resume job application deutsch

German CV Template in English [Ultimate English Guide]

Researched & written

by Jen Palacios

May 27, 2024

If you’re searching for a German-style CV in English that will increase your chances of nailing more job interviews in Germany, then you’ve come to the right place!

In this guide, you will find tips for creating a CV that follows the German format, as well as the chance to purchase our German CV template in English that you can use on your next job application.

According to a recent study done by Stepstone, 91% of HR recruiters name the CV as the most important document of an application .

Recruiters and HR spend less than 30 seconds scanning a CV before deciding whether it goes to the next round or not.

🖌️ Table of Contents

Simple German-style CV template in English

A CV is the first impression you will make. Like all first impressions, your CV only has a few seconds to impress hiring managers. The goal of your CV is to get you an invitation to a job interview .

“Remember, the person reviewing your CV may review 50+ others that day. Making it easy to quickly understand your information will make you stand out more than a quirky design or information overload.” by Jamie Rogers, Tech Recruiter in Germany working for Darwin Recruitment

We highly recommend investing some time in polishing your CV before applying for jobs in Germany. Here is an overview of the format German HR, recruiters, and hiring managers would expect in a CV:

If you don’t want to spend time designing your own CV, you can download our German-Style CV template in English from our shop.

• Easy-to-edit CV template in English that follows German standards for Microsoft Word and Mac Pages
• 2 REAL WORLD CV Examples
• 50-page in-depth guide to nail each section in your CV
• 30-day money-back guarantee

How to write a German CV ( Lebenslauf ) in English

The expectation of a German recruiter might be different than what you are used to. 

The German CV ( Lebenslauf ) is considered less of a marketing product and more of a factual document. You are encouraged to write real, hard facts and avoid all kinds of fluff or self-promoting sentences. HR departments in Germany prefer the KISS method: Keep It Short & Simple.

In Germany, a CV is between one and a maximum of two pages and has five or six sections. Let’s explore each one in more detail.

1. Personal Information

The minimum personal details you should include in this section are your name and your address. German recruiters expect to see a few more personal details about you, though. So if you don’t add all the personal information described below, be prepared to answer some similar questions during your interviews.

Good To Know

Just like in many other countries, it is illegal for companies to reject an application based on gender, age, race, or sexual orientation.

Most Germans include additional personal information in their CV. As an expat, it is important to understand how this extra information might help you in your application.

• Passport size photo : As per Jamie, a tech recruiter in Germany, “ a profile picture should be professional but not too formal. Think happy, welcoming, and relaxed – not a formal suit and tie (unless you are searching for a job in law or finance). ” Germans will judge your professionalism based on this picture, so make it count! There are some foreign names that Germans are not used to hearing, so providing a photo might help them know what pronoun to use for you.
• First and last name : Germans usually have only one first name and one last name. For those who have long names (I have two first and two last names), I would recommend using the first name you want to be called by and the last name. This reduces confusion on the employer’s side on what name to use. I had an Egyptian colleague who added all of her names to her application, and this led to confusion. The employer took her first two names and considered them to be a first and last name. This was a mess when they sent her the contract and set her email address.
• Address : Don’t forget to include your country!
• Phone number : Only add this if you have a German phone number . If your phone number is required, make sure to add it with the correct country code.
• Email address : Use a professional email address consisting of your name.
• Nationality : This could help the employer know if they will need to sponsor a work visa for you or not.
• Date of birth : Written DD/MM/YYYY.
• Short profile (optional) : A summary of your skills and qualifications. Mention in two to three sentences why you are relevant for the job you are applying for.

Additionally, feel free to add professional social networks, such as LinkedIn or the German Xing. If you are a techy, you must include your GitHub !

2. Work Experience

Start with your most recent job and highlight relevant experience for the position you are applying. For each position, make sure to include the: 

• Name of the company
• Title of your position
• Type of work you did : For example, part-time, full-time, internship, just for the project, etc.
• Dates you were employed : Include the month and year.
• Country  
• Key responsibilities : We recommend listing your responsibilities as bullet points to make it easier for the reader to scan through your CV. Remember to stick to the facts.
• Translate achievements: Be sure to translate your responsibilities into factual achievements, e.g. increased sales by 20% or increased conversion by 15%.

Germans like to read ‘gapless’ curriculum vitae. So if you took a year off between your jobs to travel, you should mention this in your CV. Any gap above three months is worth mentioning in your CV.

Also, you are encouraged to mention any voluntary work you have done.

“Context is critical! That’s why ‘Work Experience’ is the most important part of a CV. It’s the part that we learn where and how you have applied the skills listed elsewhere in a CV.” by Jamie Rogers, Tech Recruiter in Germany in Darwin Recruitment

3. Education

This section should have your education, including secondary and higher education. You should list your latest education degree first. Each degree should include:

• Name of your university or school
• Program that you studied
• Period you studied for : make sure to include the month and the year
• City and country you studied in

Use this section to list any other relevant qualifications or skills to the role. Some examples of what you can include are:

• Languages : Make sure to indicate the language and the proficiency level
• Computer skills : Mention any IT skill you have which is relevant to the position
• Relevant achievements or certificates
• Driver’s license (optional): Some jobs might require you to drive the company car to go to fairs or for other purposes. So make sure to include the driver’s license you have and for what type of vehicle. 

Read Our Related Guide

German Driving License Explained

5. Hobbies And Interests (Optional)

In this optional section, you can feel free to include any hobbies or interests that might be relevant to the position. Remember, Germans love facts, so if you add this section, make it short and sweet.

Also, try to be specific about your interests. Travel is very generic, and almost everyone loves to do it. 

6. Your Signature

Bonus points if you add this to your CV. Germans usually sign their CV with the date and their name.

Once you have created your CV, download it as a PDF and then digitally sign it by using a tool like Smallpdf .

German or English – In which language should you write your CV?

If you are applying for an English-speaking job, it is a good idea to write your CV in English. Since you are applying for a job in Germany, chances are a German person will look over your CV. If you are learning German, you can write your CV in English and indicate in the language section that you are currently learning the language.

Can I work in Germany without speaking German?

If your German level is good enough, go for it! Just a word of caution, though: Germans, like any other sane person, dislike typos and grammatical errors. So you better have a native German proofread your CV. Also, make sure only to do this if your German is good enough to handle the interview in German as well. If you create your CV in German, you are already setting the expectations for your future employer that you have good German skills.

Regardless of the language you choose for your CV, make sure to follow the standards German hiring managers expect. 

Final Thoughts

In this guide, you learned that a CV in Germany is a one to two-page factual document, and it is not used as a promotional tool. You can add your soft skills and other details of your experience in your cover letter .

German Cover Letter Guide with English Sample

German recruiters and employers expect to receive an application free of typos and grammatical mistakes. So only send your CV in German if you are truly confident with the language.

Download our German-Style CV template in English from our shop to save you time and clear all potential doubts about what to include in your resume for the German job market.

Remember only to include information that is relevant to your role and the job requirements. Now, it is time for you to scout the job market in Germany and get your dream job.

Happy job hunting!

About the Author

Jen Palacios is a researcher and writer at Simple Germany specializing in aiding international skilled workers to navigate the complexities of German life.

Jen brings a unique immigrant perspective to her writing. Beyond her professional pursuits, Jen is an avid learner with interests ranging from woodworking to web development.

She is committed to writing guides and producing YouTube videos for Simple Germany that provide practical guidance for internationals aiming to settle into life in Germany more smoothly.

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German payslip explained: how to read your payslip in germany, german cover letter guide [with english sample], unemployment benefits for foreigners in germany, how does sick leave in germany work, job interview in germany [how-to + tips in english].

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German CV Template: How to Create a Winning Resume in Germany

Applying for a job in Germany requires a well-crafted and strategically tailored German CV. Whether you’re pursuing tech jobs in Germany , or seeking a software engineer position in Berlin, knowing how to create a resume in the CV format Germany is essential to securing an interview. Understanding the nuances of the Germany CV composition 2024 ensures that your application aligns with current industry standards and maximizes your chances of success.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the key aspects of how to write your CV for the German job market, including composition, structure, and strategies to make your career bio stand out to potential employers. We will also provide tips for tailoring your CV to specific job applications and industries, and offer additional resources to ensure your success.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the key aspects of a German CV, including format, structure, and how to make your CV stand out to potential employers. We will also provide tips for tailoring your CV to specific job applications, and industries, and provide additional resources to ensure your success.

The German CV Format and Structure

When creating a CV Germany, it is important to adhere to the traditional German resume template, which consists of several key sections. Discover our step-by-step CV guide on how to make CV in German, ensuring you stand out to potential employers and increase your chances of landing your dream job in Germany.

Additionally, leveraging the best German resume template can provide you with a structured framework to showcase your qualifications and experiences effectively.

Here is an overview of each section:

Personal Information (Persönliche Angaben): Sure to include your full name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email address. A professional photo is also commonly included, though not mandatory.

Education (Bildung): List your educational background, including the names of schools or universities, the degree earned, and the dates attended.

Work Experience (Berufserfahrung): Present your work history in reverse chronological order, with your most recent position listed first. Include the company name, your job title, the dates of employment, and a brief description of your responsibilities.

Skills (Fähigkeiten): Showcase your relevant skills and qualifications, such as software proficiency, project management, or leadership abilities. Be specific and focus on skills that are directly related to the job you’re applying for.

Language Proficiency (Sprachkenntnisse): Indicate your language skills using the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale, which ranges from A1 (basic) to C2 (native). This is particularly important if you’re applying for jobs in Germany as a non-native German speaker.

Top German CV Templates 2024​

To ensure your resume adheres to the German resume format in English, consider using a German CV template in English or a German resume template. These templates provide a solid foundation for building your esume, while also helping you avoid common mistakes. For a more personalized touch, examine a German CV example in English or a German resume example.

These samples can offer insights into the best practices for each section and inspire you to create a compelling resume that stands out. Additionally, understanding how to write a CV in Germany is crucial for tailoring your application to meet the expectations of German employers and increase your chances of landing your desired job.

Best German CV Samples and Examples 2024

Crafting an effective career history is crucial in today’s competitive job market, and this is especially true in Germany, where precision and professionalism are highly valued. German CVs (Lebensläufe) are often characterized by their clarity, structure, and comprehensive detailing of an applicant’s career history and qualifications. Whether you are a fresh graduate, an experienced professional, or a skilled tradesperson, presenting a well-organized bio can significantly enhance your chances of landing your desired job. In this guide, we will explore some of the best and free CV templates for 2024, providing insights and tips to help you create an impressive and good CV that meets German standards and catches the eye of potential directors.

German CV Format 2024​

The CV format in Germany for 2024 prioritizes structure and clarity. Begin with your personal information (name, address, phone number, email) and a professional photo. Include a brief professional summary highlighting your accomplishment and career goals. List your job experience in reverse chronological order with job names, companies, dates, and key responsibilities. Detail your education with degrees, institutions, and graduation dates. Highlight relevant skills, certifications, hobbies, and awards. German recruiters and employers particularly appreciate CVs that are concise and well-organized.

Professional German Resume Format

The professional German resume structure emphasizes clarity and thoroughness use the simple font for this. Start with personal information (name, address, phone, email) and a professional photo. Include a concise professional summary. List job experience in reverse chronological order, detailing work titles, companies, dates, and key achievements. Outline education with degrees and institutions. Highlight relevant skills, certifications, and awards.

Simple German CV Sample

A simple German Curriculum Vitae includes personal information (name, address, phone, email) and a professional photo. It features a concise professional summary, followed by work experience listed in reverse chronological order, detailing job titles, companies, dates, and key achievements. Education is outlined with degrees and institutions. Relevant skills and certifications are highlighted.

European CV Example

A European CV, commonly known as the Europass resume, is designed to create a standardized and transparent structure across EU countries. It includes detailed sections for personal information, a professional summary, work experience, education, and skills. The Europass CV also allows for the inclusion of language proficiency, certifications, and additional competencies. This structure ensures consistency and comprehensiveness, making it easier for bosses to compare candidates from different countries.

Europass CV Format

The Europass CV structure is a standardized template used across Europe to ensure clarity and consistency in job applications. It begins with personal information, including contact details and a professional photo. This is followed by a professional summary that outlines key qualifications and career objectives.

