Application as Scrum Master

Scrum Master is a profession in IT / Agile Methodology, typically entered via BSc Business Information Technology FH. Anyone applying here should know these requirements and pitfalls - specific to the Swiss job market, not generic.

Technical Requirements

• Scrum and Kanban in practice, not just from the textbook
• Facilitating retrospectives using varying formats
• Working with Jira or Azure DevOps
• Scaling frameworks such as SAFe or LeSS in larger organizations
• PSM or CSM certification usually expected

Personal Requirements

• Restraint - the role serves the team, it does not lead it
• Ability to handle conflict with management and the team
• An eye for group dynamics

Common Mistakes in the Application

• The role is described as project management under a different name
• A certificate is present, but there is no statement about the teams supported
• Only successes are mentioned - handling a stuck team is often what convinces most
• Not a word about collaboration with Product Owners, even though that is the critical interface

Typical Employers in Switzerland

Swisscom, SBB, Swiss Post, UBS, Zurich Insurance, Migros, Zühlke, Federal Office of Information Technology FOITT.

Excerpt from a Cover Letter

Dear Mr. Gasser For three years I have supported two development teams of seven people each at an insurance company. One team ran smoothly from the start; the other had a conflict between development and the Product Owner that blocked every planning session. It took us half a year - among other things through joint refinements instead of separate preparation - before commitments were kept again. That second experience taught me more than the first.

View the full sample