When applying for jobs in Malta or anywhere in the European Union, having a European-style CV (often based on the Europass format) is essential. Employers across Europe expect a clear, structured, and skills-focused CV that presents your background in a professional and internationally recognisable way. Whether you are a student, fresh graduate, or experienced professional planning to work in Malta, it is important to format your CV according to EU hiring standards so employers can quickly understand your qualifications.

At Angel Jobs Malta, a trusted online job portal, we focus on making this process easier for you. We know that preparing a European-standard CV and cover letter can be challenging, particularly if you are new to the EU job market or applying from outside Malta. Our role is to guide you step by step, simplifying the format, structure, and content so your documents reflect your skills clearly and professionally. With the right support, you can create application materials that stand out and increase your chances of being shortlisted by employers in Malta and across the EU

Step-by-Step Guide to a European-Standard CV

(Angel Jobs Malta guiding the jobseeker)

We first encourage you to identify the exact job you want to apply for before you begin writing your CV. This ensures your CV is focused, relevant, and aligned with one specific role instead of appearing generic.

Step 1 – Decide the job you are targeting

• Start by reviewing the job advert in detail on an online job portal such as Angel Jobs Malta or the job portal you apply to.
• Read the job description carefully
• Examine the required skills, qualifications, and experience
• Pay attention to the responsibilities and duties listed
• Note any tools, software, or languages the employer mentions
• Highlight the most important parts of the advert posted on Angel Jobs Malta or the job portal you apply to
• Essential skills (what you must have)
• Desirable or preferred skills (what gives you an advantage)
• Key responsibilities you will be expected to handle
• Industry-specific terms or keywords used by the employer
• Understand what the employer considers important.
• Identify repeated skills, tasks, or qualifications mentioned in the job advert on Angel Jobs Malta.
• Notice whether the role stresses communication, teamwork, customer service, or technical abilities.
• Focus on one clear job direction.
• Choose the specific job title or role you are targeting
• Adjust your profile, skills, and experience so they align with that direction
• Ensure your CV immediately shows employers that your background fits the position you are applying for

By taking the time to target the job and align your CV with the employer’s expectations on Angel Jobs Malta, you create a strong and competitive European-standard document that makes the right first impression for roles in Malta and across the EU.

Step 2 – Choose a simple European-style layout

At Angel Jobs Malta, we guide you to use a layout that follows clear European hiring standards. A simple, well-structured CV helps employers read your information quickly and understand your background without confusion.

• Use a clean and professional format
• Keep your CV to one or two pages, depending on your experience
• Maintain consistent spacing, margins, and font sizes
• Avoid unnecessary graphics, colours, or decorative elements
• Follow a reverse chronological structure
• List your most recent job first, then move backwards
• Apply the same order to your education and other sections
• This format is preferred across Europe because it shows your latest experience immediately
• Organise your CV with clear section titles
• Profile – a short summary of who you are and what you offer
• Work Experience – your roles, responsibilities, and achievements
• Education – your qualifications and academic background
• Skills – your technical and soft skills relevant to the job
• Languages – list the languages you speak and include your proficiency level using the CEFR scale (A1–C2). CEFR is the European standard for describing language skills, where:
• A1–A2 = basic user,
• B1–B2 = independent user
• C1–C2 = proficient user.

This structure ensures your CV is easy for Maltese and EU employers on Angel Jobs Malta to scan, understand, and evaluate quickly.

Step 3 – Information You Should NOT Include in Your CV

A European-standard CV focuses only on relevant and professional details. Certain personal information is not required and should be avoided, as employers in Malta and across the EU do not use it in the recruitment process.

Do NOT include the following in your European-standard CV: Unless your employer asks you to add.

• Home address – city and country are enough
• Marital status – not relevant to employment decisions
• Religion – employers do not request or consider this
• Photo – only include a photograph if the employer specifically asks for it

Keeping unnecessary personal details out of your CV ensures you follow modern European hiring standards and maintain a professional, unbiased presentation.

