Building a Resume That Attracts International Electrical Employers

Introduction

Relocating from Global to Romania as a professional electrician can be a smart career move. Romania offers the rare mix of rising demand for skilled trades, EU-level projects and safety standards, competitive salaries, and a comparatively low cost of living. Whether your background is in residential wiring, industrial maintenance, renewable energy, or smart building systems, you can position yourself for success by building a resume and application package that speaks the language of international employers and Romanian hiring managers.

This comprehensive guide shows you how to craft a resume that gets noticed, how to translate your experience into Romanian and EU standards, which certifications matter most (including ANRE authorizations), what salaries and benefits to expect, and the exact steps to secure work authorization and settle in. If your goal is to work legally in Romania and access the broader European market, this is your roadmap.

Why Romania?

Romania is an EU member state with a fast-developing infrastructure and energy landscape. It offers:

• EU membership and standards: Employers operate under EU directives such as the Low Voltage Directive (2014/35/EU) and harmonized EN standards. Your work will align with international safety and quality expectations.
• Growing demand for electricians: Construction, industrial expansion, grid modernization, data center builds, and renewable energy projects are generating steady demand for licensed electricians and electrical technicians.
• Competitive salaries with lower living costs: While net salaries may be lower than in Western Europe, Romania's cost of living is also significantly lower, delivering strong purchasing power for skilled tradespeople.
• Gateway to European projects: Once you are authorized and established in Romania, you can target projects across the EU. Some employers deploy teams regionally, which can open higher-earning assignments.
• Quality of life: Vibrant cities like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi combine European amenities with affordable housing, reliable internet, extensive public transport, and access to mountains and seaside within a few hours.

Job Market Overview

Romania's electrical job market is diverse. Here are the sectors and roles where international electricians commonly find opportunities:

Renewable Energy Installations

• Wind farms: Installation, commissioning, and maintenance of turbines, substations, and medium-voltage systems. GWO Basic Safety Training often required for site access.
• Solar PV: Residential, commercial, and utility-scale installations. Demand for string inverter and central inverter experience, DC cabling, and AC grid interconnection expertise.
• Grid modernization: Smart metering rollouts and SCADA integration support the transition to cleaner energy.

Industrial Automation and Maintenance

• Automotive and manufacturing plants: PLC troubleshooting (Siemens, Allen-Bradley), VFDs, motor control centers, conveyors, robotic cells, and preventive maintenance.
• Food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and logistics: Clean installations, controlled environment procedures, and strict documentation.
• Data centers: Power distribution, UPS systems, generator integration, and critical facility maintenance following rigorous safety and redundancy standards.

Residential and Commercial Construction

• New builds and refurbishments: LV distribution, lighting, emergency power, fire detection integration, cable containment, and finishing to high quality standards.
• Smart building systems: KNX, BACnet, Modbus, BMS integration, access control, and energy efficiency retrofits.

Typical Employers in Romania

• Electrical contractors: Medium and large firms delivering design-build and maintenance projects.
• Construction firms: Multinationals and Romanian majors with in-house electrical teams.
• Industrial facilities: Automotive plants, electronics assembly, FMCG factories, and logistics hubs.
• Renewable energy companies: Utility-scale wind and solar developers and O&M providers.
• Utilities and distribution operators: Regional grid companies involved in distribution network maintenance and upgrades.

Examples you may encounter in job listings include international engineering groups, Romanian contractors with ANRE-certified teams, renewable developers with regional portfolios, and facility management companies handling complex commercial properties.

Legal Requirements

The legal pathway depends on your nationality.

EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens

• No work permit required.
• Register your residence in Romania if you stay longer than 3 months by obtaining a registration certificate from the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI).
• You will receive a Romanian Personal Numeric Code (CNP) when you register, which is used for tax and employment.
• Employers still require proof of qualifications and, for electricians, ANRE authorization appropriate to the tasks.