Tailoring Your CV For Dream Job in Germany

To make your German official bio even more effective, tailor it to the specific job and industry you’re targeting. Here are some tips for doing so:

• Highlight relevant experience: Emphasize the skills and experiences most relevant to the position you’re applying for. For instance, if you’re applying for a software engineer position in Berlin, focus on showcasing your software development skills and past projects.
• Use industry-specific keywords: Incorporate relevant keywords and phrases from the job posting to demonstrate your familiarity with the industry and improve your CV’s visibility to hiring managers.
• Match the company culture: Research the company’s values, mission, and culture, and reflect these aspects in your CV. This will show your genuine interest in the organization and your compatibility with the company.

Photo on Your German CV: Include or Not Include?

Including a photo in your CV is a common practice and often expected by employers. The photo should be professional, high-quality, and convey a positive image. Typically, it is placed at the top right corner of the CV, near your personal information.

The rationale behind this practice is that a photo can help create a more personal connection and make your application memorable. However, it’s important to choose a photo that aligns with professional standards—avoid casual snapshots or overly stylized images.

When considering whether to include a photo, be mindful of the industry norms and company culture. Some international companies in Germany may adopt more global standards, where including a photo is less common.

To see how this is done effectively, you can look at a bio photo example or a sample CV with photo. These cases can guide you in selecting and positioning your photo appropriately. Using a Curriculum Vitae structure with photo can enhance the overall presentation of your CV and meet the expectations of German employers. However, always ensure that the photo complements the professional tone of your bio.

• Personal Connection .
• Professional Image .
• Industry Norms : In Germany, it is a common practice to include a photo, aligning with traditional expectations and standards.
• First Impressions .

• Bias Risk : Including a photo can lead to unconscious bias based on appearance, potentially affecting fair evaluation.
• Global Standards .
• Inappropriate Photos .
• Privacy Concerns .

Additional Tips and Resources to Write a German CV Successfully

Tailor your CV to the specific job description, emphasizing relevant experiences and skills. Highlight achievements with quantifiable results, use action verbs, and ensure consistent formatting throughout. In addition to the tips above, consider these additional suggestions to ensure your career history is a winning one.

Points to make:

• Language proficiency: If you’re a non-native German speaker, it’s essential to demonstrate your level of German, especially when applying for jobs in Germany. If you’re unsure of your level, consider taking a language proficiency test like the TestDaF or Goethe-Zertifikat.
• Avoid common mistakes: Double-check your CV for common errors such as grammar and spelling mistakes, inaccurate dates, or inconsistent structuring. These errors can undermine your professionalism and hurt your chances of securing an interview.
• Keep it concise: German CVs should be no more than two pages long. Be concise and focus on the most relevant personal details to the position you’re applying for.
• Use a clean and simple layout: A visually appealing CV is more likely to catch the attention of hiring managers. Use a clean, simple layout with clear headings and plenty of white space to make your CV easy to read.
• Include a cover letter: A well-written cover letter can complement your CV by providing additional context about your skills and experiences, as well as your motivation for applying to the job.
• Get feedback: Ask friends, colleagues, or professional contacts to review your CV and provide constructive feedback. This will help you identify areas for improvement and ensure your CV is polished and error-free.
• Use online resources: There are numerous online resources available to help you create a successful CV. Websites like Europass, Joblers, and lebenslauf offer templates, cases, and guidance on crafting a CV that meets German standards.

By following these tips and utilizing the resources available, you’ll be well on your way to creating a perfect German CV that opens doors to exciting job opportunities in the country. When considering a career move to Germany, it’s important to research the local job market, as the average software engineer salary Berlin is both competitive and attractive to professionals in the tech industry. ( Explore job opportunities in Berlin >>> ) Remember, the key to a successful CV is tailoring it to your target job and industry, highlighting your relevant skills and experiences, and adhering to the CV in Germany structure in English. With time and effort, you’ll create a CV that stands out and makes a lasting impression on potential employers.

Use Our Professional German CV Samples Above and Apply to German Vacancies on Our Website

Discover hundreds of exciting vacancies on our website and connect with Germany's top IT talent. Your company's offer will be seen by thousands of skilled professionals, ensuring you find the perfect match for your needs. Let us help you reach the best IT candidates and achieve your recruitment goals!

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German CV Tips + Template [Detailed Guide 2024]

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Want to write a German CV ( Lebenslauf ) in English?

CVs in Germany are straightforward, which can be helpful if you want to avoid coming across as self-promoting or business jargon-heavy. 

They also make a good impression when sent unsolicited, as they leave little room for misinterpretation. However, as with any document, it is always best to tailor your German CV according to the specific needs of each job application you submit. 

Personal Information

We recommend including your essential information like name, address, contact information, and previous designations in the personal information section because German recruiters expect to know more about you!

Profile photo – The Germans will judge your professionalism by considering your profile picture. So make sure that the picture is professional but not too formal.

Have a long name? – It is advisable to use the first name you want to be called and the last name when registering for a German job, and this thing will reduce the confusion on the employer's side as to what name should be called.

Phone number –  If you're using a German number, add it to your CV. Otherwise, consider adding your skype ID.

Nationality – If the employer can verify that you are a citizen or national of the country in question, they may not need to apply for a work visa.

Work Experience

Hobbies & interests (optional), courses and certificates, how german cv is different from english cv .

• Without picture – There is no specific etiquette for attaching a picture to a CV in English, but required in German CV.
• CV order – CV data is always in reverse chronological order. This is the opposite of how German CVs are structured, i.e., the CV begins with professional experience and vocational training.
• Personal data – No personal data should not be missing from a CV, as this would violate local legal requirements. In addition, information on marital status, age, religion, or origin should not be included in an English Language CV.
• References – In Germany, references are not very common in a CV but are mandatory in an English CV.
• An English CV will typically lack a date, whereas German CVs will usually include one. Additionally, German CVs usually feature a signature at the bottom.
• Cover Letter: A cover letter should include only the most relevant information regarding job requirements in error-free English.

6 General CV Tips for Germany

• Keywords and Experience: Write important information first, use keywords relevant to your field and experience, and customize them to each vacancy.
• Short Objective: Objectives tend to be generic and focus on yourself. Recruiters would rather see what you can provide for the company. Hence, starting with a summary is more effective than an objective. 
• Length doesn't Matter: A German CV does not need to be shorter than one and longer than two pages. 
• Limit Font and Color Choices: We recommend staying within a few select font types, sizes, and colors when designing your Europass CV, and this will help keep the design consistent and professional-looking. Using a custom-designed template is always better than using an existing Europass site!
• Relavent Experience: If you are applying for a position in finance, then include your experience with Excel and financial modeling. If you are applying for a position in marketing, then include examples of your creative work and how you developed target markets. Each application requires different information, so tailor your CV specifically to the job opening.
• Short and Focused: It is recommended not to include all your experience, skill, and qualifications – keep it to the point by only listing those relevant to the job role.

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German CV guide (Lebenslauf)

Having a good curriculum vitae (CV, or Lebenslauf in German) is quite probably the most important step in finding a job in Germany . However, there are some small but crucial differences you need to be aware of when writing your CV. Getting it right, by formatting your resume in a style German employers will recognise gives you the best chance of landing an interview .

Useful websites for writing CVs in Germany

Follow these links to find more hints and tips on applying for jobs in Germany, CV templates and more:

How to write a CV ( Lebenslauf ) in Germany

In contrast to CVs in many other countries, CVs in Germany are simple “fact sheets”, listing experience, skills and education in a way that is free from embellishment, business jargon or buzzwords. Instead of being a sales pitch, German CVs let the facts speak for themselves. To a lesser extent, the same principle also applies to cover letters .

Although, of course, there is no perfect way to write a CV in Germany, in general, they tend to follow the following structure:

1st section: Personal information ( Persönliche Angaben )

In this first section, you list your personal details. Make sure to include the following:

• First and last name
• Date of birth
• Nationality
• Marital status
• Contact information
• Passport-size photo
• Profile ( Profil ) - a short description of yourself and your skills / experience / qualifications

2nd section: Education ( Ausbildung )

In this section, you detail your education (including secondary and higher education ). Make sure to include the name of your university and the programme you studied. Many people also include specific modules or areas of study within the degree programme that are relevant to the position.

3rd section: Work experience ( berufliche Erfahrung )

List your previous work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent. For each position, include the name of the company, the dates you worked there, the title of the position you held, and your key responsibilities. Here is a good place to also outline any major achievements, but make sure you stick to the facts.

Final section: Other skills / achievements ( Sonstiges )

You can use this section to list any other qualifications, skills or achievements that are relevant to the role, such as computer skills, language abilities or certifications . German CVs don’t typically include details about personal interests or hobbies, which are considered superfluous by most hiring managers.

Should I write my CV in German or English?

If your language ability is up to it, it’s a good idea to write your CV in German (unless the job profile specifies otherwise). German is the language generally spoken in the workplace, even if the official company language is English, and speaking it may give you an edge over other candidates. On the other hand, if you have little or no German, writing your CV in German may give a false impression that your language ability is better than it is.

Tips for writing a German CV

• Keep it factual; waffle and fluff do not go down well in the German job market.
• Listing all of your experience, skills and qualifications may not necessarily be helpful - keep it to the point by only listing those that are relevant to the role.
• Recruiters scan numerous CVs for the same position, so get yours noticed by keeping it short - no longer than two pages.
• Make your CV appealing by choosing an appropriate font; avoid dense writing and too many bold or underlined sections.
• Keep it snappy by using bullet points rather than long paragraphs.
• Adjust your CV for different applications to make sure everything you list is relevant to the role you are applying for.
• Be aware of linguistic errors and typos - double, triple, quadruple check it and ask for a second pair of eyes!
• Check out our other employment guides and tools for tips on finding a job in Germany.

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Germany CV Tips & Format Requirements

Applying for a job in Germany? This guide has the tips, examples, & format requirements needed to write the perfect German CV. Create your VisualCV today!

Germany CV Requirements

Germany has a very specific work culture and set of CV expectations that must be observed when writing your CV. This guide will set out some guidelines for writing your CV, but if possible, having a German local look over your CV is a great way to get some feedback on your German CV and make sure it meets all requirements.

Browse our gallery of resume examples here.

What should a German CV look like?

The example below shows what a good German CV should look like.

CV Tips and rules:

Length: A German CV does not need to be longer than two pages.

Terminology: In Germany, a CV is called a Lebenslauf. CV Format, Order and Layout:

Photo: Be sure to include a photo on your German CV. German recruiters and employers value professionalism, so make sure your photo is high-quality and work appropriate.

Personal Information: Near the top of your CV, include your name, home address, phone number, email address, and date of birth. Often failing to state your age on your CV is considered bad in Germany as hiring managers might perceieve your CV as incomplete without it.

You can also include your place of birth, marital status, and number of children (if any). To non-Germans, this may seem like a lot of information, but in Germany including it in your resume is common.

Personal Summary: Called a Profil, a summary section can be included in your German CV. This section should briefly describe your skills, experience, and credentials. It is not a detailed section, but serves to introduce the rest of the CV.

Education: Education should be written in reverse-chronological order, going all the way back to high school. Each entry should include the name of the institution and the area of study.

Work experience: Display your work history in reverse-chronological order. Include the dates and location of each position, and be clear about the industry and specific position you held. Use strong, active language, and use bullet points to make your different achievements easy to read and differentiate. Account for any employment gaps.

Resume template: Browse through our gallery of German resume templates .

German CV Templates and Formats

German cv template.

German CV Format for Engineer

Business German CV Template

Administration German CV Format

Other CV sections:

Skills: Though not mandatory, it is illustrative to include a skills section that any certifications earned out of school or language proficiencies.

Volunteer experience: This section is optional, but if you think your Volunteer section is an asset including it is a good idea.

References: In Germany, it is not common to include contact details of references in your resume. Instead, written references are preferred. These written references, referred to as “Arbeitszeugnis” are given to each employee once they are relieved from their duties.

What should be on a German CV?

The following is expected to be present on all German CVs:

• Personal Information
• Personal Summary
• Work experience

How long is a German CV?

German CVs are not more than 2 pages long. Anything longer than that is considered too long and risks getting rejected by the hiring managers.

Conclusion:

German recruiters and employers value a well-organized and detailed CV that is clear and direct about your experiences and skill set. Ensuring that you have the right information packaged in the right way can be the difference between a call back and a resume tossed away.

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How To Draft a Perfect German CV [Format and Template Guide]

Did you know that Germany is one of Europe's most economically stable and job-friendly nations? The German job market is so strong that many people migrate to Germany to find work.

Before you can begin searching for a job in Germany, you must first make sure your CV ( Lebenslauf ) is correctly formatted.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about drafting the perfect German curriculum vitae (CV). We'll start with an overview of the standard CV format in Germany, including tips for formatting, content, and design.

