What to Include in a Malta CV
A Malta CV should follow standard European CV conventions while reflecting local hiring practices and employer expectations. Recruiters in Malta generally expect clear structure, practical detail, and transparency around language ability and work eligibility.
The sections below outline what is typically included in a Malta CV and how each section should be approached.
Personal Information
Start your Malta CV with clear personal and contact details.
Include:
- Full name
- Phone number and email address
- Nationality
- City or town of residence
- Work permit or residency status if you are not an EU citizen
Including a professional photo is common in Malta, although it is not mandatory. If you choose to include one, it should be professional and neutral.
Professional Summary or Objective
A short professional summary or objective helps employers quickly understand your profile.
This section should:
- Be two to three sentences long
- Summarize your professional background or career goals
- Be tailored to the specific role or industry
For entry level candidates, this is a good place to explain motivation and career direction.
Work Experience
Work experience should be listed in reverse chronological order.
For each role, include:
- Job title
- Company name and location
- Dates of employment using month and year
- Key responsibilities and achievements
Focus on relevant experience and measurable outcomes where possible. The STAR method can be used to structure achievement focused bullet points.
Skills
A dedicated skills section is expected on a Malta CV.
Include:
- Job related technical skills
- Soft skills relevant to the role
- Industry specific competencies
Employers in Malta often value adaptability, teamwork, customer service, and communication skills.
Language Skills
Malta is bilingual, with English and Maltese as official languages.
Clearly list your proficiency in:
- English
- Maltese
Additional languages such as Italian, French, or German are often viewed as an advantage, especially in tourism, hospitality, and international business roles.
Certifications and Licenses
Include professional certifications, licenses, or training that are relevant to the role or industry. This helps demonstrate credibility and ongoing professional development.
Education and Qualifications
List your education in reverse chronological order, including:
- Institution name
- Degree or qualification
- Dates of attendance or graduation
Highlight specializations or achievements that are relevant to the job.
References
In Malta, it is common to state that references are available upon request rather than listing referees directly on the CV.
This approach keeps the document concise while signaling preparedness.
Malta CV Example
How to Write a Malta CV
To write a Malta CV that aligns with local employer expectations, follow these steps in order. Maltese recruiters value clarity, relevance, and transparency around language ability and work eligibility.
Step 1: Add Personal and Contact Information
Begin your Malta CV with complete and up to date personal information.
Include your full name, phone number, email address, nationality, and location. If you are not an EU citizen, clearly state your work permit or residency status. A professional photo may be included and is common in Malta, but it is not mandatory.
Step 2: Write a Professional Summary or Objective
Add a short summary at the top of your CV that explains who you are professionally and what role you are targeting.
This section should be concise and tailored to the job or industry. For recent graduates or career changers, an objective statement outlining motivation and career goals is acceptable.
Step 3: List Work Experience in Reverse Chronological Order
Present your work experience starting with your most recent role.
For each position, include the company name, location, job title, employment dates, and a short list of responsibilities and achievements. Focus on experience that is relevant to the role and highlight measurable outcomes where possible.
International or EU work experience is generally viewed positively in Malta and should be clearly stated.
Step 4: Add a Skills Section
Create a dedicated skills section that reflects the requirements of the role.
Include technical skills, job specific competencies, and relevant soft skills. Employers in Malta often value communication, adaptability, teamwork, and customer focused experience.
Step 5: List Language Skills Clearly
Language ability is important in Malta due to its bilingual environment.
List your proficiency in English and Maltese clearly. Additional languages such as Italian, French, or German can strengthen your application, particularly in tourism, hospitality, and international business roles.
Step 6: Include Education, Certifications, and Licenses
Add your education history in reverse chronological order, including degree titles, institutions, and dates.
List any professional certifications or licenses that support your application and demonstrate relevant expertise.
Step 7: Review and Tailor Your CV
Before submitting your Malta CV, review it carefully.
Ensure that formatting is consistent, information is accurate, and content is tailored to the job description. A focused, role specific CV performs better than a generic version.
How to Format a Malta CV
A Malta CV should be clean, structured, and easy to scan. Employers in Malta generally follow European CV standards and prefer formats that clearly present experience, skills, and language ability.
CV Format Type
The most commonly used and preferred format in Malta is the reverse chronological CV.
This format lists your most recent experience first and is suitable for most professionals. Skills based or functional formats may be used by recent graduates or career changers, but reverse chronological remains the standard choice.
CV Length
A Malta CV should typically be one to two pages in length.
- One page is acceptable for entry level candidates or those with limited experience
- Two pages are common for professionals with several years of experience
- Academic or research focused CVs may be longer when appropriate
Content relevance is more important than filling space.
Font and Readability
Use professional and readable fonts that are widely accepted.
Common choices include Arial, Calibri, and Times New Roman. Font size should generally range from 10 to 12 points for body text, with clear section headings.
Avoid decorative fonts or excessive styling.
Margins and Spacing
Use adequate margins and spacing to improve readability.