Non-EU Citizens (Global)

Romania uses a work-permit-first model. Typical steps:

1. Secure a job offer: The Romanian employer sponsors your work permit application.
2. Employer applies for a work permit: Submitted to IGI with your documents. Processing commonly takes up to 30 days.
3. Long-stay visa for employment (D/AM): Once the work permit is issued, apply for the D/AM visa at a Romanian consulate. Processing can take up to 60 days.
4. Enter Romania and obtain a residence permit: Within 30 days of arrival, apply for a residence permit at IGI. The permit is typically valid for 1 year and renewable.

Documents commonly required:

• Valid passport.
• Employment contract or offer.
• Work permit approval (from IGI).
• Proof of qualifications and experience (diplomas, certificates, references).
• Criminal record certificate from your home country.
• Proof of accommodation in Romania.
• Proof of health insurance (temporary, then national coverage via your employer after start).
• Passport-size photographs.

Fees and timelines are subject to change. As a rough guide, expect a few hundred euros in total fees between the work permit, visa, and residence permit. Always verify the latest requirements with IGI and the Romanian consulate responsible for your area.

Certification and License Recognition

ANRE Authorization for Electricians

In Romania, electricians working on most professional installations require authorization from ANRE (Autoritatea Nationala de Reglementare in domeniul Energiei). ANRE issues grades I to IV, often with categories A/B that cover different scopes such as design, execution, operation, and verification, across low, medium, and high voltage domains.

Key points:

• Foreign licenses are not automatically recognized. You usually need to obtain ANRE authorization to legally perform electrical works in Romania.
• Your experience and education can help determine the grade you apply for. More experience can qualify you for higher grades.
• ANRE exams and documentation are primarily in Romanian. Technical Romanian proficiency is very helpful.
• You can work under supervision on certain tasks while pursuing authorization, depending on employer policy and project requirements, but full authorization is the standard expectation.

Typical application package for ANRE authorization:

• Application form and fee payment proof.
• Copy of ID/passport and residence permit if available.
• Diplomas or certificates of qualifications; official translations into Romanian may be required.
• CV detailing experience, projects, voltages, and responsibilities.
• Employer references confirming practical experience.
• Medical certificate of fitness for work.
• Criminal record or declaration as required.

Scheduling and exams:

• ANRE runs periodic sessions for authorization and renewal. Processing times vary, so plan early.
• Specialized training courses offered by authorized providers can prepare you for exams and Romanian normative requirements.

Romanian Standards and Codes

• Romanian standards are aligned with European and IEC frameworks. You will commonly see SR EN standards on specifications and drawings.
• The Low Voltage Directive (2014/35/EU) and EMC Directive (2014/30/EU) apply to equipment and installations.
• Romanian normative I7 is widely referenced for low-voltage installations in buildings. Project documentation often cites I7 along with relevant SR EN standards.
• PRAM testing (protective earth and insulation measurements) is routinely performed for electrical safety compliance in workplaces and buildings.

Other Mandatory Workplace Certifications

• SSM (Occupational Safety and Health) and PSI (Fire Safety) inductions are required for most sites. Employers arrange these.
• First aid, working at heights, and confined space training may be required depending on your role.
• For wind energy roles, GWO Basic Safety Training plus add-ons like Advanced Rescue are often mandatory.
• For industrial settings, lockout-tagout, hot work permits, and electrical safety training in line with EU best practices are standard.

Recognition of Education and Vocational Training

• Academic diplomas can be recognized by CNRED (National Center for Recognition and Equivalence of Diplomas) where necessary.
• Vocational qualifications may be evaluated by ANC (National Authority for Qualifications) or accepted directly by ANRE for authorization purposes.
• Provide certified translations into Romanian where requested.

Build a Resume That Attracts International Electrical Employers

Your resume must do two things at once: prove your hands-on electrical competence and map that competence to EU and Romanian expectations. Follow this structured approach.

