Based on a webinar by the “Ukrainian Women in Bern” community and the USB Association
The Swiss labor market is one of the most competitive in the world. Top professionals from across the EU and beyond come here, attracted by some of the highest salaries globally. And that is exactly why simply sending your CV to hundreds of job openings does not work here. Iryna Perov, a business analyst in the Swiss public sector, spoke openly about this during a recent webinar for the Ukrainian-speaking community. Her experience—along with that of other participants—forms the basis of this practical guide. Here are the key takeaways.
The Swiss job market is not what it seems
The first thing to understand: 60–70% of jobs in Switzerland are never publicly advertised. They are filled through recommendations, direct contact, and internal networks before ever appearing on job platforms. Most candidates compete only for the 30–40% of positions listed on Jobs.ch or Indeed—and then wonder why they receive no responses. Iryna sent around 100 applications over six months. The result: five interview invitations and one job offer. That is the reality of the open market. But there is another way.
“Vitamin B” — you can’t do without it
In Switzerland, there is a half-joking term—“Vitamin B” (from the German *Beziehungen*, meaning connections). These contacts are what fill most hidden positions. There are several proven ways to access the hidden job market. Networking is key: attend job fairs, such as Talento, and immediately add new contacts on LinkedIn. The Swiss environment is formal but open—direct, polite outreach is well received. Cold outreach also works: find a department head on LinkedIn (not just HR), and write a short message explaining who you are, the value you bring, and why you are reaching out to them specifically. Don’t ask for a job right away—start by building a connection. Another tool is the “Initiativbewerbung” (speculative application): contacting a company you’re interested in even if there are no open positions. Many Swiss companies explicitly welcome such applications on their websites. Finally, it’s worth registering with recruiting agencies—Randstad, Univativ, Wilhelm—which have access to unpublished vacancies and direct connections with company leadership. “I found my first two jobs through recruiting agencies and one by reaching out directly to a company. It’s absolutely possible—but you need to work with the market systematically, patiently, and persistently,” says Iryna Perov.
CV: what works and what doesn’t
Swiss employers expect a specific format. Your CV should be no longer than two pages—no one reads more. A professional photo is mandatory: it’s standard, not optional. Send only PDFs—no Word documents. Indicate your work permit status (e.g., C permit, B permit)—this immediately removes uncertainty for the employer. And explain any gaps longer than six months. For those who arrived in 2022, the wording “language courses, integration program, and settling in Switzerland” is a perfectly acceptable explanation. The most important rule: tailor your CV to each job. Use keywords directly from the job description. Large companies filter applications automatically, if the right keywords are missing, no human will ever see your CV. “I spent months sending the same CV everywhere and got no responses. As soon as I started tailoring it, interview invitations began to come in,” shares one webinar participant.
Motivation letter: when it decides everything
Motivation letters are read less often than before. But when they are read, they can be decisive. A weak letter can undermine a strong CV. First, address a specific person—never write “Dear Sir or Madam.” Find the hiring manager’s name on LinkedIn or the company website. Start strong: not “I am applying for the position…,” but a concrete reason why this company or role matters to you. Describe actions, not adjectives: not “responsible and motivated,” but “I implemented,” “I led,” “I reduced X by Y%.” And finish confidently—instead of “I would be happy…,” write: “I look forward to the opportunity to demonstrate my value in a personal meeting.”
The hiring process: what to expect
Most companies respond within two weeks—either with an invitation or a rejection. After two weeks of silence, rejection is likely—but continue applying without waiting for previous responses. If you reach the final stage and receive a vague rejection, call the company directly (don’t email) and politely ask for specific feedback. Recruiters often give more honest answers over the phone than in writing.
Key takeaway
Job searching in Switzerland is a job in itself. It rewards those who approach it in a structured, persistent, and strategic way—not just those who send out a high volume of applications. You are not just a candidate. You are a solution for a company. Start from that.