We'll also focus on critical elements that every CV should include. Finally, we'll provide you with a German CV template that you can use to get started on your job search.

Let us have a look at the Do's and Don'ts while drafting a CV!

What is a German CV?

A German CV is similar to a standard resume or curriculum vitae in other countries. It typically includes basic personal information, such as your name, contact details, and educational background. It also provides information about your work experience and skills, such as language proficiencies or technical skills.

Read on to learn more about the specifics of the German CV format.

German CV Format

The standard format is similar to structures used in other countries. However, there are a few key differences that you should be aware of. First, German CVs typically start with your personal information, followed by your work experience and education. Unlike in other countries, it is not mandatory to include a section on your hobbies or interests.

The ideal length for the CV would be one page and can be up to 2 pages in length. You can use a simple and easy-to-read font such as Times New Roman or Roboto.

The ideal font size is 11pt for general information and 14-16pt for the headers. All sections of your CV should be clearly labeled.

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Ensure you read the job description and company information thoroughly. While applying, some companies may, for example, want you to leave your citizenship out of it. So, keep an eye open for details!

What to include in a German CV?

A German CV typically starts with your personal information, followed by your work experience and education.

Your German CV should include the following sections:

1. Personal Information:   Include your name, date of birth, address, and contact information, such as email address and contact number.

2. Work Experience:   List your most recent positions first, followed by your previous jobs. If you have worked in the same field for many years or have an employment gap, you can list the posts in reverse chronological order. Include the company name, your job title, the dates you worked, and a brief description of your responsibilities.

3. Education:   Educational history, degrees you've obtained, schools attended, and the dates, should be included in your CV.

4. Skills:   Outline any talents you have for the job you are applying for, such as language skills, IT knowledge, project management expertise, computer skills, or anything else you may find relevant.

In addition to the above sections, it is good to include a part for a   short personal summary . This brief one or two-sentence introduction should highlight your essential skills or experience.

Although not mandatory, many German employers prefer to see a photo of the applicant on the CV. If you decide to include a picture, it should be a passport-style recent and professional headshot.

Optional Section

In addition to the mandatory sections mentioned above, there are some optional sections. These can include fields for your interests, additional certifications or training, or volunteer work. If you have any relevant information to share, you should include it in one of these sections.

What to NOT include in a German CV?

1.   Irrelevant information:   Only include relevant information about the job you are applying for. Please do not include personal details such as your marital status, number of children, or religious beliefs unless stated in the job description.

2. Excessive information:   The CV must be concise and to the point. Avoid including too much information or repeating information already included in other parts of your CV.

3. Lies or False Statements:   Avoid   lies or false statements while drafting your CV, as it will likely result in you being caught during the interview process. And it could even result in you being rejected from the hiring process.

4. Grammatical or spelling errors:   Thoroughly proofread your German CV before sending it to employers. A mistake-free, well-formatted CV is a must if you want to make a good impression on potential employers.

5. Avoid Overusing Keywords:   While it is essential to include keywords in your CV, you should avoid overusing them. Keywords should be used sparingly and only if relevant to the job you are applying for. Your CV will sound spammy and not so professional if you include too many keywords.

How do I tailor my German CV to specific job openings?

When you are applying for a specific job, you will need to tailor your CV to the requirements of that position. This means including information that is relevant to the job, such as the skills required and the relevant experiences.

You may also need to adjust your CV format to match the format used by the company you are applying to. For example, if the company uses a bullet point format, include lists or bullet points in your CV.

Additionally, you can use keywords from the job description throughout your CV to help make it more relevant to your application.

Tip : When applying for a job in Germany, it is always a good idea to submit a   cover letter   along with your CV. The cover letter introduces yourself to the reader, highlights your essential skills and qualifications, or explains why you are interested in the position more in detail.

German CV Template Ideas

If you are looking for a professional and well-written German CV, consider using a template. Many free and paid online resources are available, offering high-quality templates. This file will help you create a CV tailored to your specific needs and the job requirements you are applying for.

When you're in an interview, it's important to be engaging and personable. Avoid reading from your resume word for word. Instead, you can summarize the information on your resume and focus on highlighting relevant experience and skills.

Let's have a look at some of the finest CV template sites:

Novoresume   is a website that offers free CV templates and customized designs for CVs. Refer to the German CV samples on this website to get an idea of the German CV structure.

When you use the free features and limit the CV length to one page, you may download your CV.

CVmaker   is another popular website offering German CV templates. You can choose from various templates and designs and then download your CV as a PDF or Word document.

Resume.io   is another website that offers both free and paid CV templates. The free templates are high quality and easy to use, while the paid options offer more customized design options.

A well-crafted German CV is a must if you want to make a good impression on German recruiters. We hope this article provided you with the guidelines on drafting a German CV and some valuable tips.

Follow this CV guide while writing your CV to create an outstanding CV that will wow hiring managers and lands your dream job. Happy Job Hunting!

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Résumé - Amerikanischer Lebenslauf

Ein Beitrag von Ben Dehn

Arbeitslosigkeit im Lebenslauf angeben

Ausführlicher Lebenslauf

Berufserfahrung

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Video & Vorlagen

EDV-Kenntnisse

Englischer Lebenslauf

Europass Lebenslauf

Familienstand Lebenslauf

Gefälschter Lebenslauf

Handschriftlicher Lebenslauf

Hard Skills

Hobbys im Lebenslauf

Krankheit im Lebenslauf

Kurzlebenslauf

Video & Tipps

Lebenslauf Ehrenamt

Lebenslauf Schüler

Lebenslauf Vorlagen

Kostenlos als Word-Datei

Lebenslauf online erstellen

Großer Anbietervergleich

Lebenslauf unterschreiben

Lücken im Lebenslauf

Video & Beispiele

Persönliche Daten im Lebenslauf

Sprachkenntnisse Lebenslauf

Tabellarischer Lebenslauf

Inhaltsverzeichnis (ausklappen)

Definition – was ist ein résumé, unterschied résumé, cv & deutscher lebenslauf, résumé vorlage – kostenloser download, aufbau & inhalt des résumés, wichtige vokabeln für dein résumé, weitere häufig gestellte fragen zum résumé, checkliste für ein gelungenes résumé.

Bei dem Résumé handelt es sich um den üblichen Standard im nordamerikanischen Raum . Wenn du dich also in den USA oder in Kanada bewerben möchtest, kommst du für gewöhnlich nicht darum herum, ein Résumé anzufertigen. Den Personalverantwortlichen soll mit diesem One-Pager ein prägnanter Überblick über deinen Werdegang und deine Fähigkeiten verschafft werden.

Das „Résumé“ oder „resume“ ist eine Form des englischen Lebenslaufs . Nicht zu verwechseln mit dem englischen Anschreiben, welches als Cover Letter bezeichnet wird. Während das Résumé einem tabellarischen Aufbau folgt, gestaltet sich der Cover Letter als Fließtext. Der Cover Letter geht in der Regel Hand in Hand mit dem Résumé. 

Das Wort „Résumé“ kommt aus dem Französischen und bedeutet auf Deutsch übersetzt „Zusammenfassung“. 

Bevor du dich mit dem Verfassen deines Lebenslaufs beschäftigst, solltest du dich vergewissern, welche Form des Lebenslaufs gefordert wird. Bewirbst du dich beispielsweise in akademischen oder forschungsorientierten Bereichen , wird auch im amerikanischen Raum oftmals ein Curriculum Vitae (CV) erwartet . Da diese Form des Lebenslaufs umfangreicher ist und mehr Details über deine akademische Karriere preisgibt.

Allgemein ist der amerikanische Lebenslauf wesentlich kürzer als der deutsche und der britische Lebenslauf (CV) . Er umfasst nur eine Seite , denn im Résumé hat die gute Übersicht deines Werdegangs und deiner Skills höchste Priorität. Ein bedeutender Unterschied zum deutschen Lebenslauf liegt darin, dass es im internationalen Raum üblich ist, sich vorher bei einer Ansprechperson zu melden . Darum ist es besonders wichtig, dass du den Namen deiner Kontaktperson notierst und diese Person später in deinen Bewerbungsunterlagen direkt ansprichst. Das zeigt, dass du interessiert bist und dich mit der Stelle auseinandergesetzt hast.

Viele Aspekte des amerikanischen Lebenslaufs ähneln grob denen der anderen Formen, jedoch gibt es zentrale Unterschiede. So ist beispielsweise die Angabe von Referenzen wie beim deutschen Lebenslauf optional oder nur bei ausdrücklicher Anfrage vorzuweisen, beim CV hingegen gehört sie zu einem festen Bestandteil.

Während in Deutschland nur ungern auf persönliche Angaben verzichtet wird, werden die Angaben zur Person sowohl im Résumé als auch im CV auf das Nötigste beschränkt . Diese Form der anonymen Bewerbung soll vor allem Vorurteilen und Diskriminierung vorbeugen, damit jede*r Bewerber*in eine faire Chance auf eine Einladung zu einem Vorstellungsgespräch bekommt.

Deshalb solltest du im Résumé unbedingt auf folgende Angaben verzichten:

Bewerbungsfoto

Religionszugehörigkeit

Unterschrift

Résumé Template mit Mustertext – Das steckt drin:

Bei einem Résumé hat die Übersichtlichkeit höchste Priorität. Nachdem du in einem kurzen Text dein berufliches Profil zusammengefasst hast, folgt der berufliche Werdegang sowie die schulische und akademische Bildung in antichronologischer Reihenfolge . Je nachdem, wie viel Platz du noch zur Verfügung hast, kannst du noch relevante Informationen zu deinen Kenntnissen und Qualifikationen einfügen. 

Personal Information – Persönliche Daten

Deine persönlichen Daten beschränken sich im amerikanischen Lebenslauf auf deine Kontaktdaten , damit sich Personalverantwortliche mit dir in Verbindung setzen können. Weitere Angaben zu deiner Person werden weggelassen , um möglicher Diskriminierung vorzubeugen. Umlaute wie „ä“, „ö“ und „ü“ sind im Englischen nicht üblich. Denk also dran, diese Umlaute in deinem Namen und deiner Anschrift als „ae“, „oe“ oder „ue“ zu umschreiben . 

Deine Kontaktdaten solltest du in der Kopfzeile unterbringen, damit du den restlichen Platz der Seite für relevante Informationen rund um deinen Werdegang und deine Qualifikationen nutzen kannst. 

Deine Kontaktdaten bestehen aus:

Vorname und Nachname

Telefon- oder Handynummer

E-Mail-Adresse

Optional: Profil bei LinkedIn und professionelle Social-Media-Kanäle

Executive Summary / Résumé Objective

Sowohl bei dem Résumé Objective als auch bei der Executive Summary handelt es sich um eine Einleitung in dein Résumé. Diese ist wichtig, um herauszustechen und direkt mit den ersten Worten zu überzeugen und Personalverantwortliche zum Weiterlesen anzuregen. Du solltest zusätzlich angeben, wieso du dich im Ausland bewirbst. Auch wenn beide Einleitungen einige Gemeinsamkeiten aufweisen, gibt es dennoch Unterschiede, weshalb es wichtig ist, die passende Form für dein Résumé auszuwählen . 

Bei einer Executive Summary handelt es sich um eine kurze professionelle Einleitung , welche deine bisherigen Erfolge und relevantesten Kompetenzen in kurzen und wirkungsvollen Sätzen hervorhebt.

Du solltest deiner Zusammenfassung eine professionelle Überschrift geben wie zum Beispiel „Executive Summary“, „Summary“, „Résumé Summary“, „Career Profil“ oder „Summary of Qualifications“.

Du solltest dich beim Verfassen deiner Zusammenfassung kurzhalten und maximal einen kurzen Abschnitt oder eine kurze Liste verfassen. Daher ist es wichtig, dass du dich lediglich auf die relevantesten Kompetenzen und deine größten Erfolge beschränkst.

Ein „ Résumé Objective “ oder auch „ Career Objective “ hingegen ist ein Statement , welches sich auf deine Karriereziele bezieht und darauf, wie diese mit der anvisierten Stelle zusammenhängen. Dieses Statement soll die Aufmerksamkeit der Personalverantwortlichen wecken und darf nicht mehr als ein bis zwei Sätze umfassen. Es ist außerdem wichtig, dass deine beschriebenen Ziele, mit denen des Unternehmens und den Bedingungen der ausgeschriebenen Stelle zusammenpassen . 