Choose a Clear, International Format

• Length: 1-2 pages for most electricians; senior supervisors or engineers may use up to 3 pages.
• File: PDF with a clear, professional file name, e.g., Firstname_Lastname_Electrician_CV_Romania.pdf.
• Language: English is widely accepted, and many HR teams in Romania recruit in English. If you have a Romanian version, keep it consistent.
• Template: A modern, clean layout or the Europass CV format is acceptable. Avoid graphics-heavy designs that confuse applicant tracking systems.

Must-Have Sections

1. Header

   • Full name, phone (with country code), email, current city and country, and LinkedIn URL.
   • Optional: Romanian city you are relocating to, if decided (e.g., Bucharest or Cluj-Napoca).

2. Professional Title and Summary

   • Example: "Industrial Electrician - ANRE Candidate - PLC and MV Experience"
   • 3-5 lines summarizing years of experience, voltages, environments (industrial, commercial, renewable), and key certifications.

3. Core Skills

   • Electrical installations: LV panels, cable trays, earthing, lighting, emergency systems.
   • Industrial: PLC fault-finding, VFDs, motor control, MCCs, instrumentation basics.
   • Renewable: PV stringing, inverters, combiner boxes, wind turbine commissioning.
   • Safety and compliance: Lockout-tagout, PRAM testing familiarity, EU LV and EMC directives.
   • Tools and testing: Multimeters, insulation testers, thermal cameras, cable termination tools, torque tools.
   • Documentation: Reading schematics, as-built documentation, commissioning checklists.
   • Languages: English, basic Romanian, others.

4. Experience

   • For each role: Employer, city and country, job title, dates (month/year), and a short company description if not widely known.
   • 4-6 bullet points focusing on achievements and quantifiable results.

5. Certifications and Training

   • ANRE grade target/obtained (I-IV) and any categories.
   • Safety certifications: GWO, first aid, working at heights, confined space.
   • Vendor courses: Schneider, Siemens, ABB, KNX partner, fiber termination, etc.

6. Education

   • Vocational school or college diploma in electrical or related field.
   • List key modules if relevant to the job.

7. Projects or Portfolio (optional but powerful)

   • 2-4 notable projects with a line on scope, scale, and your role.

8. References

   • State "Available upon request" or include two contacts with permission.

9. GDPR consent line for Romania

   • Add at the end: "I agree that my personal data will be processed for recruitment purposes in accordance with applicable data protection laws."

Write Achievement-Driven Bullet Points

Turn tasks into measurable outcomes. Examples:

• Installed and commissioned 120 kWp rooftop PV system with string inverters; completed PRAM testing and handover documentation 10 days ahead of schedule.
• Led a 6-person team to rewire a 12,000 sqm logistics facility; reduced cable waste by 8% through optimized routing and inventory control.
• Troubleshot and restored production on an automotive packaging line within 2 hours after VFD failure; implemented preventive replacement schedule that cut downtime by 30% over 6 months.
• Executed LV switchboard upgrades in an office tower in Bucharest, coordinating weekend outages to avoid tenant disruption; zero safety incidents across 14 shifts.

Map Your Experience to EU and Romanian Standards

• Voltage and systems: State experience with 230/400 V 50 Hz systems, TN-S and TN-C-S earthing, and type F outlets. Mention medium voltage if applicable (e.g., 6-20 kV).
• Standards: Reference familiarity with EU Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU, EMC Directive 2014/30/EU, and SR EN standards relevant to installations. If you have worked under national codes aligned with IEC, say so.
• Romanian context: If you have studied or trained on Romanian normative I7 for low-voltage installations, state it. Otherwise note your readiness to follow Romanian norms and participate in ANRE authorization.

Highlight Safety and Compliance

• List safety courses and refreshers, including dates.
• Mention lockout-tagout procedures, hot work permits, arc flash awareness, and PRAM testing exposure.
• Include your personal safety record: "3 years without lost-time injury" where true.

Spotlight Tools, Technologies, and Systems

• Testing: Insulation resistance testers, continuity testers, multimeters, clamp meters, earth testers.
• Installations: Cable glands and terminations, tray and ladder systems, cable pulling, conduit bending, and panel wiring.
• Automation: PLC fault-finding (Siemens S7), basic HMI navigation, sensors, and actuators.
• Smart building: KNX, BACnet, Modbus, access control, fire detection integration.

