'Inside Swiss Hiring: What HR Really Looks For' — Interview with a Job Counselor from RAV
We spoke with Nadine Keller, an HR consultant and career advisor who works with job seekers through RAV (the Swiss public unemployment office Regionales Arbeitsvermittlungszentrum). She shared the key elements that make a difference in a Swiss job application — and the most common mistakes applicants make.
Nadine, what’s the biggest misunderstanding job seekers have about Swiss applications?
SWISSHIREKIT
They often think it's about ticking boxes — correct CV length, correct layout. But what’s really missing in most applications is positioning. People describe tasks they’ve done, but forget to position themselves as future collaborators.
When I read a motivation letter, I ask myself: “Would I feel comfortable introducing this person to my client or team?” That’s not about perfection. It’s about clarity and resonance. Are they showing me that they understand what we do — and that they care?
When I read a motivation letter, I ask myself: “Would I feel comfortable introducing this person to my client or team?” That’s not about perfection. It’s about clarity and resonance. Are they showing me that they understand what we do — and that they care?
Nadine Keller
HR consultant
What would you like applicants to keep in mind when writing to HR?
SWISSHIREKIT
Imagine you’re on the other side of the table. What would make you trust a stranger with a key project? What kind of person would you want to vouch for in front of your own boss?
Start there. Show that you took the time to research the company. Tell me what in our work matters to you. Tell me how your experience can help me succeed — not just how it helped your last employer.
Start there. Show that you took the time to research the company. Tell me what in our work matters to you. Tell me how your experience can help me succeed — not just how it helped your last employer.
Nadine Keller
HR consultant
What is one common thing that leads to rejections?
SWISSHIREKIT
Generic content. You can always tell when a letter has been copy-pasted to 20 companies. When I see “I am highly motivated and a good team player,” I stop reading.
Instead, talk about one specific challenge from your past role. Tell me what was hard, what you learned, and what that means for my context. That builds trust.
Instead, talk about one specific challenge from your past role. Tell me what was hard, what you learned, and what that means for my context. That builds trust.
Nadine Keller
HR consultant
How do you help your RAV clients improve their applications?
SWISSHIREKIT
We work on language, tone, and intent. One of the first things I suggest is to remove unnecessary complexity — both in design and in wording.
We also work on how to show readiness without arrogance. For example: instead of writing “I am the best fit,” write “I believe my experience in X and Y may help your team in Z.”
And always remember: even if you’re unemployed, you’re not powerless. You’re offering your time and skills — make that value visible.
We also work on how to show readiness without arrogance. For example: instead of writing “I am the best fit,” write “I believe my experience in X and Y may help your team in Z.”
And always remember: even if you’re unemployed, you’re not powerless. You’re offering your time and skills — make that value visible.
Nadine Keller
HR consultant
You contributed to the Swiss Hire Kit. Which part are you most proud of?
SWISSHIREKIT
The structure of the motivation letter. I suggested a format where the applicant starts with the company, not themselves — a perspective shift that changes everything.
It’s just one page, but when done right, it opens doors.
It’s just one page, but when done right, it opens doors.
Nadine Keller
HR consultant
Want to apply with confidence?
SWISSHIREKIT
Full Swiss Hire Kit (5 guides), ready-to-use templates, full pack for successful job applications in Switzerland + Free Bonus: 🎁 Swiss Hiring Checklist.
Limited launch: 25 CHF — no-questions-asked refund within 7 days.
30
CHF
60
CHF
Get everything you need to break into the Swiss job market. The Swiss Hire Kit includes guides for CV, Motivation Letter, Email Etiquette, Bewerbungsunterlagen, and Salary Estimation — plus editable templates and bonus checklists. No guessing, no surprises — just a clear, Swiss-standard system.
Guide 1: Swiss CV Template + Lebenslauf Guide
Guide 2: Swiss Email Etiquette Guide
Guide 3: Swiss Motivation Letter Guide
Guide 4: Swiss Documents Package Guide
Guide 5: Swiss Salary Estimation
🎁 Launching Free Bonus: Swiss Hiring Checklist included — a real Swiss HR checklist to double-check your application before sending.
Guide 1: Swiss CV Template + Lebenslauf Guide
Guide 2: Swiss Email Etiquette Guide
Guide 3: Swiss Motivation Letter Guide
Guide 4: Swiss Documents Package Guide
Guide 5: Swiss Salary Estimation
🎁 Launching Free Bonus: Swiss Hiring Checklist included — a real Swiss HR checklist to double-check your application before sending.