Application as Software Engineer

Software Engineer is a profession in IT / Software Development, typically entered via BSc Computer Science FH. Anyone applying here should know these requirements and pitfalls - specific to the Swiss job market, not generic.

Technical Requirements

• Solid, production-grade knowledge of at least one language
• Basic understanding of software architecture and design patterns
• CI/CD pipelines, containerization with Docker
• Cloud fundamentals, mostly Azure or AWS in Switzerland
• English C1, since teams are often international

Personal Requirements

• Willingness to take responsibility for your own code all the way to production
• Constructive handling of code reviews in both directions
• Interest in the business domain, not just the technology

Common Mistakes in the Application

• The cover letter reads like a summary of the CV instead of a reason for choosing this specific company
• The bachelor's thesis is mentioned only by title, without the question, method or result
• Applying in German to international employers even though the job posting is in English
• Internships and working-student positions are hidden under 'Miscellaneous'

Typical Employers in Switzerland

Google Zurich, Swisscom, Avaloq, Temenos, SIX, Roche Informatics, Zühlke, Ergon Informatik, ETH spin-offs.

Excerpt from a Cover Letter

Dear Mr. Brunner Alongside my computer science studies at FHNW, I worked 40 percent for a software company in Zug, where I built an interface between two inventory management systems. The company still runs on it today, and I learned what it means when an overnight batch job fails at three in the morning and you have to explain why the next day.

View the full sample