Include Language and Relocation Readiness

• Language: English level plus your Romanian level or learning plan. Employers value a willingness to learn Romanian technical terms.
• Relocation: State relocatability and target city, availability timeline, and whether you need visa sponsorship. Example: "Available in 60 days. Requires employer-sponsored work permit and D/AM visa."

Use Keywords for ATS Screening

Sprinkle role-relevant keywords naturally, such as: electrician, ANRE authorization, low voltage, medium voltage, PRAM testing, renewable energy, PV installation, wind turbine maintenance, PLC, VFD, KNX, BMS, commissioning, SSM, PSI, safety certification.

Do and Do Not

Do:

• Quantify achievements.
• Align to EU and Romanian compliance.
• Keep formatting clean and consistent.
• Provide links to a LinkedIn profile with project photos or recommendations.

Do not:

• List every task ever done. Focus on impact.
• Use jargon from your home country only. Add EU-equivalent terms.
• Include sensitive personal data beyond what is necessary for recruitment.

Add a Targeted Cover Letter

• Keep it to one page, tailored to the role and company.
• Mention your relocation plan, authorization path for ANRE, and how your experience fits their projects (e.g., data center builds in Bucharest or PV farms in Dobrogea).
• Address visa sponsorship up front if you are a non-EU citizen.

Build a Project Portfolio

• 3-6 short case studies with photos where allowed, describing scope, your role, standards followed, and results.
• For industrial roles, include example PIDs or panel drawings you can legally share, redacted as needed.
• Store on a private link or a professional platform and share upon request.

Salary and Benefits

Salary varies by city, sector, and your specialization. As a reference point, assume 1 EUR is roughly 5 RON.

• Residential/commercial electricians: Approximately 5,000 to 8,500 RON net per month (about 1,000 to 1,700 EUR gross), with overtime potential.
• Industrial electricians and automation technicians: Approximately 6,500 to 11,000 RON net per month (about 1,300 to 2,100 EUR gross), depending on shift work, PLC skills, and medium-voltage exposure.
• Renewable energy technicians (wind/solar): Approximately 6,500 to 12,000 RON net per month, often with per diem when traveling.
• Supervisors/foremen: 9,000 to 14,000 RON net per month, sometimes higher for complex projects.

Note: Employers frequently advertise gross salaries. Ask for net breakdowns, and clarify overtime, shift premiums, and any per diem. Overtime and night/weekend work typically carry premiums under the Romanian Labor Code.

Common benefits:

• Meal tickets (tichete de masa): A daily allowance on a card usable at supermarkets and restaurants.
• Transport allowance or company transport to sites.
• Safety gear and tools provided for site work.
• Private health insurance or clinic subscriptions.
• Training and certification support, including ANRE exam fees.
• Performance bonuses or project completion bonuses.
• Occasional relocation support and accommodation during projects outside your home city.

Cost of Living

Romania's cost of living varies by city. Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca are the most expensive major hubs, followed by Timisoara and Iasi.

Estimated monthly costs for a single professional:

• Rent (1-bedroom apartment):
  • Bucharest: 450 to 700 EUR depending on neighborhood and furnished status.
  • Cluj-Napoca: 400 to 650 EUR.
  • Timisoara: 350 to 550 EUR.
  • Iasi: 300 to 500 EUR.
• Utilities for a 1-bedroom: 80 to 150 EUR (seasonal variation for heating).
• Internet and mobile: 10 to 25 EUR combined.
• Public transport pass: 15 to 25 EUR monthly depending on city.
• Groceries and dining: 200 to 350 EUR for a mix of cooking and casual meals.
• Gym and leisure: 25 to 50 EUR depending on facility.

For families, add:

• 2-bedroom rent: Increase by 150 to 300 EUR.
• Childcare: Private daycare can range from 200 to 500 EUR per month.