Step 4 – Add additional supporting sections

Optional sections include:

• Certifications
• Short courses
• Volunteering
• Projects
• Awards

Step 5 – Ensure clarity, accuracy, and consistency

A European-standard CV must be easy to read and professionally presented. To achieve this, you must maintain a clear structure and consistent formatting throughout your document.

We encourage you to:

• Use one date format across your entire CV - Choose a format such as MM/YYYY or Month YYYY and apply it consistently in every section.
• Keep your formatting uniform - Use a single font style, maintain consistent spacing, and align your text properly so your CV looks tidy and organised.
• Write in clear, neutral, and professional English -  Avoid slang or overly casual language. Use straightforward sentences that employers can understand easily.
• Present information in a readable structure - Avoid long paragraphs or crowded sections. Break information into short, clear points so employers can scan your CV quickly.

Maintaining clarity and consistency helps your CV appear polished, professional, and aligned with European recruitment standards.

Next, we guide you to create a European-standard cover letter to match your CV.

Step 1 – Read the job advert again

We ask you to read the job advert line by line and identify the three to five most important requirements. These become the main points you will respond to in your cover letter. You treat the cover letter as your chance to explain how you match the role, especially in the context of working in Malta.

Step 2 – Use a clear, one-page structure

We guide you to keep your cover letter to one page. You include your contact details at the top (to match your CV), the date, and the employer’s details if you know them. You write a clear subject line such as “Application for [Job Title]”. You use a professional greeting such as “Dear Hiring Manager” if you do not know the person’s name.

Step 3 – Write a strong opening paragraph.

In your first paragraph, you introduce yourself and state which position you are applying for and where you found the vacancy (for example, “through Angel Jobs Malta”). You briefly mention your current role or background and show interest in the company or sector. This tells the employer immediately why you are writing.

Step 4 – Connect your experience to the role.

In the next one or two paragraphs, we guide you to choose two or three specific examples from your experience that match the employer’s needs. You do not repeat your whole CV. Instead, you select key achievements that prove you can do the job. You explain what you did, how you did it, and what results you achieved. You keep your sentences active and clear. This is where you “answer” the job description in a European-style, evidence-based way.

Step 5 – Show your motivation for Malta and the employer. 

We then ask you to include a short paragraph that explains why you want to work for this particular employer and why Malta is attractive to you professionally. You may mention the sector, the values of the company, or the opportunity to grow your skills. For employers in Malta, this motivation section is important, especially if you are applying from another country.

Step 6 – Close politely and confidently. 

In the final paragraph, you thank the employer for considering your application. You mention that you have attached your CV and that you are available for an interview, online or in person. You keep the tone polite, professional, and confident. You end with a standard closing such as “Yours sincerely” (if you used a name) or “Yours faithfully” (if you used “Dear Sir/Madam” or “Dear Hiring Manager”), followed by your full name.

Step 7 – Format, check, and save your cover letter.

We then guide you to check spelling and grammar, make sure the style matches your CV, and confirm that the letter is no longer than one page. You save it as a PDF with a professional name such as “FirstName_LastName_Cover_Letter.pdf”. This is the file you upload together with your CV when you apply through Angel Jobs Malta.

Is This Format Suitable for Malta Job Opportunities?

Absolutely. Malta follows European hiring standards, and a Europass-style CV is widely accepted across industries, including:

• Business & management
• Hospitality & Tourism 
• Education
• ICT
• Finance

A clean, European-format CV ensures great readability for Maltese employers and increases your chances of landing interviews.

Final Checklist Before Sending

• Saved as PDF
• 1–2 pages
• Professional, consistent formatting
• CEFR language levels included
• Strong work experience bullets
• Tailored summary
• Job-specific keywords
• Updated LinkedIn
• Cover letter attached

Final Thoughts

Your CV and cover letter are your introduction to potential employers. When you follow European standards, you show that you respect expectations and understand professional norms. Europass can support you with templates and structured guidance. Take time to structure your documents, use clear language, and highlight your strengths. With a well-prepared CV and a strong cover letter, you present yourself as a confident and capable candidate ready for opportunities across Malta.