Areas of Expertise / Summary of Skills

Bei dem Abschnitt „Areas of Expertise“ oder „(Summary of) Skills“ handelt es sich um einen optionalen Teil deines Résumés. Er kann helfen, die Struktur etwas aufzulockern und Personalverantwortlichen auf einen Blick einen Eindruck über deine Kompetenzen zu ermöglichen. Die „Areas of Expertise“ geben relevante Schlagwörter wieder und können beispielsweise durch farbliche Hervorhebungen helfen, dein Résumé optisch ansprechender zu gestalten. 

Hier bietet es sich an, die wichtigsten Schlagworte der Stellenanzeige aufzugreifen (natürlich nur, wenn du diese Kompetenzen auch wirklich mitbringst!). Es geht hier vor allem darum, alle Qualifikationen aufzulisten , die für den neuen Job wichtig sein könnten. Bleibe besonders an dieser Stelle nicht zu bescheiden , denn deine Qualifikationen können darüber entscheiden, ob du für den Job infrage kommst oder nicht.

| Beispiel für die Areas of Expertise im Résumé |

Professional Experience – Beruflicher Werdegang 

Der berufliche Werdegang bildet wie auch im deutschen Lebenslauf den Hauptteil dessen. Diesen gibst du ebenfalls wie im Deutschen antichronologisch wieder. Das bedeutet, du beginnst mit der beruflichen Station, die du als Letztes ausgeübt hast bzw. aktuell ausübst. Dein Résumé enthält alle Stationen deines Werdegangs. Berufe, die lange zurückliegen oder nichts mit der ausgeschriebenen Stelle zu tun haben , kannst du zusammenfassen . Bist du Berufseinsteiger , solltest du hier deine bisherigen Praktika und alle Tätigkeiten einfügen, die du während deiner Schul- und Studienzeit ausgeübt hast.

Bei der Jobsuche auf dem amerikanischen Markt ist Bescheidenheit fehl am Platz: Anders als in Deutschland, wo eine sachliche Formulierung der Beschreibung deines Tätigkeitsbereichs angebracht ist, wird die Nutzung von enthusiastischen und aktiven Formulierungen im amerikanischen Raum gewünscht. Auf diese Weise vermittelst du Leidenschaft und Engagement für die Stelle.

Im Deutschen würde es beispielsweise heißen: „Realisierung des E-Commerce Webshops“, während im Amerikanischen aussagekräftige Adjektive hinzugefügt werden: „successfully realized an e-commerce webshop“. Im Deutschen sind substantivierte Formulierungen üblich (z.B. „Entwicklung der Vertriebsstrategie“), im Englischen hingegen wird auf die dynamische Progressive-Form zurückgegriffen („Developing sales strategy“).

Jede Station deiner „Professional Experience“ enthält folgende Informationen:

Deine Position: diese wird durch Fettdruck oder farbliche Markierung hervorgehoben

Name und Standort der Firma

Beginn und Ende deiner Stelle: Denk dran, dass die Schreibweise des Datums im Englischen wie folgt aussieht: 01/2023 statt wie im Deutschen 01.2023.

Tätigkeitsbeschreibungen und Erfolge: Welche Aufgaben, Projekte und Erfolge hast du geschafft? Beschränke dich auf maximal 10 Stichpunkte pro Position. Nenne nur Tätigkeiten, die für die ausgeschriebene Stelle relevant sind.

| Beispiel für die Professional Experience im Résumé |

Ben Dehn Fachautor von bewerbung.net „Aus deiner Bewerbung sollte hervorgehen, dass sie für die ausgeschriebene Stelle maßgeschneidert angefertigt wurde und ein wirkliches Interesse am Unternehmen besteht. Ein erfolgreiches Résumé passt exakt zur Position, auf die du dich bewirbst. Deine Erfahrungen und Skills müssen genau diese Stelle widerspiegeln, ohne dass du dich im Detail verlierst.“

Education - Bildung

In dieser Kategorie bringst du deine relevantesten Abschlüsse unter. Der Grundschulabschluss kann dabei weggelassen werden, da er bei deinem Karriereweg nicht ausschlaggebend ist. Bei der Auflistung deiner (Aus-)Bildungsstationen gehst du wieder antichronologisch vor und beginnst mit deinem aktuellsten Abschluss. 

Da du dich bei deinem Résumé auf eine Seite beschränken musst, kann es sein, dass du Platzprobleme bekommst. Sollte dies der Fall sein, kannst du dich auf deinen akademischen Hintergrund beschränken. Dazu solltest du die Kategorie in „Academic Education“ umbenennen. Grundsätzlich beinhaltet jede Station die Art deines Abschlusses , die Institution / Schule und den Ort und optional deine Haupt- und Nebenfächer .

Deine Abschlüsse solltest du immer in eine professionelle englische Formulierung übersetzen:

Allgemeine Hochschulreife (Abitur) – General University Entrance Qualification

Fachhochschulreife – Subject-related University Entrance Qualification

Mittelere Reife / Realschulabschluss – Intermediate School-Leaving Certification

| Beispiel für die Education im Résumé |

Additional Skills and Qualification – Weitere Kenntnisse 

In diesem Bereich hast du die Möglichkeit, verschiedenste zusätzliche Kenntnisse und Qualifikationen anzugeben. Da du nur einen sehr begrenzten Platz dafür zur Verfügung hast, musst du abwägen, welche Informationen für deine Bewerbung relevant sind und dir einen Vorteil gegenüber anderen Bewerber*innen verschaffen können.

| Beispiel für Additional Skills im Résumé |

Languages – Sprachen

Liste alle deine sprachlichen Kenntnisse auf und füge das entsprechende Niveau hinzu. Sei dabei ehrlich, denn spätestens im Vorstellungsgespräch kann es sonst sehr unangenehm werden, wenn die Wahrheit ans Licht kommt. Wenn du dir nicht sicher bist, welches sprachliche Niveau auf dich zutrifft, kannst du die Beschreibung der einzelnen Niveaus auf der Webseite zum Europäischen Referenzrahmen nachschauen.

Deine Sprachniveaus kannst du folgendermaßen ins Englische übersetzen:

Muttersprache native – speaker (C2) 

Verhandlungssicher – business fluent (C2)

Fließend in Wort und Schrift – fluent written and spoken (C1)

Sehr gute Kenntnisse in Wort und Schrift – very good knowledge written and spoken (B2)

Gute Kenntnisse in Wort und Schrift – good knowledge written and spoken (B1)

Erweiterte Grundkenntnisse – advanced basic knowledge (A2)

Grundkenntnisse – basic knowledge (A1)

Computer Skills – IT-Kenntnisse

Orientiere dich bei der Angabe deiner Kenntnisse unbedingt daran, welche EDV-Kenntnisse in der Stellenausschreibung als besonders relevant herausgestellt werden. Eine große Anzahl verschiedener Skills ist zwar beeindruckend, nimmt jedoch auch viel Platz im Résumé ein.

Lege daher den Fokus auf die wichtigsten Programme und fasse sie so zusammen:

MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

Web Skills (HTML, JavaScript, CSS, WordPress, CMS, code libraries)

Graphics (Adobe: Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Acrobat)

Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter)

Certificates – Zertifikate

Solltest du Zertifikate erlangt haben, die deine relevanten Kompetenzen belegen, kannst du diese in einer eigenen Kategorie auflisten. Dazu solltest du die Inhalte der Weiterbildung übersetzen und ebenso wie bei den IT-Kenntnissen platzsparend auflisten . Wenn du nur ein Zertifikat erlangt hast, kann es sich anbieten, dieses an passender Stelle bei der Berufserfahrung unterzubringen anstatt eine eigene Kategorie dafür anzulegen. 

Driver’s licence – Führerschein

Die Angabe eines vorhandenen Führerscheins ist im amerikanischen Résumé nicht so üblich wie im deutschen Lebenslauf. Du kannst die Angabe in deinem Résumé machen, wenn du davon ausgehst, dass sie dir einen Vorteil gegenüber anderen Bewerber*innen verschafft. Die korrekte Formulierung zur Angabe des deutschen Führerscheins der Klasse B (ggf. mit vorhandenem Fahrzeug) lautet: „Driver’s license – European type B (own vehicle available)“ . 

Interests – Interessen

Diese Kategorie ist ebenfalls optional und sollte bei Personen mit Berufserfahrung ausgelassen werden, da sie häufig irrelevant ist. Wenn du dich allerdings als Berufseinsteiger*in bewirbst und nur wenig Berufserfahrung vorzuweisen hast, kannst du deine Interessen nutzen , um zu unterstreichen, wieso du für die ausgeschriebene Stelle geeignet bist. Dabei ist es wichtig, dass du keine allgemeinen Hobbys angibst, sondern lediglich vorteilhafte Interessen, die dich für diese Stelle qualifizieren. 

References – Referenzen 

Referenzen sind vor allem bei einer Bewerbung im internationalen Raum von Vorteil , weil du dein deutsches Arbeitszeugnis nicht als Referenz anhängen kannst. Im englischsprachigen Raum nutzen Personalverantwortliche häufig die Möglichkeit, sich bei ehemaligen Vorgesetzten und Referenzgeber*innen über das Arbeitsverhalten des / der Bewerber*in zu informieren.  

Bei der Angabe einer Referenz ist es deshalb von Bedeutung, dass die Person in der Lage ist, auf Englisch zu kommunizieren. Du solltest deine*n Referenzgeber*in über die Bewerbungsfristen informieren , sodass sich diese*r auf eine mögliche Kontaktaufnahme vorbereiten kann.

Folgende Angaben solltest du bei der Nennung von Referenzen auflisten: 

Name des /der Referenzgeber*in

Unternehmen / Institut

Position des / der Referenzgeber*in

Telefonnummer des / der Referenzgeber*in

E-Mail-Adresse des / der Referenzgeber*in

Im Gegensatz zum deutschen Lebenslauf wird dein Résumé weder mit dem Datum noch mit deiner Unterschrift versehen .

Dieses Team bringt 4 von 5 Personen ins Vorstellungsgespräch! Durch mehr als 10 Jahre Erfahrung und Expertise aus über 50.000 erstellten Bewerbungen verhelfen Die Bewerbungsschreiber auch dir mit einer professionellen und individuell auf dich zugeschnittenen Bewerbung zum Erfolg . Klicke hier und hol dir die beste Bewerbung deines Lebens

Damit du dich von deiner professionellen Seite zeigen kannst, reicht ein optisch ansprechender Lebenslauf nicht aus. Hier überzeugst du vor allem mit einwandfreiem Englisch . Dabei solltest du immer beachten, dass es einige amerikanische Begriffe gibt, die sich deutlich von den britischen unterscheiden . Während „spezialisieren“ in Großbritannien zum Beispiel „specialise“ heißt, wird es im amerikanischen Englisch „specialize“ geschrieben.

Allgemeine Begriffe, die du zur Erstellung deines Résumés verwenden kannst:

Abschluss – qualification / graduation

Ausbildung – professional training

Beruflicher Werdegang – work experience

Diplom – degree

Hobbys – activities

Praktikum – internship

Schulischer Werdegang – education

Weitere Kenntnisse – additional skills

Weiterführende Schule – secondary school

Kraftvolle  Action Verbs , mit denen du deine bisherigen Tätigkeiten und Erfolge beschreiben kannst:

Du hast etwas verändert / verbessert: centralized, customized, merged, modernized, redesigned, refocused, simplified, strengthened, transformed, updated, upgraded

Du hast etwas recherchiert / analysiert: analyzed, calculated, discovered, examined, identified, mapped, measured, quantified, tracked

Du hast entwickelt / vorangebracht: administered, arranged, built, created, developed, founded, implemented, pioneered, planned

Du hast jemanden / etwas geleitet: arrranged, directed, delegated, guided, managed, mentored, operated, organized, supervised, taught, trained

Du hast etwas erreicht: achieved, advanced, boosted, consolidated, decreased / enhanced, expanded, improved, saved, sustained

Bei einem Résumé handelt es sich um einen Lebenslauf für den nordamerikanischen Raum – nicht zu verwechseln mit dem Anschreiben, welches als Cover Letter bekannt ist .

Nein, ganz im Gegenteil. Du solltest bei der Erstellung deines Résumés unbedingt auf die Verwendung eines Bewerbungsfotos verzichten . Im englischsprachigen Raum ist es nicht üblich ein Foto einzufügen, da sehr streng auf das Antidiskriminierungsgesetz geachtet wird. Ebenfalls aus diesem Grund verzichtest du auf die Angabe persönlicher Informationen, beispielsweise zu deinem Geburtsort.