Budget tips:

• Shared housing is common among technicians working on temporary projects.
• Many employers offer accommodation near sites for out-of-town deployments.
• Meal tickets reduce out-of-pocket food costs significantly.

Cultural Integration

Language Basics

• English is widely used in multinational workplaces, but Romanian is valuable on sites and with suppliers.
• Learn key site phrases: "opreste curentul" (turn off the power), "tablou electric" (electric panel), "impamantare" (earthing), "masuratori" (measurements), "siguranta" (circuit breaker), "plan" (drawing), "PPE" is commonly understood; "echipament de protectie" is local.
• Consider a short technical Romanian course or learn vocabulary relevant to your tasks.

Workplace Culture

• Punctuality matters. Be on site before the shift starts, ready to work.
• Hierarchies are clear, but teams are generally collaborative. Respect for supervisors and site engineers is expected.
• Documentation is valued. Keep daily logs, sign permits, and ensure as-builts are accurate.
• Safety protocols like SSM, PSI, lockout-tagout, and tool inspections are enforced. Refusing unsafe work is acceptable when done professionally.
• Breaks are standard; do not extend beyond what is agreed. Coffee culture is strong, but productivity is monitored.

Integration Tips

• Join local electrician or expat groups on social platforms to find job leads and housing.
• Explore cities on foot or by public transport to learn neighborhoods and commute options.
• Respect public holidays and use your paid leave to balance overtime-heavy periods.

Practical Steps to Relocate

Use this step-by-step plan to move from interest to job start.

1. Assess your profile

   • List your core skills and target sector: renewable, industrial, residential, or smart buildings.
   • Identify skill gaps relative to Romanian roles (e.g., KNX, medium-voltage switching, GWO training).

2. Prepare documents

   • Update your resume in English, tailored for Romania.
   • Collect diplomas, certificates, reference letters, and training records.
   • Obtain apostilles and certified translations into Romanian where required.

3. Build your job search assets

   • Create or polish your LinkedIn profile with project photos and endorsements.
   • Prepare a short portfolio PDF or private link with 3-6 projects.
   • Draft a general cover letter and customize it for each application.

4. Target employers and job boards

   • Look at electrical contractors, construction firms, renewable companies, industrial facilities, and facility management providers.
   • Use Romanian job boards and platforms: LinkedIn Jobs, eJobs, BestJobs, Hipo, and EURES for EU-wide roles.

5. Apply strategically

   • Align your keywords with the job description and mention ANRE authorization plans.
   • Explain your visa status clearly and realistically state your start date.

6. Interview effectively

   • Prepare to discuss European standards, safety scenarios, and troubleshooting examples.
   • Bring up PRAM testing, as-builts, commissioning checklists, and documentation practices you follow.

7. Validate and plan ANRE authorization

   • Enroll in a prep course if needed.
   • Compile documents for ANRE and schedule your session after you arrive or when employer-sponsored.

8. Secure a job offer and start work permit process (non-EU)

   • Employer files for the work permit with IGI.
   • You apply for the D/AM visa once the permit is approved.

9. Relocation logistics

   • Book temporary housing for arrival; negotiate relocation support.
   • Prepare funds to cover 1-3 months of living costs.

10. Arrival and onboarding

• Obtain residence permit, register with authorities as required.
• Complete SSM and PSI inductions and medical checks.
• Set up a bank account and mobile number.

Success Tips From Other Expats

• Learn basic Romanian technical terms early. It speeds up site coordination and builds trust.
• Ask for net salary plus all allowances in writing. Clarify overtime, night shifts, and weekend premiums.
• Check whether tools and PPE are provided. Some employers expect you to bring basic hand tools; clarify in advance.
• Keep a project logbook with tasks, measurements, issues, and solutions. It strengthens future ANRE applications and performance reviews.
• Use meal tickets fully and track expenses. They stretch your budget without extra tax.
• For renewable site work, keep GWO and first aid current. Certificates speed onboarding to new projects.
• Network with local electricians. Many roles fill through referrals).
• If commuting is hard, ask about accommodation near the site. It is common for out-of-town deployments.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Romania offers a compelling path for skilled electricians from Global: EU standards, strong hiring demand, meaningful projects, and a comfortable lifestyle at a reasonable cost. Your resume is the first tool in your kit. Make it clear, achievement-driven, and aligned with Romanian and EU expectations. Then move forward on certifications like ANRE, prepare for the visa process if needed, and target employers in the sectors where you add the most value.

