Your CV got you interviews back home. That does not mean it will work in Denmark. Danish employers have specific expectations about CV format, content, and style. This guide shows you how to adapt your CV to the Danish job market.
The good news: once you understand Danish CV conventions, adapting your existing CV is straightforward. The key is knowing what to include, what to leave out, and how to present yourself.
Danish CV basics: What to include
A standard Danish CV contains these sections:
Personal information
- Full name
- Phone number (with country code)
- Email address (professional)
- Address (city is often enough)
- LinkedIn profile (optional but recommended)
Profile summary
A brief paragraph (3-5 sentences) summarizing who you are, what you offer, and what you are looking for. This is your elevator pitch on paper.
Work experience
- Most recent job first (reverse chronological)
- Company name, your title, dates
- Bullet points describing responsibilities and achievements
- Focus on results, not just tasks
Education
- Degrees, institutions, graduation years
- Relevant coursework or thesis (if applicable)
- Exchange programs or international experience
Skills
- Languages (with proficiency levels)
- Technical skills relevant to the job
- Certifications
Photo: Yes or no?
In Denmark, including a photo is common but not required. Unlike some countries where photos are discouraged due to anti-discrimination concerns, Danish CVs often include a professional headshot.
If you include a photo
- Use a professional, recent photo
- Neutral background, good lighting
- Business casual attire
- Friendly but professional expression
- No selfies or vacation photos
If you prefer not to include one
That is also acceptable. Many companies, especially international ones, do not expect photos.
Length and format
How long should it be?
- 1-2 pages is standard
- Entry-level: 1 page is fine
- Experienced professionals: 2 pages is acceptable
- Academic CVs can be longer
Format preferences
- PDF is the standard format
- Clean, readable layout
- Consistent fonts and spacing
- Avoid overly creative designs unless you are in a creative field
Key point: Danish employers value clarity and substance over flashy design. Your CV should be easy to scan quickly.
What to leave out
Some information common in other countries should not appear on a Danish CV:
- Date of birth: Not necessary (age discrimination is illegal)
- Marital status: Private information
- Nationality: Generally not needed (your work permit status is separate)
- Religion or political affiliation: Never include
- References: Provide upon request, not on the CV
- Salary expectations: Discuss during interviews
Language: Danish or English?
This depends on the job and company:
Write in English if
- The job posting is in English
- The company is international
- You do not speak Danish fluently
Write in Danish if
- The job posting is in Danish
- The role requires Danish language skills
- You are confident in your written Danish
If in doubt, check the company website and job posting for clues about their working language.
Tailoring for the Danish mindset
Remember what you learned about Danish work culture? Apply it to your CV:
Show results, not just responsibilities
- Instead of: "Responsible for sales"
- Write: "Increased regional sales by 25% through new client acquisition"
Demonstrate teamwork and collaboration
Danes value team players. Highlight collaborative projects and cross-functional work.
Be factual, not boastful
Present achievements confidently but without exaggeration. Danes can smell overselling.
Show initiative and independence
Include examples where you took ownership or solved problems proactively.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Too long: Danes appreciate brevity. Edit ruthlessly.
- Generic content: Tailor your CV to each job application.
- Unexplained gaps: Address career breaks briefly.
- Typos: Have someone proofread, especially if writing in Danish.
- Outdated information: Keep your CV current.
Practical tips
- Use action verbs: Led, developed, implemented, achieved
- Quantify where possible: Numbers make achievements concrete
- Include relevant keywords: Match the job posting language
- Get feedback: Ask a Dane to review your CV for cultural fit
Try it yourself
Before sending your next application:
- Review your CV against this guide
- Remove any information that should not be there
- Add a profile summary if you do not have one
- Convert at least 3 job descriptions from tasks to achievements
Frequently asked questions
Should I translate my CV to Danish?
Only if you can do it well. A poorly translated CV is worse than a good English one. If the job requires Danish and you are still learning, mention your language level and willingness to improve.
How do I explain my foreign degree?
Include the degree name, institution, country, and year. You can add a brief note like "Equivalent to Danish Master's degree" if relevant. Some professions require formal credential recognition.
Can I use a creative CV design?
It depends on the industry. Creative fields (design, marketing) may appreciate a visually distinctive CV. For most corporate roles, a clean, professional design works best.
Next steps
Your CV is ready. Now you need a cover letter that complements it. In the next guide, we will cover how to write cover letters that work in Denmark – because the approach is different from what you might be used to.