Do marital status and the number of children still belong on a Swiss CV? This question causes uncertainty for many job seekers. While listing these personal details used to be taken for granted, the modern job application world has changed significantly. Especially in times when diversity and equality are given high priority (at least on paper), the usefulness of such details comes into question.
In this article, we clarify how to handle this personal information in 2026, the advantages and disadvantages of including it, and how you can protect yourself against unconscious bias.
The Swiss Tradition: Why We Do It in the First Place
In international comparison, especially compared to Anglo-Saxon countries (USA, UK), the Swiss job market is more traditional. In the US, it is strictly forbidden to request details about age, gender, marital status, or even an application photo on a CV. In Switzerland, on the other hand, a photo is still standard for many recruiters, and the date of birth is almost always included.
However, when it comes to marital status (single, married, divorced) and children, this tradition is crumbling. More and more modern companies in Switzerland are adopting international standards and focusing exclusively on skills. Nevertheless, there are still many conservative sectors (such as banks, traditional industry, or small family businesses) where a "complete" CV according to the old model is expected.
Marital Status and Children: The Modern Solution
The short answer is: You do not have to state your marital status or children on your CV. There is no law in Switzerland that obliges you to do so, and from a purely professional perspective, this information has no direct influence on your professional qualifications.
Nevertheless, you should make your decision consciously. Here are the most important points to consider:
1. When Leaving It Out Makes Sense
If you are applying to international corporations, tech startups, or modern agencies, you can safely omit this information. The focus here is clearly on your transferable skills and your experience. Omission protects you from "unconscious bias". Unfortunately, there are still companies that immediately fear impending maternity leave with a married woman in her early 30s or assume frequent sick leave with single parents.
2. When Mentioning Children Can Be an Advantage
There are certainly situations where mentioning children can have a positive effect. For example, if you are looking for a part-time position (e.g. 60%) because you have a family, providing this information creates immediate clarity. In addition, some traditional HR managers interpret having a family as a sign of stability, responsibility, and reliability.
3. What About the Marital Status "Divorced"?
The word "divorced" has absolutely no place on a CV. It is a purely personal detail that can often trigger negative associations (stress, financial issues) when read, even if completely unjustified. If you want to state your marital status, stick to "single" or "married". If you are divorced, simply leave out your marital status altogether.
The PARAT Connection: Your CV, Your Rules
With the PARAT CV Wizard, you easily decide for yourself which personal details you want to place on your CV. Our standard Swiss templates are designed so that the layout adjusts automatically—whether you include marital status and children or leave them out completely.
Thanks to intelligent structuring, no awkward gaps are created if you decide to leave these fields blank. This allows you to decide individually for each application whether you want to present yourself in a conservative or modern way.
Conclusion: Base It on the Company Culture
There is no strict right or wrong anymore. Research the company carefully before applying. Does the employer seem traditional and regionally rooted? Then a classic CV including family status can score points. Is the company modern, agile, and internationally active? Then leave out the private details and focus on what really counts: your skills and your motivation.
Don't let yourself be put in a box. You are the director of your application, and you decide how much of a stage to give your personal life.