- Margins of approximately 2.5 cm on all sides are standard
- Line spacing of 1.0 or 1.15 is recommended
- Use bullet points to break up text and highlight key information
A well spaced layout makes it easier for employers to scan your CV quickly.
Tailoring for the Maltese Job Market
Formatting should support clarity and relevance.
Ensure your CV highlights skills, experience, and language abilities that match the job description. Avoid generic formatting choices that distract from content or reduce readability.
A simple and consistent format improves both recruiter review and digital submission compatibility.
CV Tips and Rules for Malta
Malta CVs follow clear conventions that reflect European hiring standards and local workplace expectations. While flexibility exists, certain rules are consistently applied by employers across industries.
CV Length
A Malta CV should be concise and focused.
- One to two pages is standard
- Content should prioritize relevant experience and skills
- Unrelated or outdated information should be removed
Employers in Malta value clarity and relevance over lengthy descriptions.
Language Expectations
English is the primary language used for CVs in Malta and is widely accepted across industries.
For roles that require local knowledge or public interaction, demonstrating proficiency in Maltese can be an advantage. CVs should only include content in Maltese if the job description specifically requests it.
CV Versus Resume in Malta
In Malta, the term CV is used more commonly than resume.
A Malta CV is typically more detailed and includes education, work experience, skills, and certifications. Short resume style documents are less common unless specifically requested by the employer.
Focus and Relevance
Malta CVs should be tailored to the role and industry.
Avoid generic descriptions and ensure that skills, experience, and language ability align with the job requirements. Tailored CVs consistently perform better than broad, unfocused applications.
How to List Personal Information on a Malta CV
Personal information on a Malta CV should be clear, professional, and relevant to employment eligibility. Employers in Malta expect enough detail to assess contactability and legal right to work without unnecessary personal disclosure.
Personal Details to Include
The following details are commonly included at the top of a Malta CV:
- Full name
- Phone number with Malta country code (+356)
- Professional email address
- City or town of residence
- Nationality
Including your location and nationality helps employers quickly assess availability and eligibility.
Work Permit or Residency Status
If you are not an EU citizen, it is strongly recommended to state your work permit or residency status.
Examples include:
- Work permit valid
- Permanent resident
- Employment visa holder
Clarifying this information early can prevent delays during screening.
Optional Personal Details
Some personal details are optional and should only be included if relevant:
- Date of birth
- LinkedIn profile
- Marital status
Marital status is generally omitted unless specifically requested in the job description.
Professional Photo on a Malta CV
Including a professional photo is common in Malta but not mandatory.
If you choose to include a photo:
- Place it at the top of the CV
- Use a neutral background
- Dress in professional attire
- Ensure good lighting and image quality
Photos should support professionalism and should not distract from content.
How to Write a Winning Work Experience on a Malta CV
Work experience is the most important section of a Malta CV. Employers focus on this section to understand your responsibilities, achievements, and relevance to the role.
Experience should be presented clearly, factually, and in a way that highlights contribution rather than job descriptions alone.
Structure for Work Experience on a Malta CV
List your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent role.
Each position should include:
- Job title
- Company name
- Location including city and country
- Dates of employment written as month and year
- Bullet points outlining responsibilities and achievements
Consistency in structure helps employers scan and compare candidates more easily.
Writing Effective Bullet Points
Bullet points should focus on impact and outcomes.
- Start each bullet point with a clear action verb
- Emphasize results and contributions rather than routine tasks
- Use numbers, percentages, or measurable outcomes where possible
The STAR method can be used to structure achievement focused bullet points, but content should remain concise and relevant.
Level of Detail Expected in Malta
Maltese employers prefer practical detail without excessive length.
- Three to five bullet points per role is usually sufficient
- Focus on experience that is relevant to the position
- Highlight international or EU experience when applicable
Clear and relevant descriptions are more effective than long lists of duties.
Example Work Experience Entries
- Led a team of 10 in developing a new project management system, increasing efficiency by 20% within the first quarter.
- Exceeded sales targets by 30% through effective client relationship management and strategic marketing initiatives.
Education Background on a Malta CV
Education on a Malta CV should be presented clearly and in a way that supports your professional profile. Employers in Malta value recognized qualifications, relevant fields of study, and practical outcomes.
How to List Education on a Malta CV
List your education in reverse chronological order, starting with your highest or most recent qualification.
Each education entry should include:
- Degree or qualification title
- Institution name
- Location including city and country
- Graduation date or dates of attendance
- Field of study or major
Consistency in format makes it easier for employers to review qualifications quickly.
Level of Detail Expected
The level of detail depends on your career stage.
- Recent graduates may include relevant coursework, projects, or internships
- Experienced professionals should keep education concise and focus on qualifications
- Academic or research roles may require more detailed education sections
Education should support your candidacy without overwhelming the CV.
Local and International Qualifications
Maltese employers are familiar with local institutions such as the University of Malta and MCAST.
For international qualifications:
- Clearly state the institution and country
- Use standard degree titles
- Avoid unnecessary grade conversions unless requested
Clarity is more important than detailed academic explanation.
