How to Write a CV in Iceland: Format & Guide 2026

Iceland has one of the world's smallest and most tightly connected labour markets, with fewer than 250,000 people in active employment. Writing an effective Icelandic CV requires understanding that personal networks matter greatly, that most hiring decisions involve direct contact, and that the standard for formatting is clean, concise, and Nordic in spirit. This guide covers the Iceland CV format, conventions, and what employers at Íslandsbanki, Landsbankinn, and other major organisations specifically look for.

The Iceland CV Format

The Icelandic word for CV is ferilskrá, though most professionals simply say CV or, for more formal applications, starfsferilsskrá. Two pages is the standard length for most applicants. Recent graduates and junior candidates should aim for one page. Senior professionals with extensive publication or project histories may extend to three pages if every entry is relevant.

Icelandic CVs follow a clean, uncluttered Nordic format: clear section headings, generous white space, and a professional but not overly formal tone. Elaborate graphic design is not expected; a well-structured Word or PDF document is entirely appropriate.

Language of the CV

Write in Icelandic for roles in the public sector, education, healthcare, and traditional industries. For positions in international finance, tech, marine technology, and energy sectors, or at multinational companies operating in Iceland, English is fully acceptable and often preferred. When the job posting is in English, submit in English. Many Icelandic professionals prepare both versions and submit the one that matches the posting language.

Professional Photo

A professional photo is common on Icelandic CVs, though not universally required. Place it in the top-right corner of the first page. The photo should be recent, professionally dressed, and taken against a neutral background. For public sector and government roles, a photo adds a personal touch that aligns with Icelandic workplace culture. For international firms and tech companies, a photo is more optional.

Personal Information

Include your full name, phone number, email address, and city of residence. Including your date of birth is common, particularly for applications to public institutions. A driving licence (B class) is worth including if the role involves any field work or travel between locations. Do not include your kennitala (national ID number) on a CV submitted to private employers.

Education

List degrees in reverse chronological order. The most recognised universities in Iceland are:

• Háskóli Íslands (University of Iceland) — the country's largest and most prestigious institution, covering law, medicine, social sciences, and humanities
• Háskólinn í Reykjavík (Reykjavik University) — strong in business, engineering, computer science, and law
• Háskólinn á Akureyri (University of Akureyri) — well regarded for fishing and marine science, nursing, and rural health programmes
• Landbúnaðarháskóli Íslands (Agricultural University of Iceland) — respected for environmental science and natural resource management
• LÍU (Iceland University of the Arts) — the primary institution for creative and design disciplines

For degrees completed abroad, include the institution name, country, and the Icelandic equivalent of your qualification. The Menntamálaráðuneytið (Ministry of Education) provides formal recognition assessments for foreign degrees.

Work Experience

List positions in reverse chronological order: job title, employer name, employment dates (month and year), and a brief description of responsibilities and achievements. Use concrete, quantified results where possible: budget managed, team size, volume of transactions, or project outcomes. Employers at major organisations like the National Power Company (Landsvirkjun), Icelandair, Samherji, and HB Grandi look for candidates who can articulate specific contributions, not just duties.

For roles in the public sector, managed through the Starfamannasala ríkisins portal, ensure your experience description maps directly to the competency criteria listed in the job advertisement.

Key Sectors and What Employers Look For

Iceland's formal labour market is concentrated in fisheries and marine technology, financial services, tourism, renewable energy, and an expanding technology sector. Íslandsbanki, Landsbankinn, and Arion Bank collectively employ thousands of professionals in banking, risk, and compliance. CCP Games, Meniga, and Kerecis represent the technology and biotech growth sectors.

For fisheries and marine roles, certifications from the Fisheries Iceland training programmes and experience with quota management or vessel operations carry weight. For energy sector positions at Landsvirkjun or HS Orka, engineering credentials and project management experience (PMP or equivalent) are valued. In the tech sector, AWS, Azure, and cloud architecture credentials stand out.

Cover Letter

A cover letter is standard in Icelandic applications. Keep it to one page. Address the hiring manager by name if known, as Iceland's small professional community makes this both possible and expected. The cover letter should explain why you want to work at that specific organisation, not just in that field. Personalised, direct letters outperform generic templates in a market where the recruiter may already know you.

Declaration

A formal declaration of authenticity is not a standard requirement on Icelandic CVs. References are listed as available on request or two to three named referees with contact details may be included, depending on the role.

Common CV Mistakes in Iceland

• Using a generic template without personalisation: In Iceland's small market, hiring managers notice when a cover letter and CV have not been tailored to their organisation.
• Listing kennitala on the CV: Never include your national ID number in a document sent to a private employer.
• Padding length unnecessarily: Icelandic employers value brevity. Two pages is the norm; exceeding it without strong justification reads as poor editing.
• Omitting language proficiency: Many roles require English and Icelandic fluency. State your proficiency level explicitly using CEFR notation (B2, C1, C2) or equivalent descriptors.
• Ignoring the public sector job portal: Roles with the Icelandic government require applications through the official Starfamannasala ríkisins system, not direct email.
• Generic descriptions of duties: Use active verbs and measurable outcomes rather than lists of responsibilities.