Start today: update your resume with the strategies in this guide, set up targeted job alerts for Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi, and reach out to recruiters who specialize in electrical and construction roles. With the right preparation, your next project could be in Romania, and your career could scale across the European market.

FAQ

1) Do I need ANRE authorization before I can start working in Romania?

ANRE authorization is the standard requirement for electricians performing most professional electrical tasks in Romania. Some employers may onboard you into roles that do not require immediate independent authorization (for example, assisting under a supervisor) while you complete the ANRE process. However, to perform and sign off on electrical work independently, plan to obtain the appropriate ANRE grade. Discuss timelines with your employer and start compiling documents early.

2) I am a non-EU citizen. How long does the work permit and D/AM visa process take?

The employer's work permit application typically takes up to 30 days to process once a complete file is submitted to IGI. After that, the D/AM long-stay employment visa can take up to 60 days at the consulate. Times vary by season and workload, so plan for 2-3 months total. Make sure your documents are complete and translated as required to avoid delays.

3) What salary can I realistically expect as an experienced industrial electrician in Bucharest?

Industrial electricians in Bucharest commonly see net salaries in the range of 7,500 to 11,000 RON per month, depending on experience with PLCs, MV systems, and shift work. Senior technicians or supervisors can exceed this range. Clarify whether figures are gross or net, and confirm overtime, shift premiums, and allowances.

4) Are my foreign electrician licenses automatically recognized in Romania?

Not automatically. Romania relies on ANRE for electrician authorization. Your foreign qualifications and experience can support your application for an appropriate ANRE grade, but you should expect to meet ANRE requirements and, in many cases, pass an exam. Provide translated documentation and employer references to streamline the process.

5) How should I present my resume for Romanian employers?

Use a clean, 1-2 page English CV with a strong summary, skills, achievement-based experience bullets, certifications, and a GDPR consent line. Include EU-aligned keywords like low voltage, PRAM testing, commissioning, PLC, KNX, and ANRE authorization. State your relocation plan, visa status if non-EU, and target Romanian city.

6) What is PRAM testing and why should I mention it on my resume?

PRAM testing refers to regular electrical safety measurements such as protective earth resistance and insulation testing commonly performed in Romania. Mentioning experience with PRAM procedures signals familiarity with local safety practices and compliance culture, which employers value.

7) Do employers in Romania provide tools and PPE?

Most provide mandated PPE and site-specific equipment. Policies on hand tools vary. Some contractors expect electricians to bring a basic kit (screwdrivers, pliers, multimeter), while others provide fuller sets. Clarify expectations before you start and include your toolkit competencies on your resume.

8) Is Romanian language proficiency required?

In multinational environments, English can be sufficient for many roles. However, Romanian is very useful on site and with local documentation. Learning key technical terms boosts productivity and safety. Your willingness to learn Romanian is a plus; mention it on your resume.

9) What benefits are common beyond salary?

Meal tickets, transport allowances, safety gear, private health insurance, training support (including ANRE), and performance bonuses are common. For traveling roles, per diem and accommodation may be provided. Always request a written compensation package detailing net pay and benefits.

10) Which Romanian cities should I target for the best opportunities?

• Bucharest: Largest volume of commercial and data center projects, plus headquarters of many contractors.
• Cluj-Napoca: Tech and manufacturing growth, smart buildings, and industrial roles.
• Timisoara: Automotive and electronics plants, logistics hubs, and industrial maintenance.
• Iasi: Expanding construction and public infrastructure with cost-effective living.

Apply to roles in multiple cities and be flexible for project-based deployments across regions.