, and cultural considerations.

Understanding the Norwegian Job Market

Before diving into the specifics of CV writing, it’s crucial to understand the Norwegian job market. Norway has a strong economy and a high standard of living, making it an attractive destination for job seekers. The country’s economy is diverse, with key sectors including oil and gas, seafood, renewable energy, and technology.

However, the job market can be competitive, especially for non-native speakers. Many Norwegian companies prioritize candidates who can communicate fluently in Norwegian, even if the working language is English. This is because strong Norwegian skills are often seen as an indicator of cultural integration and long-term commitment to working in Norway.

To increase your chances of success, consider investing in your Norwegian language skills. Taking Norwegian classes can significantly improve your ability to write a compelling CV and communicate effectively in job interviews. If you’re in Oslo, you might want to check out the Norwegian courses offered by NLS Norwegian Language School (https://nlsnorwegian.no/norwegian-course-learn-norwegian-the-flexible-way/). Their flexible learning options can help you improve your language skills while preparing for the job market.

General Structure of a Norwegian CV

A typical Norwegian CV follows a similar structure to CVs in other countries, but with some specific cultural expectations. Here’s a general outline:

1. Personal Information (Personalia)
2. Work Experience (Arbeidserfaring)
3. Education (Utdanning)
4. Skills (Ferdigheter)
5. Languages (Språk)
6. Interests and Activities (Interesser og aktiviteter)
7. References (Referanser)

Let’s explore each section in detail, focusing on language and formatting tips.

1. Personal Information (Personalia)

This section should be at the top of your CV and include:

• Full name (Fullt navn)
• Date of birth (Fødselsdato)
• Address (Adresse)
• Phone number (Telefonnummer)
• Email address (E-postadresse)

In Norway, it’s common to include your date of birth and marital status, although the latter is optional. Unlike in some countries, it’s not customary to include a photo unless specifically requested.

Language tip: Use the Norwegian format for dates (DD.MM.YYYY) and phone numbers (+47 XXX XX XXX).

Example: Personalia Navn: Kari Nordmann Fødselsdato: 15.05.1990 Adresse: Osloveien 123, 0350 Oslo Telefon: +47 123 45 678 E-post: kari.nordmann@epost.no

It’s important to note that in Norway, personal identification numbers (personnummer) are not typically included on CVs due to privacy concerns.

2. Work Experience (Arbeidserfaring)

List your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job. For each position, include:

• Job title (Stillingstittel)
• Company name (Firmanavn)
• Dates of employment (Ansettelsesperiode)
• Brief description of responsibilities and achievements (Kort beskrivelse av ansvarsområder og prestasjoner)

Language tip: Use action verbs in the past tense when describing your responsibilities and achievements. Some useful Norwegian verbs include:

• Ledet (Led)
• Utviklet (Developed)
• Implementerte (Implemented)
• Oppnådde (Achieved)
• Samarbeidet (Collaborated)
• Koordinerte (Coordinated)
• Analyserte (Analyzed)
• Effektiviserte (Streamlined)

Example: Arbeidserfaring

Markedsføringskoordinator ABC Selskap AS, Oslo August 2018 – nåværende

• Utviklet og implementerte sosiale mediestrategier som økte engasjementet med 50%
• Ledet et team på fem personer i gjennomføringen av vellykkede markedskampanjer
• Samarbeidet med salgsavdelingen for å optimalisere kundeopplevelsen
• Analyserte markedstrender og konkurrenters aktiviteter for å informere strategiske beslutninger

When describing your work experience, focus on achievements rather than just listing responsibilities. Use specific examples and quantify your accomplishments whenever possible. This approach helps potential employers understand the impact you’ve had in your previous roles.

3. Education (Utdanning)

List your educational background in reverse chronological order, including:

• Degree or qualification (Grad eller kvalifikasjon)
• Institution name (Institusjonsnavn)
• Years of study (Studieår)
• Relevant coursework or thesis title, if applicable (Relevante fag eller oppgavetittel, hvis aktuelt)

Language tip: Use the Norwegian names for degrees and educational institutions. If you studied abroad, you can include the original name in parentheses.

Example: Utdanning

Master i Markedsføring Handelshøyskolen BI, Oslo 2016 – 2018 Masteroppgave: “Digitale markedsføringsstrategier i norsk e-handel”

Bachelor i Økonomi og Administrasjon Universitetet i Oslo 2013 – 2016

If you have relevant certifications or additional training, you can include these in a separate subsection under Education. For example:

Tilleggsutdanning

Digital Markedsføring Sertifisering Google Digital Garage 2019

4. Skills (Ferdigheter)

In this section, list your relevant skills, both technical and soft skills. Be specific and tailor this section to the job you’re applying for.