Ja, im Rahmen deiner Bewerbung bei Google wird ausdrücklich ein Résumé von dir verlangt . Es wird auf der Google-Karriereseite der Ablauf des Recruiting-Prozesses beschrieben, welcher unter anderem ein Résumé-Screening als einen der ersten Schritte beinhaltet. Ein Anschreiben hingegen wird nicht verlangt und wird als optional angesehen.

Ich habe dir hier die wichtigsten Punkte zusammengefasst, die du beachten solltest, um ein gelungenes Résumé zu erstellen. Dabei geht es neben Formalia auch um gestalterische Aspekte.

Folgende Punkte solltest du berücksichtigen:

Achte auf ein einheitliches Design deiner Unterlagen.

Beschränke dich auf eine DIN-A4-Seite.

Überfülle dein Résumé nicht mit Text, denn Übersichtlichkeit hat höchste Priorität.

Verwende nicht zu viele Abkürzungen, um Platz zu sparen. Das wirkt unprofessionell.

Konvertiere dein Word-Dokument in eine PDF-Datei, um zu garantieren, dass alle Elemente genauso angezeigt werden, wie sie von dir erstellt wurden.

Verwende schmale Seitenränder und kleine Zeilenabstände.

Greife Schlagwörter und die Berufsbezeichnung aus der Stellenausschreibung im Lebenslauf auf.

Erstelle deinen Lebenslauf mit einem Textverarbeitungsprogramm wie Word, statt zu einem Grafikprogramm zu greifen.

Prüfe deine Unterlagen sorgfältig auf Rechtschreib- und Grammatikfehler.

Verzichte auf die Verwendung eines Bewerbungsfotos . Ansonsten kann es passieren, dass deine Bewerbung direkt im ersten Schritt aussortiert wird.

Verzichte auf die Nennung persönlicher Daten wie dein Geburtsdatum und -ort, deine Staatsangehörigkeit oder deinen Familienstand.

Verzichte auf die Unterschrift unter deinem Résumé.

Die Überschrift deines Résumés und die Zwischenüberschriften deiner Kategorien solltest du zentrieren.

Übersetze deine Schul- und Berufsabschlüsse.

Denke an die antichronologische Darstellung deines Werdegangs (wie im Deutschen).

Nenne (anders als im Deutschen) deinen Jobtitel zuerst, gefolgt vom Unternehmensnamen und Standort in der zweiten Zeile. Hebe deine Position durch Fettdruck hervor.

Beschreibe deine Tätigkeiten in der Progressive-Form (-ing). Für in der Vergangenheit liegende Positionen kann wahlweise auch die Simple-Past-Form (-ed) genutzt werden. Achte dabei auf die einheitliche Verwendung.

Verwende dokumentübergreifend die amerikanische Schreibweise, da ein Résumé hauptsächlich im nordamerikanischen Raum verlangt wird.

Die Checkliste für dein perfektes Résumé erhältst du hier als kostenloses PDF Dokument zum Download .

Autor: Ben Dehn

Ben entschied sich nach seinem Lehramtsstudium dazu, seinen Weg zunächst im Journalismus zu bestreiten. Nach sieben Jahren bei Print, Online und Radio heuerte er 2013 bei der webschmiede GmbH an und betreute im „Die Bewerbungsschreiber“ Team Personen auf sämtlichen Hierarchieebenen. Durch seine Tätigkeit konnte er sein Know-how im Karrierebereich stetig vertiefen. Heute schreibt Ben Dehn hilfreiche Fachartikel, hält Vorträge und gibt Interviews, Workshops & Seminare.

Zu Bens Autorenprofil

German Resume Guide: Template, Formats & Writing Tips [2024]

Germany is one of the countries in Europe that has tremendous career opportunities for English-speaking candidates from around the globe.

German companies are known for their precision and attention to detail. That's exactly what they're looking for in a German resume .

All resume examples in this guide

German Resume Example

Ben Stroke ‍ Direktionsassistent https://www.linkedin.com/in/benst

Persönliche Daten

Ändern : 28 Geschlecht männlich Beziehungsstatus: Verheiratet E-Mail: [email protected] Telefon: 0211 4535961

Master in Strategischem Marketing, 2018-2019 Columbia University, New York

Bachelorstudium Betriebswirtschaftslehre, 2014-2018 Columbia University, New York

Arbeitsgeschichte

K-Mart Supermarkt Stellvertretender Filialleiter August 2017 bis heute New York City

• Verwaltetes Inventar für 3 Einzelhandelsgeschäfte, einschließlich Quittungen und Retouren
• Durchgeführt Rekrutierung für Geschäfte
• Verantwortlich für das Erreichen der monatlichen Umsatzziele ‍

Erobern Sie Restaurants Stellvertretender Restaurantleiter Juni 2014 bis August 2017 New York City

• Verantwortlich für Menüänderungen und Verfügbarkeit
• Social-Media-Marketing für Seiz
• Verantwortlich für die Verbesserung der Kundenzufriedenheit und Bewertung
• Zusammenarbeit mit Marketingagenturen von Drittanbietern ‍

Fähigkeiten

• Verhandlung und Kommunikation mit Lieferanten
• Starke Führung
• Budgetierung
• Digitales Marketing
• Datenanalyse ‍

Fähigkeitszertifizierungen

• Abgeschlossene digitale Garage von Google für digitales Marketing und SEO
• Microsoft Office-Spezialist: Excel Associate abgeschlossen ‍
• Social-Media-affin
• Verfassen eines Newsletters zum Thema Marketing (3000+ Leser) ‍

A German CV is called Lebenslauf – a factual document of the information of the candidate. This CV is quite different from a typical American-style resume. To get a well-paid job in Germany relevant to your area of expertise, you should be able to write a perfect German CV.

Whether you are a student looking to emigrate to Germany or a professional looking to work overseas in a German-speaking company, this article will help you:

• To find the best resume format and layout
• To pick the right cv templates that fit the German Corporate Culture
• To write each section of the German CV
• To identify the DOs and DON’Ts in writing a German-style resume

We will also cover everything you need to know about writing a CV for jobs in German-speaking countries like Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, and Liechtenstein.

In order to demonstrate the correct structure of a German resume, we have provided an example resume for an assistant manager:

Differences Between the German-style Resume and the American-style Resume

German CV specifications and American standards have many differences. Most standard resume practices in Germany are affected by their culture and the way the corporate works.

For instance, strict labor laws in Germany have made it difficult for companies to fire employees – making recruitment decisions critical. Most recruiters expect much detail about the candidate before making a final decision.

Here is a list of differences between the CVs in the two styles 👇:

Nevertheless, multinational companies have started to seek American-style resumes when hiring for their German subsidiaries. Most of the small and medium-sized businesses in Germany still prefer their own style of CVs.

How to Write A German Resume

As in writing any resume, you should first start with defining your CV layout, format, and template.

A typical German resume layout is as follows:

• Resume header
• Work experience
• Additional sections

The main difference in this layout is that it does not have a Professional Summary or an Objective Summary as in most American-style resumes. German resumes are considered factual documents – that do not include a sales pitch about the candidate.

The format defines the way you present your experience section. There are mainly three standard formats:

• Functional (skill-based): experience is listed based on the relevant skills.
• Reverse Chronological (traditional) : The most recent experience is listed first, followed by the rest of the work experience in reverse chronological order.
• Hybrid (combination resume) : a combination of functional and reverse chronological formats.

For the German resumes, we recommend using the reverse-chronological format to list your work experience as German hiring managers are more interested in your recent experience.

German CV Template

Picking the right resume template would be extremely important as German CVs are not considered a good place to showcase your creativity. However, a CV template could still be used to make a great first impression.

The recruiters prefer CVs with limited colors and text formatting. Therefore, use a template that is simple yet well-structured. Avoid using contrasting colors, or different fonts.

You can check out some of our ready-to-fill resume templates for your next German resume.

Create my CV

Begin Your German CV with The Header

As in American-style resumes, German CV starts with the header – but keep in mind the header in a German resume is way different than the American one.

Compared to an American resume that contains the name and contact information in the header, a German resume includes personal and contact information (Persönliches und Kontaktinformationen) .

Personal details

This shows a major difference from American resumes. German recruiters expect a certain level of personal information of the candidate to make a hiring decision. You can always choose not to disclose some of this information though.

• Name - Name
• Marital status - Familienstand
• Age/ Date of birth - Geboren
• Nationality - Staatsangehörigkeit

Contact details

Contact details should include the following:

• Address - Adresse
• Phone number - Telefonnummer
• Email - Mail
• Link to your personal portfolio or the LinkedIn profile

https://www.linkedin.com/in/levid

Gender: Male

Marital status: Single

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 0211 3465978

The photo: Vital on The German CV

Another important part of a German resume header is the attachment of a professional photo of the candidate. This is a common practice in Germany whereas, in America, Canada, the UK, Australia, and some other countries, this is considered a capital offense – one that can send your CV straight to trash.

While you selecting a template , make sure you pick one with space to add a picture.

Here are the key photo guidelines you should consider:

• The photo should be a professional headshot – showcasing head and the shoulder only
• Dress appropriately for the photo. Try to wear low contracting colors that go with the resume colors
• Consider hiring a professional photographer
• Choose a suitable background color or a composition
• Keep your eyes on the camera
• Smile and let your personality shine through
• Do not use selfies
• Avoid distracting hairstyles or fashions
• Avoid holiday or party photos

Experience (Berufserfahrung)

As in the American resumes, you should use reverse-chronological format to write the experience section – starting with the most recent experience and going backward.

What is different here is how you write the section and the information you provide about the previous employer.

Steal this format to write your experience section👇

• Company name and industry
• Job title: you can list multiple job roles you held in the same company
• Time period
• Location: State the country and the region
• Description: Short description highlighting the duties and key responsibilities you held and the type of work you carried out

Writing the description in your work experience would be quite different from an American resume. Here, you do not have to write about the skills utilized while doing the job, achievements in your job, or the accomplishments – only write the factual information about your work.

In contrast to American resumes, instead of writing about jobs that are irrelevant to the position you apply for, write about an internship or a volunteering work you have participated in.

Here is an example experience section for a teacher:

Sprachlehrer

Aug 2018 to May 2021

• Kursmaterial für die Sprachen Deutsch, Englisch und Französisch erstellt
• Vorbereitete Aufgaben und Tests
• Durchführung von Klassen für Schüler der Sekundarstufe und des
• Einzelne Klassenaufzeichnungen aktualisiert
• Verantwortlich für den jährlichen Modulwechsel

Education (Ausbildung)

The education section in German resumes usually come before experience. This is partly because German hiring managers give more value to your education and skills rather than your achievements.

However, you can place this section before or after work experience based on your profile – if you have a strong academic background, you could give priority to the education section.

When listing your education, use reverse chronological format to state the latest education qualifications first.

Both your secondary education and higher education are important for the German CV.

German GPA scale system is different from the USA system which ranges from 5 (the lowest) to 1 (the highest) as opposed to the USA scale system which goes from 0 (lowest) to 4 (highest).

If you possess good grades that you want to communicate, make sure you do that without confusing the German employers.

Shortly state the key learnings of each degree or educational qualification.

Here is an example education section for a German resume:

Bachelorstudium Betriebswirtschaftslehre, 2013-2016

Australische Nationaluniversität

• Rekrutierung
• HR-Strategie
• Arbeitgebermarke

Höheres Nationales Diplom in Informationstechnologie 2018-2019

Institut für Informatik, Melbourne

• Fortgeschrittene Computerkenntnisse
• C-, C++-, Java-Programmierung

Skills ( Fähigkeiten)

Unlike in the American resumes, you should not use the skills section to promote yourself in the German CV – as your resume should only include factual information.

Write a mix of soft skills and hard skills giving priority to your hard skills.

Soft skills

These are the skills that characterize your relationship with others and provide the recruiter an idea as to how you behave under different situations. These are more generic skills and difficult to prove.

• People skill
• Negotiation and communication skills
• Business intelligence
• Problem-solving
• Organizational skills

Hard skills

Often based on your most recent job experience or education. German recruiters value these because they are industry-specific.

• MS Office 360 (Word, Excel, Powerpoint)
• Programming in Java, Python, C++
• Object-oriented programming
• Artificial Intelligence
• Saas product marketing

Refer to the German job description to find out the key skills they’re looking for. Five to seven skills in bullet points would be ideal.

About Me: Summarize Your Professional Profile

The professional summary section accounts for the major difference between American and German-style resumes.

In American resumes, a professional summary stands as a sales pitch to the hiring manager highlighting the key skills, expertise, and achievements of the candidate. It also emphasizes why they should hire the candidate and how his/ her expertise could be beneficial to the company.

