Creating a compelling CV (with Europass) and acing job interviews

Mar 4, 2025 | ukraine_jobs

A well-structured CV adapted to Romanian employers’ expectations—and strong interview preparation—can dramatically increase your chances of landing a good job. Even if your Romanian isn’t fluent yet, you can still showcase your background and accomplishments effectively. One of the easiest ways to build a clear, standardized, and internationally recognized résumé is to use Europass, a free online platform supported by the European Commission.

1. Tailor your CV with Europass

  1. What is Europass?

    • Official website: europa.eu/europass

    • Why tt’s helpful:

      • Structured format: Europass guides you to list your education, skills, and job experiences in a coherent layout recognized across Europe.

      • Multiple languages: You can create your CV in Romanian, English, or other EU languages, which is handy if you plan to share it with Romanian employers or international companies.

      • Skills profiling: The platform includes sections for “Digital Skills,” “Communication Skills,” or “Organizational Skills,” letting you detail abilities learned informally or from volunteer work—even if you lack formal diplomas.

  2. Sections to fill in

    • Personal information: Full name, contact details (email/phone), possibly a professional photo (common in Romania but not mandatory).

    • Work experience: List positions you held, starting from the most recent. Emphasize tasks and achievements, e.g., “Coordinated a team of 5,” “Increased sales by 20%,” etc.

    • Education and training: High school, university, or short courses. If you have partial Ukrainian transcripts, note them, and mention if you’re awaiting recognition from CNRED or relevant bodies.

    • Language skills: Europass uses the CEFR scale (A1–C2). Provide an honest self-assessment for each language you speak (Ukrainian, Romanian, English, etc.).

    • Additional skills/qualifications: Digital skills (Microsoft Office, programming languages), communication, time management, or any volunteer experiences.

    • References: Not mandatory, but Romanian employers often appreciate at least one reference contact or a statement “References available on request.”

  3. How to use Europass

    • Create a free account: Register at europa.eu/europass.

    • Build your profile: Fill out each section step-by-step. You can store multiple CV versions and updated info in your personal Europass library.

    • Download/share your CV: Once done, export it as a PDF or share the link. This standard format is widely accepted by Romanian companies, HR agencies, and government institutions.

  4. Highlighting skills without full documents

    • If your diplomas are still being recognized, mention it in the “Education” section: “Pending official recognition by CNRED.”

    • Emphasize practical skills, volunteer work, or significant projects (like humanitarian volunteering in Ukraine) in your “Additional Information” or “Projects” sections. Europass allows for extra fields to detail these experiences.

2. Certificates and diplomas

  1. Pending recognition

    • Note: “Diploma recognized in principle, awaiting final certificate from CNRED.” This signals to employers you have a legitimate academic background.

    • If your background is in a regulated profession (e.g., medicine, architecture), clarify that you’re actively seeking or in the process of equivalency.

  2. Partial documentation

    • If you only have partial documents or transcripts from Ukrainian universities, mention them. Use phrases like “Completed 3 years of Bachelor’s in [Field] at [Ukrainian Institution].”

  3. Additional credentials

    • If you’ve taken short professional courses (online or offline), mention them in your Europass CV. Romanian employers value certifications in digital skills, project management, or languages.

3. Job interview preparation

  1. Research the company

    • Website & social media: Understand the firm’s products, mission, or corporate culture. This helps you tailor your answers and show genuine interest.

    • LinkedIn: Check the employer’s recent posts or projects, which can give you talking points in the interview.

  2. Practice answers

    • Common questions: “Tell me about yourself,” “Why do you want to work here?”, “Describe a challenge you overcame at work.”

    • STAR Method: For problem-solving or conflict scenarios, structure your answer: Situation, Task, Action, Result.

  3. Addressing language gaps

    • If you’re still improving your Romanian, be transparent. Mention your current skill level (A2, B1, etc.) and highlight willingness to learn.

    • Offer solutions: “I can handle written tasks in English while continuing Romanian classes,” or “I’m taking a Romanian crash course with AJOFM.”

  4. Mock interviews

    • Friends or mentors: Practice with someone who can give honest feedback.

4. Online interviews

  1. Technical setup

    • Stable connection: If possible, use a wired Ethernet connection. Test your microphone and camera beforehand.

    • Neutral background: A quiet space with minimal distractions. Light from the front (like a window or lamp) is better than overhead or behind you.

  2. Body language

    • Eye contact: Look into the camera to mimic real eye contact.

    • Calm demeanor: Sit up straight; nod occasionally to show you’re listening. Try not to fidget.

  3. Digital etiquette

    • Timeliness: Log in 5–10 minutes early.

    • Dress code: Business casual at minimum—treat it like an in-person interview.

    • Backup plan: If your internet fails, have the interviewer’s phone number or email to quickly reconnect or switch to a voice call.

5. Follow-up

  1. Thank-you email

    • Within 24 hours, send a short, polite note to the interviewer(s):

      • Express gratitude for their time.

      • Reiterate your interest in the position.

      • Add any clarifications you might have missed.

  2. Persistence vs. Politeness

    • Second interviews: If they mentioned a “second stage” of interviews, wait patiently for the timeframe they gave.

    • Check-ins: If you haven’t heard back in the stated timeframe, one polite follow-up email is acceptable. Try not to be overly pushy—companies often have set HR processes.

  3. Europass updates

    • If you get new skills, tasks, or short training after the interview, update your Europass CV promptly. That way, if a second interview arises, you can re-send your latest version or reference any new experiences.

Additional resources & tips

  • Europass official website:

    • europa.eu/europass/en

    • What you’ll find:

      • CV Builder with step-by-step instructions in multiple languages.

      • Digital credentials section for storing e-certificates.

      • Templates for cover letters—also helpful if a Romanian employer requests a short letter explaining your motivation.

  • LinkedIn profile

    • Align with Europass: After finalizing your Europass CV, mirror its content on your LinkedIn. Use the same job titles, skill descriptions, and add a professional photo.

    • Endorsements & Recommendations: Ask former colleagues, classmates, or NGO supervisors for endorsements or recommendation letters.

  • Romanian Government – ProtectieUcraina Job-Related Section

    • protectieucraina.gov.ro/1/

    • What you’ll find:

      • Updates on labor laws for Ukrainian refugees.

      • Guides on social benefits or child allowance if you’re working.

      • Possibly links to local job fairs or language programs.

  • Interview language

    • If the employer is comfortable with English, you can do the interview in English. If they request Romanian, do your best—but don’t hide your level. They appreciate honesty and your readiness to learn or use alternative communication in the short term.

Building a compelling CV using Europass helps you present your skills in a clear, standardized format that Romanian HR teams appreciate. Even if you have incomplete documentation from Ukraine, highlight your practical expertise, volunteer experiences, and any pending diploma recognition. For job interviews, thorough research, practiced communication, and a professional follow-up can set you apart from other candidates.

Keep your Europass CV updated as you gain new experiences or skills—whether from volunteer work, language courses, or short-term positions. By pairing a strong Europass résumé with confident (yet honest) interview performance, you’ll navigate the Romanian job market more smoothly, showcasing your capabilities to potential employers and boosting your chances of securing a rewarding position.

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Share 0