Language tip: Use Norwegian terms for common skills. Here are some examples:

• Prosjektledelse (Project management)
• Kundeservice (Customer service)
• Dataanalyse (Data analysis)
• Presentasjonsteknikk (Presentation skills)
• Teamarbeid (Teamwork)
• Problemløsning (Problem-solving)
• Kreativ tenkning (Creative thinking)
• Strategisk planlegging (Strategic planning)

Example: Ferdigheter

• Avanserte ferdigheter i Microsoft Office-pakken
• Erfaring med CRM-systemer (Salesforce)
• Sterk analytisk evne og datavisualisering
• Utmerket kommunikasjon og presentasjonsteknikk
• Flytende i norsk og engelsk, både skriftlig og muntlig
• Erfaring med SEO og SEM-verktøy
• Grunnleggende kunnskap om HTML og CSS

When listing your skills, consider categorizing them into groups such as technical skills, soft skills, and industry-specific skills. This organization can make it easier for potential employers to quickly identify your strengths.

5. Languages (Språk)

Norway is a multicultural society, and language skills are highly valued. List all languages you speak, along with your proficiency level.

Language tip: Use the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) to indicate your proficiency level:

• A1-A2: Grunnleggende (Basic)
• B1-B2: Selvstendig (Independent)
• C1-C2: Avansert (Proficient)

Example: Språk

• Norsk: Morsmål
• Engelsk: Flytende (C2)
• Tysk: Selvstendig bruker (B2)
• Spansk: Grunnleggende (A2)

If you’re still in the process of learning Norwegian, you can indicate this by mentioning your current level and that you’re actively improving. For example:

• Norsk: Selvstendig bruker (B2), aktivt forbedrer språkferdigheter gjennom kurs ved NLS Norwegian Language School

This shows potential employers that you’re committed to improving your Norwegian skills, which can be a significant advantage in the job market.

6. Interests and Activities (Interesser og aktiviteter)

This section is optional but can help showcase your personality and potential cultural fit. Include hobbies, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities that are relevant to the job or demonstrate valuable skills.

Language tip: Use concise phrases to describe your interests.

Example: Interesser og aktiviteter

• Aktiv medlem av Oslo Markedsføringsforening
• Frivillig ved Oslo Internasjonale Filmfestival
• Ivrig fjellvandrer og skiløper
• Deltaker i lokale kodeklubber for barn
• Amatørfotograf med fokus på gatofotografi

When choosing which interests and activities to include, consider those that align with Norwegian values or showcase skills relevant to the job. For example, outdoor activities are highly valued in Norwegian culture, while volunteer work demonstrates social responsibility.

7. References (Referanser)

In Norway, it’s common to include references on your CV. You can either list them directly or write “Referanser oppgis ved forespørsel” (References available upon request).

If you choose to list references, include:

• Name (Navn)
• Title (Tittel)
• Company (Firma)
• Phone number (Telefonnummer)
• Email address (E-postadresse)

Example: Referanser

Ole Hansen Markedssjef, ABC Selskap AS Telefon: +47 987 65 432 E-post: ole.hansen@abcselskap.no

Anne Larsen Professor, Handelshøyskolen BI Telefon: +47 876 54 321 E-post: anne.larsen@bi.no

It’s a good practice to inform your references in advance that they may be contacted. Also, make sure to choose references who can speak to your professional abilities and work ethic.

Formatting and Design Tips

1. Keep it concise: Norwegian CVs are typically 1-2 pages long. Be concise and focus on the most relevant information.
2. Use a clean, professional font: Choose a readable font like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman, with a font size between 10 and 12 points.
3. Consistent formatting: Use consistent formatting throughout your CV, including font sizes, bullet points, and spacing.
4. White space: Ensure there’s enough white space to make your CV easy to read.
5. Use bullet points: Use bullet points to list your responsibilities and achievements, making it easier for employers to scan your CV quickly.
6. Proofread carefully: Check for spelling and grammatical errors. Consider having a native Norwegian speaker review your CV if possible.
7. Use subtle color: While keeping it professional, you can use a subtle color scheme to make your CV stand out. For example, you might use a dark blue for headings and black for body text.
8. Consider using columns: For certain sections like Skills or Languages, using a two-column layout can help you fit more information without sacrificing readability.
9. Use PDF format: Unless otherwise specified, save and send your CV as a PDF to ensure that your formatting remains intact across different devices and operating systems.