German resumes on the other hand do not require such sales pitching from the candidate – it’s a factual document of the candidate’s education, experience, and skills.

Therefore, a German resume does not consist of a professional summary .

However, if you’re applying for a multinational in Germany with foreign management, you may still include a professional summary on your resume. If you wish to include one on your resume, below is an example that may help. 👇

Professional Summary for a Software Developer

Ein Softwareentwickler mit über 5 Jahren Erfahrung und praktischer Erfahrung in C++, JAVA, Python und PHP, der nach einer Gelegenheit in einer leitenden Position sucht

Ein leidenschaftlicher Software-Ingenieur mit über 5 Jahren Erfahrung freut sich darauf, GETECH in Deutschland beizutreten, um die auf künstlicher Intelligenz basierende Produktlinie auf die nächste Stufe zu bringen. In meiner vorherigen Position bei US TECH habe ich einen KI-basierten Videoersteller mit Python und JAVA entwickelt, der für 20 Millionen US-Dollar verkauft wurde

Professional Objective

A Professional Objective is similar to a Professional Summary, which you should not repeat on the resume. The Professional Objective is intended for those with limited work experience: students and candidates going through a career transition.

However, we advise you not to include this section on your German resume.

Additional sections for your German Resume

Additional sections are a great way to provide factual information that will influence the HR recruiter’s decision. Below we have highlighted the type of additional sections you can include in your German resume. Take a good look and only include the sections that are relevant to your personal profile.

Language proficiency is something that most recruiters are concerned about. If you are an ex-pat looking for an employment opportunity in the Germany, having proficiency in German language would be a big plus.

Your fluency in English and other EU languages will give you an edge in the shortlisting process.

When you are writing the language section, have a look at the Common European Framework of Reference ( CEFR ).

Examples for Education on German Resume

English Proficiency

German Intermediate

French Beginners

Also, check out our ready-to-fill resume templates where you can find plenty of German-style resume templates that come with simple yet great features to demonstrate your language proficiency and other sections.

Computer Skills & Certifications

If you have completed any course on computer science, programming, or information technology, you may list them here.

Having basic computer and system literacy would be valuable in any job as German companies employ many computer-based systems in their businesses.

Some jobs in Germany require the candidate to present a valid skills certification. Mention it if you already hold one. If not make sure you apply for one immediately. For instance, if you are applying for a job that involves you driving a vehicle, you should have the required EU driving license.

Publications

If you are a student or applying for an academic-related job, you may list the research papers and publications that are under your name.

German recruiters are a little biased towards the educational qualifications of the candidates. Therefore, if you have such academic achievements, make sure you put them in an additional section to gain more visibility.

Interests and Hobbies

This is another place where the German resume differs from the American one. You can list a couple of personal interests in your German resume.

However, make it relevant to the job you apply for.

Whether the CV is German or American, it should only include the relevant information. In a full factual document, this is the only chance you get to express your personality and communicate how you would fit into the organization’s culture. The interests you mention here should add value to your candidacy – not just the things you do in your free time.

Examples for interests and hobbies on German Resume

• Reading books
• Collecting coins
• Watching Football matches
• Writing blogs for an international sports channel
• An active member of Toastmasters club
• Writing a monthly newsletter on technology

Candidate Signature

This final section completes the German resume: date and the signature of the candidate. As you have the flexibility to add a couple of pages to your German resume, keep space to put the date and signature at the bottom.

Do not put a separate section naming it as “Candidate Signature”. You can also put your e-signature here.

Tips to Improve Your Resume in German

Make your next German CV stand out from the crowd with these pro tips:

• Check the job description to determine whether the potential employer expects the CV to be in English or German
• Include a link to your LinkedIn profile or portfolio website in the header of your document. Verify that the link works in both PDF format and MS Word format.
• Choose the right resume template that matches German Corporate Culture as well as your personality – check out our ready-to-fill resume templates .
• Get your final CV draft checked by a native German writer.
• Prepare a cover letter to go along with your resume – check out our cover letter templates to get an idea

The Facts of the German Job Market

Germany’s salaries are among the highest in Europe. Statistics suggest Germany’s average salary is around 42,500 Euros a year 💰 ( statista.com ), whereas Switzerland, Luxembourg, and Iceland top the list with 65k, 66k, and 67k annual salaries consecutively.

Nevertheless, Germany is a popular destination for English-speaking professionals and workers to settle in relatively good careers.

Summary: Write a Perfect German Resume

• Be factual rather than self-promotional.
• Include your name, contact information, and personal information in the header of your resume.
• Do not include a professional summary.
• The experience section should be succinct, and factual.
• Showcase your education qualifications together with key learnings.
• Include a combination of soft and hard skills.
• Use additional sections such as languages, skills certifications, and interests to demonstrate relevant extra traits.
• Put your signature and date at the end of the document.
• Your German resume could extend to a couple of pages (ideally 2 to 3).

Complement Your Resume with Your Cover Letter

A cover letter would be a great way to showcase your personality and achievements to the hiring manager.

As the German resume only focuses on the factual information of the candidate, the cover letter can be used to describe your interest in the company and the position.

You could write about your key achievements in the previous job, how your experience and skills helped the previous employer, and how that would be potentially valuable to the new employer.

Have a look at our cover letter templates to create a great cover letter for your German recruiter.

FAQs about the German Resume

German recruiters are very much concerned about employment gaps in your CV. However, having career gaps is natural for most candidates.

If you have a gap in your career, you should disclose it to the recruiter without trying to hide it in the resume.

State what you did in that period. This may include volunteering, traveling, taking part in a research project, or taking part in an expedition. You should include this information in your German CV.

It depends on the company and the position you apply for. If you’re applying for a job in a multinational organization in Germany, they would expect your resume in English. However, most German companies operate in Germany.

Refer to the job advertisement for the language requirements. Use the language of the job advertisement if there is no reference to the CV language.

The German market goes beyond its language. In many cases, even if you don’t master the German language, your English skills may be highly desirable. However, we do recommend having a basic command before aspiring to jobs abroad.

Create your resume with the best templates

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Static and dynamic content editing

A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!

How to customize formatting for each rich text

Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.

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Dive Into Expert Guides to Enhance your Resume

The German Resume

Apply for a job in Germany with your winning German resume

If you’re interested in working in a German-speaking environment you will need to know  how to present a German job application  and what that includes. Even though resumes may be an international idea, there are still many differences from country to country when it comes to writing  a resume to suit the recruiting environment  for each culture.

A resume is the first impression you will make on a prospective employer and if you need to  present a resume in German , you will need to take into consideration various factors such as cultural preferences and professional standards.  What a German recruiter expects to see  in a job application is not the same as what an American recruiter expects.

The name for the  German resume , or CV as it is more widely known in Europe, is the Lebenslauf. In the world of  recruiting in Germany, Austria, Switzerland , and other German-speaking regions, the  Lebenslauf  is regarded as less of a marketing product and more of a  factual document . This means that instead of including lots of professional or academic achievements and details about responsibilities undertaken in previous positions, the resume itself will simply  list details that are of interest to German employers . Maintaining this format will allow the jobseeker to get their candidacy into the next recruitment stage – the interview.

The following guide will answer the questions:  what is a Lebenslauf ? and show you  how to write a German resume  that will fit the recruitment standards for German-speaking companies.

Writing a Resume in German

Knowing  how to write a resume in German  is vital if you’re planning on either moving to a German-speaking country or aim to work within the German market.

A simple translation of your current resume will not be enough  to produce a successful job application and you should always be mindful of literal translations in German because the language has many rules and tricks that make it difficult to fully grasp.

If you already have a good level of German you will be able to make a decent go of  writing a German resume or Lebenslauf with some professional guidance . If, however, you do not yet dominate the language, you could find yourself with some serious issues when it comes to writing your German resume from scratch. One way to avoid these problems is to use an  online German resume builder  that allows you to use  German resume templates  that are pre-constructed and approved by specialist German recruiters.

Whether you decide to  write your German resume using examples of Lebenslauf  or not, the following tips will help you to optimize your personalized German resume.

• At the very beginning of your German resume, you will need to  add a header which should include your name as the title . Never title a German resume with the word Lebenslauf itself.
• German recruiters prefer to receive resumes in a professional and executive manner, without a variety of different fonts and colors, etc. This means candidates should stick to  traditional resume styles  instead of the emerging creative resume layouts which can be popular elsewhere.
• It is essential that jobseekers do their  research before applying for a job with a German company . In order to fully tailor your German resume to a specific vacancy, you must investigate the company culture, rules and regulations, hiring processes and generally have a good background knowledge of what the company is looking for in the suitable candidate.
• As has been mentioned, German resumes are simply factual documents that do not require candidates to embellish or decorate with superfluous information. It is essential that candidates stick to the facts and make no outrageous claims or include irrelevant details that are not directly related to the vacancy, sector or candidate’s professional profile.
• In German resumes it is extremely important to  take special care with spelling and grammar . Mistakes of this kind are taken very seriously by German recruiters and a simple typo could cost you your chance at an interview for your dream job. Keep in mind that hiring managers in German-speaking countries are especially particular about well-written and linguistically perfect resumes.

Considering the nature and difficulty of the German language, even if you are practically fluent, it is a good idea to  have someone review and proofread your German resume  before sending off your application. In addition to using  German resume templates  and heeding expert advice on  resume writing , your best bet at getting through to the next selection stage is to use your resources: friends, teachers, peers, managers, etc. to help you construct a winning German resume.

German Resume: Layout and Sections

To  create a German resume with the right structure and style for German companies , there are some general rules to bear in mind. The  German resume format  differs slightly from a general  resume format . The following tips will give candidates the information they need to lay out a German resume in the correct manner:

• The  standard length of a German resume is 1-2 A4 pages . Candidates should not produce resumes that exceed this length because they will be discarded. It is more common to see a 1-page resume that 2 but it is acceptable to use 2 pages if all the information included is relevant to the job application.
• It is advisable to  use only one standard font and size of text  throughout the resume, with few changes for titles/subtitles. Applicants should also avoid using too much text formatting in the form of italic or bold lettering.
• The most common  format for a German resume  is to include a professional headshot at the top and to  divide the existing sections into two columns , in order to place the dates that correspond to the activities or qualifications on the left and the details of the experience on the right.

For help with  creating a German Lebenslauf , candidates can use  German resume templates  or online examples that show exactly how to write a German resume to make sure their candidacy stands out of the crowd.

What to Include in a German Resume

Knowing  how to structure a German resume  is not the only aspect that should be considered when you need to present a job application for a German company. There is also the content and sections to be included in a German resume.

The most common  parts of a German resume  are as follows:

Personal and contact details

Persönliches and Kontaktinformationen This section should include a professional photo in the top-left corner with the personal details, and candidate’s name as the title, either by the side of just below as part of the header for a German resume.

The  contact details  should consist of the following:

• Address – Adresse
• Phone number – Telefonnummer
• Email – Mail
• Website or professional online profile such as LinkedIn

The  personal details  are to add to the factual nature of the German resume and include certain data that would not usually be included on an American resume. This section should list:

• Date of birth of applicant, written simply as born – Geboren
• Nationality – Staatsangehörigkeit
• Marital status – Familienstand

Previously, it was also common practice to include the number and ages of children that an applicant had as part of this  German resume section  but it is becoming less and less popular as recruiting techniques change.

If you are uncomfortable adding any of this information or  including a photo on your German Lebenslauf , you should be aware that it is not a legal requirement for a job application in Germany. Nevertheless, German recruiters will be expecting to have the information readily available so do be prepared to answer questions of the same kind at an interview.

Ausbildung This section can either be  placed before or after the work experience section  depending on the needs and profile of the candidate. For  students  or  entry-level  applicants, it is possible that a German resume with a  strong academic history in the initial part of the document will have a more positive impact  on a hiring manager than one with a bare job history as the starting point.

The courses and certificates included in this part should be written in  reverse-chronological order . That is to say, beginning with the most recent and relevant certification and working backward.

Due to the differences in education systems around the world, when you are writing a German resume, you should try to  show the equivalents for your qualifications and your grades , if you choose to include them.

This is particularly important for a German resume as a 4.0. GPA is the highest grade in the U.S., whereas this same digit represents the lowest possible pass grade in Germany.

The following table should help you to  demonstrate your grade accurately for German recruiters to understand :

Schooling in Germany is very different from the US and there are various types of secondary schools but the  best equivalent for a high school diploma  in the US would be either from the comprehensive school known as Gesamtschule, which is only available in certain German states or the country-wide academic secondary school known as Gymnasium. The  high school diploma earned here is called das Abitur . In Austria and Switzerland, this diploma is known as the Matura diploma. These schools also offer  honors courses which are known as Leistungskurse  which could be useful to highlight if you have completed any extra modules or credits in your academic history.

