Looking for a job in Norway but struggling to write your CV in Norwegian? You’re not alone! Many non-native speakers find it challenging to structure their CV correctly, use professional language, and highlight their skills in a way that appeals to Norwegian employers.
But don’t worry – this guide will walk you through the key sections of a Norwegian CV, common phrases to use, and essential tips to avoid translation mistakes. By the end, you’ll have a CV that looks professional and increases your chances of landing a job in Norway.
Understanding the Norwegian CV Format
A Norwegian CV is typically clear, concise, and to the point. Norwegian employers appreciate efficiency, so avoid long paragraphs and stick to the most relevant information. A standard CV should be one to two pages long, structured as follows:
1. Personal Information (Personlige opplysninger)
At the top of your CV, include:
- Full name (Fullt navn)
- Phone number (Telefonnummer)
- Email address (E-postadresse)
- Location (City and country) – No need for a full address
- LinkedIn profile (optional)
Tip: Unlike some countries, you don’t need to include your marital status or a photo – unless the employer specifically asks for it.
2. Work Experience (Arbeidserfaring)
List your work experience in reverse chronological order (most recent job first). Each entry should include:
- Job title (Stillingstittel)
- Company name (Firma)
- Dates of employment (Arbeidsperiode)
- Key responsibilities and achievements (Ansvarsområder og resultater)
Example:
Markedsføringsspesialist | ABC Media | 2020 – nåværende
- Planlegging og gjennomføring av digitale kampanjer
- SEO-optimalisering og innholdsstrategi
- Analyse av markedsdata for å forbedre konverteringsrater
Tip: Use action verbs like “ledet”, “utviklet”, “analyserte”, “koordinerte” to show what you contributed.
3. Education (Utdanning)
Again, list your education in reverse order, including:
- Degree or qualification (Grad eller sertifisering)
- Institution name (Institusjon)
- Year of graduation (Årstall)
Example: Master i digital markedsføring | Universitetet i Oslo | 2018 – 2020
If you have international degrees, consider briefly explaining the Norwegian equivalent (e.g., “equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree in Norway”).
4. Skills (Ferdigheter)
This section is crucial! Norwegian employers value both technical skills (tekniske ferdigheter) and soft skills (personlige egenskaper).
Example:
- Språk: Flytende engelsk, middels norsk (B1)
- Verktøy: Adobe Photoshop, Google Analytics, Microsoft Office
- Personlige egenskaper: Strukturert, problemløsende, samarbeidsvillig
Tip: If your Norwegian isn’t fluent yet, mention your proficiency level (A1-C2) to set clear expectations. This follows the CEFR framework, which is widely recognized by employers and helps clarify your language skills.
Want to improve your Norwegian to polish of your CV? Have a look at our Norwegian Classroom courses or our Norwegian Online courses!
5. Certifications & Courses (Sertifiseringer og kurs)
List any additional training relevant to the job, such as:
- Project management courses
- Language certifications (e.g., Norskprøven B2)
- Industry-specific training (e.g., Google Ads Certification)
6. Summary (Sammendrag)
This section is optional but highly recommended. In 2–3 sentences, introduce yourself and highlight your key skills and experience. If you’re not confident in your Norwegian, keep it simple and double-check the grammar.
7. References (Referanser)
Unlike in some countries, it’s common to write “Oppgis ved forespørsel” (Available upon request) instead of listing references directly. If the employer asks, be prepared to provide 2-3 professional references.
Common Norwegian CV Phrases
Here are some useful phrases to make your CV sound more natural:
Key responsibilities:
- Ansvarlig for… (Responsible for…)
- Utviklet og implementerte… (Developed and implemented…)
- Samarbeidet med… (Collaborated with…)
- Forbedret prosesser innen… (Improved processes within…)
Achievements:
- Økte salget med X% på seks måneder. (Increased sales by X% in six months.)
- Reduserte kostnader med… (Reduced costs by…)
- Lanserte en vellykket kampanje som… (Launched a successful campaign that…)
Avoiding Common Translation Mistakes
Many non-native speakers rely too much on Google Translate, which can lead to awkward phrasing. Here’s how to avoid the most common mistakes:
- Avoid word-for-word translations: Some job titles may sound unprofessional or incorrect in Norwegian. Instead, use industry-specific terms that align with local expectations.
- Avoid overcomplicated language: Keep it professional but simple, Norwegian employers value clarity and efficiency.
- Avoid grammar errors: Norwegian has different word order and sentence structure than English.
Tip: Have a native speaker review your CV or use a tool like Jobseeker.com to format and build your CV professionally.
Final Tips for a Strong Norwegian CV
A well-crafted CV is your ticket to making a strong first impression on Norwegian employers. They appreciate efficiency, relevance, and professionalism, so keeping your CV clear, concise, and tailored to the job is key.
Writing a Norwegian CV might feel daunting at first, but with these guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to making a great first impression.
Now it’s time to apply for that job – lykke til!