Language Considerations

Writing a CV in Norwegian requires more than just translating your existing CV. Here are some language considerations to keep in mind:

1. Use appropriate formal language: Norwegian has two written forms, Bokmål and Nynorsk. Most CVs are written in Bokmål, but check the job listing to see if Nynorsk is preferred.
2. Be aware of false friends: Some words in Norwegian may look similar to English words but have different meanings. For example, “akseptere” means “to accept,” not “to except.”
3. Use Norwegian date and number formats: Write dates as DD.MM.YYYY and use commas for decimal points (e.g., 1,5 instead of 1.5).
4. Adapt your language to the Norwegian work culture: Emphasize teamwork, collaboration, and flat organizational structures, which are valued in Norwegian workplaces.
5. Learn industry-specific terminology: Familiarize yourself with Norwegian terms related to your field. This is where taking Norwegian classes can be particularly helpful. Consider enrolling in a course at NLS Norwegian Language School (https://nlsnorwegian.no/norwegian-course-learn-norwegian-the-flexible-way/) to improve your professional Norwegian skills.
6. Use appropriate titles: In Norway, it’s common to use titles like “Herr” (Mr.) or “Fru” (Mrs.) less frequently than in some other countries. Instead, use the person’s full name when addressing them.
7. Be precise with your language: Norwegian business communication tends to be direct and to the point. Avoid overly flowery language or excessive self-promotion.
8. Use active voice: When describing your achievements and responsibilities, use active voice to make your statements more impactful.

Cultural Considerations

Understanding Norwegian work culture can help you tailor your CV to meet employers’ expectations:

1. Modesty: Norwegians generally value modesty. While it’s important to highlight your achievements, avoid overly boastful language.
2. Work-life balance: Norway places a high value on work-life balance. You can mention interests or activities that show you’re well-rounded.
3. Equality and flat hierarchies: Norwegian workplaces often have flat organizational structures. Emphasize your ability to work independently and as part of a team.
4. Environmental consciousness: Norway is known for its focus on sustainability. If relevant, highlight any experience or interest in environmental issues.
5. Innovation and technology: Norway is a technologically advanced country. Showcase your digital skills and ability to adapt to new technologies.
6. Social responsibility: Norwegian companies often have a strong focus on corporate social responsibility. If you have experience in this area, be sure to highlight it.
7. Diversity and inclusion: Norway values diversity in the workplace. If you have experience working in diverse teams or have relevant language skills, emphasize these points.
8. Outdoor culture: Norwegians generally have a strong connection to nature. If you have outdoor hobbies or experiences, mentioning them can help you connect with potential employers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overlooking language errors: Spelling and grammar mistakes can significantly impact your chances of getting an interview. Use spell-check tools and have a native speaker review your CV if possible.
2. Using informal language: Maintain a professional tone throughout your CV. Avoid slang or overly casual expressions.
3. Including irrelevant information: Focus on information that’s relevant to the job you’re applying for. Omit details that don’t add value to your application.
4. Neglecting to tailor your CV: Customize your CV for each job application, highlighting the skills and experiences most relevant to the position.
5. Forgetting to update contact information: Ensure your contact details are current and professional. Use a professional email address.
6. Using a non-Norwegian format: Stick to the Norwegian CV format, which may differ from formats used in other countries.
7. Omitting gaps in employment: If you have gaps in your work history, be prepared to explain them honestly if asked in an interview.

Tips for Non-Native Norwegian Speakers

If Norwegian is not your first language, here are some additional tips to help you create an impressive CV:

1. Highlight your language skills: Emphasize your Norwegian language proficiency and any other languages you speak.
2. Mention international experience: If you have worked or studied in other countries, highlight this experience as it can be valuable in a global workplace.
3. Explain foreign qualifications: If you have degrees or certifications from outside Norway, briefly explain their equivalence to Norwegian qualifications if necessary.
4. Show cultural adaptability: Demonstrate your ability to adapt to new cultures and work environments.
5. Use Norwegian phrases correctly: Pay attention to commonly used Norwegian phrases in CVs and use them appropriately.
6. Seek language support: Consider taking a Norwegian language course to improve your skills. The NLS Norwegian Language School in Oslo offers flexible learning options that can help you enhance your language proficiency for job applications and interviews.

Submitting Your CV

When submitting your CV, pay attention to the following:

1. File format: Unless otherwise specified, save your CV as a PDF to ensure formatting remains consistent across different devices and operating systems.
2. File name: Use a clear, professional file name, such as “Fornavn_Etternavn_CV.pdf” (FirstName_LastName_CV.pdf).
3. Cover letter: In Norway, it’s common to include a cover letter (søknadsbrev) with your CV. This should be written in Norwegian unless the job posting specifies otherwise.
4. Follow instructions: Carefully read the job posting and follow any specific instructions for submitting your application.

The Importance of Networking

In Norway, as in many other countries, networking can play a crucial role in your job search. Here are some tips for networking effectively:

1. Attend industry events and job fairs to meet potential employers and learn about job opportunities.