Additionally, German recruiting managers will fully comprehend the International Baccalaureate (IB) system if you have been schooled using this grading system.

Moving on to  higher education , universities in Germany are also divided into different sectors so it depends on your specialist area which one applies to you.

College/University – Universität Teacher College – Pädagogische Hochshule Art College – Kunsthochschule Technical Institute – Fachhochshule Training Institute – Verwaltungsfachhochshule

Often as part of a German job application, candidates will need to have official certificates translated.

Degrees from German colleges are given names in English  – Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelor of Science (B.Sc), Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng), and Bachelor of Laws (LL.B). There are other Bachelor degrees in arts and education.  This can also be called a Diplom .

Following this, a Magister is the name given to a master’s degree. Finally, a Ph.D. is recognized as in English.

This section should also  include any professional training courses  which offer relevance to the vacancy you’re applying to. Remember, the aim is to  demonstrate your pertinent qualifications  and show the hiring manager that you are suitable for the position on offer.

Work Experience

Berufserfahrung Similarly to the  education section  on a German resume, the candidate’s job history should be laid out in  reverse-chronological order , starting with the most recent or current work experience and working backward.

Each separate previous role should  detail the dates of employment in the left-hand column  and the rest of the information on the right. This other information includes:

• Company name and sector if it is unlikely to be known to the prospective employer
• Location – remember to write out the full state name if you’re applying to work abroad.
• Description – under each job title, there should be a  short and concise description  of the most pertinent details of each post held.

Unlike American resumes, the information here is purely factual and does not need to incorporate professional achievements or demonstrate skills used on the job.

If you have any  internships  or  voluntary experience , it is more common for German resumes to encompass those details, as long as they are  relevant to the vacancy , in this same section as equal to other paid work experience. They should be incorporated naturally in the chronological timeline to show where and when you undertook these responsibilities throughout your career.

Fähigkeiten Attempting to  make your candidacy stand out on a German resume  may seem like a complex challenge, given that a recruiter only wants the facts and no extra convincing arguments about why to hire you. However, if you  add a skills section to your German CV , this could be just the thing to catch the hiring manager’s eye without boasting.

Use bullet points  to list a mix of soft and hard  skills  that you possess and which relate to the vacancy or sector you’re looking to work in.

You can also add languages – Sprachen and IT skills – EDV (Elektronische Datenverarbeitung) to express your knowledge in various languages and computing expertise. Remember that you should mention the name but also explain the function of any specific programs you have used so that the hiring manager can understand the practicality of this skill.

With languages, you should  describe your proficiency in terms of the Common European Framework of Reference  (CEFR) detailing each level from A1 (beginner) to C2 (native fluency). This will allow the German recruiter to get a better understanding of how well you are able to use the language in a professional environment.

Hobbies and Interests

Interessen and Hobbys Finally, something that is  not commonly seen on American resumes  is a section dedicated to personal interests. However, on a German resume, this section is much more popular and allows the potential employer to gain an understanding of the applicant’s character as a whole.

Ensure to  only mention relevant hobbies  that provide evidence of your previously mentioned experiences or skills. Also, strategically, this is a useful section to add if you want to  show your comprehension of the company culture  or demonstrate extra traits that you feel will be beneficial to your candidacy, such as including leadership roles in associations or social clubs.

Finally, there is one extra part to a German resume that must be adhered to in order to be accepted for a job application process. This final touch is the addition of the candidate’s signature along with the place and date at the very end of the Lebenslauf.

Employing a  German resume builder online  is a guaranteed way to build a Lebenslauf that will attract attention for all the right reasons. Candidates can ensure to include all the necessary sections, in a suitable format for German recruiting practices and use German resume templates that have been approved by HR specialists.

German Resume Example

One of the best ways to create a German resume that attracts attention from a prospective employer is by using  German resume examples  that show exactly how the document should be laid out and what information should be included or excluded.

German resume samples  can also inspire candidates with the practical examples used in each section to describe work experience or effective skills. Take advantage of different German resume examples that can help you to create a unique, customized German resume of your own.

It is imperative that each German resume you create be tailored specifically to fit not only your professional profile but also to match the needs of the employer and vacancy on offer.

ResumeCoach  has dozens of practical tips and examples available online to help applicants construct a winning German Lebenslauf with specially designed German resume templates.

Difference between American and German Resumes

The main  aspects that differ between American and German resumes  include some peculiarities that are specific to German resumes. These elements are rarely found in job applications in the U.S.

The first major difference between American and German resumes relates to the content of the resume itself. Normally, on a resume for a job offer in the U.S., you would find a  resume objective , summary statement or qualifications summary section at the beginning, that gives the reader an  introduction into the profile  of the candidate naming some of the key skills and expertise they possess. This is non-existent on German resumes.

Essentially, as it is  similar to a sales pitch  for the candidate and a  German Lebenslauf is completely factual , it does not require this section. Instead this type of description, the objective as it is commonly known in the U.S. – Betreff in German – would be  included in the German cover letter .

Another dissimilarity between the two recruitment processes is that although references are increasingly less common on American resumes,  all German applicants have a written form of reference  that they receive upon leaving a previous job. The name for these references is Arbeitszeugnis and they are readily available to deliver with the German resume.

In American resumes, sometimes we purposefully structure the document to conceal certain information for example if we have had  gaps in our employment . However, in the German resume, candidates are recommended to include an explanation for possible employment gaps. This could be in order to avoid being discarded for lack of a steady timeline or even to demonstrate other skills and qualifications that the applicant possesses due to the reasons they were not working: further study, military service, travel, parenting leave, etc.

These differences can make it challenging to know  how to write a German resume , which is why it is helpful to use a multi-lingual resume creator that shows each section to include, with tips and examples from HR professionals.

Struggling with Resume Writing?

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Your resume for Germany

While many of the core components of a resume remain the same across cultures, there are some differences to consider when creating a German CV (Lebenslauf). Here are some elements that typically differentiate a resume for Germany from international ones.

In this article

Personal Information in your resume for Germany

In German resumes, it is customary to include detailed personal information at the start. This may include your full name, date of birth, marital status, and nationality. It’s a practice rooted in the country’s cultural and business norms, providing a snapshot of your background.

However, this practice significantly differs from resumes in many other countries, particularly those where privacy concerns and anti-discrimination laws discourage such information from being shared. In these regions, including such personal information could lead to a bias in the hiring process. However, in Germany, it’s generally accepted and expected.

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Photo Inclusion in German CVs

German resumes often feature a professional headshot at the top of the document. The quality of the photo matters greatly, as it should convey professionalism and seriousness. This practice is less common in many other countries, particularly those such as the United States, where there are potential issues around discrimination.

Nevertheless, in Germany, including a professional-looking photo can help create a positive first impression and is considered part of the standard resume format.

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Signature Requirement in German Resumes

A German CV often concludes with the date and a handwritten signature. This is not just a formality but carries a notion of authenticity and personal responsibility for the accuracy of the provided information. While the digitization of applications may have made this practice less common, it’s still considered a standard in traditional German CVs. In contrast, this is not a widely seen practice in many international resumes, where a typed name suffices.

Facts and figures

• According to the Deutsche Bundesbank, there are approximately 1,800 banks operating in Germany.
• Germany has a strong tradition of cooperative banks, known as Volksbanken and Raiffeisenbanken, with over 1,000 institutions.
• The German banking sector employs over 600,000 people.
• In 2019, the total assets of the largest bank in Germany, Deutsche Bank, amounted to over 1.3 trillion euros.
• Germany has a high level of financial inclusion, with around 99% of adults having a bank account.
• The banking sector contributes significantly to the German economy, accounting for about 3% of GDP.

Chronological Format of your resume for Germany

German resumes are typically structured in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent job and working backwards. This concise, clear, and straight-to-the-point format ensures that the most relevant and latest information is seen first. It’s a format that’s used internationally, but in some countries, like the U.S., functional or combination resumes might also be common, focusing more on skills and experiences rather than a chronological work history.

Indication of Language Proficiency

Language proficiency is an important aspect of German resumes, given the country’s global business standing and central location in Europe. Applicants often detail their level of proficiency in German, English, and potentially other languages. Demonstrating language proficiency is important in any international context, but it’s particularly critical in Germany, which has a diverse business environment with many international connections.

National Service

For German men who have completed it, national service or voluntary service is often mentioned in their CV. It’s a unique aspect that could be highlighted in a German resume, as it can show a sense of duty, responsibility, and maturity. However, this is not a standard feature in many international resumes unless the experience gained during the service is directly relevant to the job application .

‘Interests’ Section in your resume for Germany

Many German CVs include a article on hobbies and personal interests. This is intended to give a more rounded picture of the applicant, highlighting attributes that might not be evident from professional or educational experiences. While the ‘Interests’ article can vary in international resumes, in Germany, it’s often used to showcase personality traits and soft skills that are relevant to the workplace, such as teamwork, leadership , or dedication.

Certifications and Grades

German CVs often provide detailed information about education, including scores and grades. Germans are generally candid about their educational achievements, and this includes not just degrees but also any relevant certifications and vocational training . Unlike some international resumes where GPA might not be highlighted unless it’s particularly strong, in Germany, including this information is more standard and expected.

Rather than the line ‘references available upon request’ often seen in U.S. resumes, German CVs typically include actual references with contact information. This provides potential employers with immediate access to references, speeding up the hiring process.

However, it’s important to only include references who have agreed to be contacted and can provide a positive and accurate account of your skills and experiences. This practice differs from many international resumes, where references are usually only provided upon request to respect the time and privacy of the referees.

Importance of the Cover Letter in Germany

In Germany, a cover letter , or ‘Anschreiben’, is considered an integral part of the job application process. It is just as important, if not more so, than the CV itself. The cover letter should introduce the applicant, explain why they are applying for the job, and highlight the skills and experiences that make them suitable for the position.

This differs from some international standards where the cover letter may be optional or less emphasized. In Germany, a well-crafted cover letter can significantly boost the chances of landing a job interview as it provides a platform to demonstrate enthusiasm, commitment, and a deep understanding of the role and the company.

Questions and answers

Is it necessary to include marital status and nationality in a german resume.

Yes, it’s customary in Germany to include such personal details in your resume. However, ensure you’re comfortable with sharing this information.

Should I include a photo in my German resume?

Yes, it’s a common practice in Germany to include a professional headshot on your resume. The photo should be high-quality and convey professionalism.

How should I order my work experiences in a German resume?

Work experiences are generally ordered in reverse chronological format, starting with the most recent job. This format allows employers to see your most relevant experience first.

How should I indicate language proficiency on a German resume?

Language skills are important in Germany, and should be indicated clearly, usually using the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) levels. Mentioning your German language skills, if applicable, is particularly important.

Should I include my national service details in a German resume?

If you’ve completed national service, it’s often mentioned in German resumes. It can demonstrate responsibility and commitment.

Should I include an ‘Interests’ article in a German resume?

Yes, including an ‘Interests’ article can give employers a rounded view of your personality. Ensure the hobbies or interests listed are relevant and present you in a positive light.

Should I include grades and scores in my educational details?

In Germany, it’s common to provide detailed information about your education, including scores and grades. This gives potential employers a clear understanding of your academic performance.

How should I include references in my German resume?

Unlike some international resumes, German CVs often include actual references with contact details. Always ensure you have the referee’s permission before including their information.

Is a cover letter necessary when applying for jobs in Germany?

Yes, a cover letter is a critical part of job applications in Germany. It’s your opportunity to introduce yourself and elaborate on your skills and experiences.

How long should my German resume be?

While there’s no strict rule, most German resumes are one to two pages long. The goal is to present your most relevant information as concisely as possible.

Should you consider professional help for your resume for Germany?

reating a resume or CV for a job application in Germany as a foreigner can be a challenging task due to cultural differences and specific requirements. There are both advantages and disadvantages to drafting your own CV versus having it professionally written or reviewed.

Advantages of Writing a resume for Germany on your own

Writing your own CV can be a beneficial process as it allows you to deeply reflect on your experiences, skills, and achievements. This reflection can help you better articulate your value proposition in job interviews. Additionally, it ensures that the CV is written in your voice and is a true reflection of who you are, which is important for authenticity. You also have complete control over what is included and how it’s presented.