Example Format to List Education on a Malta CV
Example 1:
Degree: Master of Science in Marketing Institution: University of Malta, Msida, Malta Graduation Date: November 2021 Major: Marketing and Digital Strategy Relevant Projects: Developed a digital marketing campaign strategy for a local NGO, resulting in a 40% increase in online engagement.
Example 2:
Degree: Bachelor of Arts in European Studies Institution: University of Malta, Msida, Malta Graduation Date: June 2019 Major: European Studies and International Relations Relevant Courses: European Policy Analysis, Political Economy of the EU, Research Methods in Political Science
Example 3:
Degree: Diploma in Tourism and Hospitality Management Institution: MCAST, Paola, Malta Graduation Date: October 2017 Major: Hospitality Management Relevant Projects: Led a research project on sustainable tourism practices in Malta, collaborating with local tourism boards.
How to List Skills on Your Malta CV
The skills section of a Malta CV should highlight competencies that are directly relevant to the role and easy for employers to scan. Skills should support your work experience rather than repeat it.
Structuring the Skills Section
Use a dedicated skills section with clear grouping.
Common groupings include:
- Technical or job specific skills
- Soft skills
- Language skills
Avoid long paragraphs. Use bullet points or short lists to improve readability.
Technical and Job Related Skills
Start with skills that are directly related to the job.
- List tools, software, systems, or methods you have used
- Use terminology that matches the job description
- Prioritize skills you can demonstrate through experience
Employers in Malta value practical and applicable skills.
Soft Skills
Soft skills should be included selectively.
- Choose skills that are relevant to the role
- Avoid generic traits without context
- Commonly valued soft skills in Malta include communication, teamwork, adaptability, and problem solving
Soft skills are most effective when supported by examples elsewhere in the CV.
Language Skills
Language ability is particularly important in Malta.
- Clearly list proficiency in English and Maltese
- Include other languages such as Italian, French, or German when applicable
- Use clear proficiency descriptions such as fluent, professional, or basic
Language skills are often used as an initial screening factor.
Example Format for Skills Section on a Malta CV
Skills
- Project Management: Successfully led multiple projects from planning to completion, ensuring deadlines and budgets were met.
- Digital Marketing: Proficient in social media marketing, SEO, and content strategy, increasing online engagement by 25%.
- Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience in public speaking and client presentations.
- Technical Skills: Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel, WordPress, and Adobe Photoshop.
- Language Skills: Fluent in English and Maltese, conversational in Italian.
References on a Malta CV
Including references directly on a Malta CV is generally not required unless the employer specifically asks for them. Most candidates indicate availability rather than listing referees.
Standard Practice in Malta
The most common approach is to include a short line at the end of the CV stating that references are available upon request.
This signals preparedness while keeping the CV concise and focused on qualifications and experience.
When to Include References
In some cases, employers may request references upfront.
This is more common in:
- Senior or managerial roles
- Positions of trust or responsibility
- Roles within smaller organizations
If references are requested, ensure that they are relevant to the role and that you have informed your referees in advance.
Formatting References if Included
When references are included, present them clearly and professionally.
Include:
- Referee name
- Job title
- Organization
- Contact information
Use referees who can speak positively about your work and, where possible, who are familiar with the Maltese or EU working environment.
What type of CV is preferred in Malta?
A reverse chronological CV is the most commonly preferred format in Malta. This format highlights recent work experience and provides a clear career timeline, which employers find easy to review.
Skills based or functional CVs may be suitable for recent graduates or career changers, but most employers expect a standard Malta CV format unless stated otherwise in the job advertisement.
Should I include a cover letter with my CV in Malta?
Yes, including a cover letter with your Malta CV is highly recommended. Employers view cover letters as an opportunity to understand motivation, communication skills, and suitability for the role.
Cover letters should be tailored to the job and written in professional English unless the employer specifies otherwise.
What format should my CV file be in when applying for jobs in Malta?
PDF is the preferred file format when submitting a Malta CV. A PDF preserves formatting and ensures the document displays correctly across devices.
If an employer requests a different format, such as a Word document, you should follow the instructions in the job posting.
Is it common to include references in a Malta CV?
It is not necessary to list references directly on a Malta CV unless requested. Most candidates include a short line stating that references are available upon request.
Employers typically ask for references later in the hiring process.
Should I mention my hobbies and interests on a Malta CV?
Including hobbies and interests on a Malta CV is optional. They should only be added if they demonstrate transferable skills or are relevant to the role.
Irrelevant or overly personal interests are best omitted.
What is the ideal file size for submitting a CV in Malta?
A Malta CV should generally be kept under 1 to 2 MB. Smaller file sizes upload more easily and reduce the risk of technical issues.
Avoid large images or unnecessary design elements to keep the file size manageable.
Should I follow up after submitting my CV to an employer in Malta?
Yes, following up is considered professional in Malta. If you have not received a response within one to two weeks, a polite follow up email is appropriate.
Keep the message brief and express continued interest in the role.
How important is it to tailor my CV for each job application in Malta?
Tailoring your Malta CV for each application is very important. Employers value candidates who align their skills, experience, and language with the specific job requirements.
Tailored CVs consistently perform better than generic submissions.