Disadvantages of Writing a resume for Germany on your own

On the other hand, the disadvantages of writing your own CV lie primarily in the potential for overlooking key formatting or content elements that are specific to the German job market. As a foreigner, you might not be familiar with the expectations for a German CV, such as including a professional photo or personal information like date of birth and nationality. There’s also a risk of language errors if German is not your first language, which could create a negative impression.

Advantages of Having Your CV Professionally Written or Reviewed

Having a professional write or review your CV can increase the chances of your CV aligning with the German standards and expectations. They can ensure correct use of language, appropriate formatting, and inclusion of all necessary details. A professional can also help to highlight your skills and experiences in a way that is most appealing to German employers, and they can potentially help you to navigate cultural nuances that you might not be aware of.

Disadvantages of Having Your CV Professionally Written or Reviewed

However, there can be downsides to having your CV professionally written or reviewed. It can be costly, and there’s a risk that the final product may not fully reflect your personal voice or accurately portray your skills and experiences. If the professional isn’t well-versed in your field, they might also miss the importance of certain experiences or qualifications. Lastly, depending on someone else to write your CV can lead to a less thorough understanding of your own experiences and achievements, which can be a disadvantage in interviews.

In conclusion, whether to write your own CV or have it professionally written or reviewed depends on your confidence in understanding and meeting the specific requirements of a German CV, your proficiency in the language, and your budget. Both options have their own merits and drawbacks, and the choice largely depends on personal circumstances and comfort levels.

Suggestion for steps to follow when writing a resume for Germany

Follow these steps to write an effective resume for Germany.

Research the company

Start by researching the company you are applying to. Understand its values, work culture and the job role you are applying for.

Format the CV

Format your CV according to German standards. This typically includes personal details, professional experience, education, skills, and references.

Write the Cover Letter

Write a cover letter that clearly outlines your interest in the role, your qualifications, and why you would be a good fit for the company.

Review and Edit

Review your application for any errors. It may be helpful to have someone else look over your application for a fresh perspective.

Submit the Application

Submit your application according to the company’s instructions. This may be through an online portal, email, or post.

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The Perfect German Résumé

First impressions matter when applying for a job. Put your best foot forward with German employers by using an application style they recognize.

A German curriculum vitae, or Lebenslauf , doesn’t look wildly different compared with résumés from other parts of the world. Applicants include a cover letter and list their educational degrees and work experience. When applying for a job in Germany, keep in mind there isn’t just one way to write a CV. There is no "perfect" version. The following is a general idea of how to structure a CV that won't end up at the bottom of the pile.

The first section of a German CV lists an applicant’s personal information. Titled Persönliche Angaben, or Personal Information, the section includes first and last name, place and date of birth, marriage status, nationality, and contact information. Each detail should be listed separately. Make sure to attach a passport-sized photo to the right-hand corner of the document with the name and date of birth written on the back.

Under the Personal Information section, an applicant can include a subsection called Profil, or Profile, where she gives a short description of herself and what she does. Rather than using vague descriptions like “hard working” or “creative,” an applicant can use this space to describe herself in concrete terms, highlighting specific skills, experience, and fields of study. German employers value a direct explanation of experience. This will begin to tell them an applicant’s professional story and history.

The title of the second section is Ausbildung, or Education. In this section, an applicant describes where she went to school, what she studied and how it is relevant to the job she’s applying for. Start with the dates of attendance, the name of the program and the university. Many people also include special areas of study within the degree program. Perhaps the degree is in Political Science, but an applicant focused specifically on Eastern European Affairs. Include that information. It helps an employer get a bigger picture of the applicant’s base of knowledge. Applicants should also include information from their high school years. In Germany, that might mean listing where and when an applicant received her Abitur. Other countries describe high school diplomas differently. Just make sure to include the name of the high school, the dates attended and the final degree received.

The third section is titled Berufliche Erfahrung, or Work Experience. Jobs should be listed in reverse chronological order. With each position, include the dates worked for the company, the position held, and the name of the company. Follow that with a simple description of the tasks performed. Descriptions should be kept short and to the point. No need for a lot of buzzwords or business jargon. In general, German employers like CVs without fluff, just the facts.

If an applicant has special skills she wants to mention, like second or third languages or technical certifications, she can list them under Sonstiges. This section gives applicants another opportunity to stand out and demonstrate background or useful training for the job. Applicants can also include volunteer work or scholarships received.

Opinions vary whether a CV submitted to a German company should be written in English, if the applicant is a native English speaker. This depends greatly on the type of job someone’s applying for. Employers advertising jobs requiring good German language skills would likely react positively to a grammatically correct CV in German. However, if an applicant’s German isn’t very advanced, it may be best to write the CV in English, using the traditional German CV format. This is better than giving an inaccurate representation of the applicant’s level of German skills and is perhaps also less intimidating for those job seekers who have not yet mastered the German language.

Related content

How To Write A German CV That Will Get You Interviews

by Cheryl Howard | Jun 7, 2024 | Berlin Guides , Job Applications , Working In Berlin | 6 comments

HOW TO WRITE A GERMAN CV THAT WILL GET YOU INTERVIEWS

Many foreigners applying for jobs in Germany from abroad or those who are already in Germany looking for work often find themselves not getting any responses to their job applications. This can happen for several reasons, but among them are people being unfamiliar with German CV standards, following outdated practices, getting bad advice from unqualified people, having a poor CV design, and a myriad of other common mistakes .

We’re here to take the mystery out of writing a German CV, teach you how to craft a stand-out CV on your own, and share best practices.

Recommended reading: A Definitive Guide On How To Write A German Cover Letter

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LET’S WRITE A GERMAN CV TOGETHER

Our comprehensive German CV guide will take you through creating a German CV step-by-step and following our advice, you’ll be getting interviews with German companies in no time. 🚀

The Difference Between a CV and Resume

What’s the difference between a CV and a resume?

We get this question from our community   a lot ! For as long as I’ve been in Germany, I thought they were the same thing due to people using both words interchangeably in conversations. However similar, there is a textbook difference according to   online sources .

1) CV   – A CV ( curriculum vitae ) is a long-form document spanning multiple pages that presents an exceptionally detailed view of your experience, education, skills, and achievements. These long-form CVs are used more in academia than anywhere else. More common are “CV summaries,” where you condense your CV into a short one or two-page brief. CVs tend to be extremely direct and to the point, using fact-based sentences without an excessive use of adjectives or overtly flowery language.

2) Resume   – Resumes, common in places like the United States, are more of a personal marketing brochure intentionally designed to advertise a person’s experience, education, skills, and experience. As these documents are usually heavy on self-promotion, you may observe a higher frequency of buzzwords, longer sentences, and slight exaggerations.

Neither format is better than the other, and in our opinion, a combination of the two is the perfect blend when you’re writing your German CV. You need to convey factual information about yourself while hyping yourself up at the same time. As such, this is the approach we advocate in our CV guide.

How to Format a German CV

One of the first things you need to think about when putting together your German CV is the format:.

As German CVs need not be more than one to two pages, “real estate” is valuable.   We recommend using a two-column CV format to optimize the space on your CV. With this format, you can include relevant information without compromising on design.

Another advantage of using this format is that it gets key information into the eyes of the CV reader in one quick glance. And with hiring managers sometimes only looking at job applications for six seconds , you need to do all you can to optimize your chances of getting a job interview .

In the narrow column, you can include any of these   CV elements:

1) Contact Information

2) Languages

4) Education

5) Training & Certifications

6) Visa Status

7) Web Site(s)

8) Social Profiles

The wider column can then be used for detailing your professional experience and related accomplishments.

The example on the left gives you a   rough idea   of what your CV could look like.

Design Considerations for German CVs

There are other things that you need to consider when designing a German CV.

1) Use an attractive design that looks professional and something that you took care and time to complete. A German CV should never look like it’s something that was thrown hastily together, as it will seem that you didn’t put much thought or effort into crafting the document. When job hunting, first impressions matter a lot, and a well-designed CV is vital to help create that first positive view of you as a potential employee.

There are numerous CV builders out there and our favorites include:

⭐ Google Addons ⭐  resume.io

All of these services are free or budget-friendly. There’s no need to spend much money to create a visually appealing CV.

2) When writing a German CV, you must consider accessibility and how easy your CV is to read. Using the correct font size is essential, as is using an appropriate font.

According to   Indeed , these are the best fonts for CVs:

⭐ Times New Roman

⭐ Helvetica

In terms of font size, use a 10 – 12 size font.

3) You can also add more style and flare to your CV by using upper case, bolding, italicizing, or underlining. Bulleted and numbered lists are also suitable for CVs. Whatever style you choose, be sure to apply it consistently. i.e., If you bold a heading and use a slightly larger font size, do this for all headings.

You may read in some publications that Germans don’t like to see style applied to CVs. It’s an unfortunately false stereotype that I see perpetuated all too often. While content matters, so does having a nice-looking CV.

That said, don’t go overboard on your design to the point where it overpowers your content. The last thing you want is for the reader to miss out on valuable information about you because they find it hard to read.

Be aware that some   applicant tracking systems (ATS) can’t read CVs   when using tools like Canva. Keep your CV as simple and minimal as possible – don’t include graphics or tables.

The Length of a German CV

How long should your German CV be? German CVs tend to be one to two pages MAXIMUM. Our advice to help keep your CV brief and to the point,

1) Avoid wordy descriptions and the excessive use of adjectives.

2) Don’t repeat the same responsibilities over and over if you’ve held the same role in more than one company.   Read more about this topic in the professional experience section, below.   👇   👇   👇

3) Only list relevant certifications, trainings, and conferences, and even then, no more than a handful. It’s quality vs quantity here. If you feel like to want to show employers a more detailed view, link to your website or LinkedIn profile instead. If someone is interested in seeing more, they can do so.

4) If you’ve had a longer career, skip listing what you did at those first jobs and only detail what you did in your more recent (and relevant) positions. You can even omit those first jobs you had, as well as irrelevant jobs.

For example, before I started university I worked at a fast food restaurant, during university as a bartender, and fresh out of school as an administrative assistant. It was only a couple of years into my working life that I established myself as an IT project manager. As that’s since been my main career, I never include any of these first jobs on my current CV.

5) As with cover letters, don’t write a novel and   summarize, summarize, summarize .

6) You may read in some publications that CVs spanning multiple pages are acceptable. I don’t believe this to be true, as it will be rare for a recruiter or hiring manager to spend more than a few minutes looking at your CV.

In other words, brevity is your friend here. Detailed information can always be provided or uncovered later on during the recruitment process in interviews, workshops, presentations, and tests. The main purpose of a German CV is to make them interested enough to take you to the next stage which is the first interview.

Have an “About Me” Blurb or Professional Experience Summary on Your CV

An “About Me” blurb is one of the most important elements of your German CV:

Start your CV with a few sentences that tell the world about who you are, professionally speaking. Think of it as a sort of “in the nutshell summary”. This is where you can truly show off your personality. A well-written “About Me” statement can make you stand apart from the crowd and like a cover letter, it acts as a teaser that leaves employers curious to know more.

It should be two to three sentences long and explain what you do for a living, things you’re passionate about, and the value you can deliver to companies.

I work as an Agile Coach, and this is my current “About Me” blurb:

An IT project manager turned enthusiastic Scrum Master and then passionate Agile Coach. A servant leader supporting organizations in their agile journey, guiding departments, teams, and individuals to develop to their fullest potential.

This statement covers my career journey and deep experience ( IT project manager to Agile Coach ), articulates the value I bring ( supporting organizations in their agile journey ), and what I love doing as a professional ( guiding departments, teams, and individuals to develop to their fullest potential ).

Some people will tell you that this CV element is optional, but I strongly disagree. If a recruiter or hiring manager is only going to spend a few seconds looking at your CV, you want to give them a summary and feature it prominently at the top of your CV, compelling them to read it right away and leaving them wanting to know more about you.

Highlighting Your Professional Experience on a German CV 

For each place you’ve worked, include:

⭐  Your company name

⭐  Title or role

⭐  Start and end dates

⭐  Responsibilities and/or accomplishments

⭐  What the company does in one or two sentences ( optional )

⭐  URL to the company website ( optional )

What to consider when listing out your professional experience:

1) Your points should never be a list of common job duties or responsibilities. For example, when I worked as a Scrum Master, one of my responsibilities was to facilitate agile rituals with my team. As this is a universal part of any Scrum Master’s job, you need to build on that more. I could take it further and say:

Facilitated agile rituals with my teams, including regular planning, grooming, and retrospective sessions, continually improving their effectiveness.

The more specific you can be the better, especially if you can qualify it with numbers. As a Scrum Master, you typically work with software engineers to ship new features to the company’s websites, apps, etc. So a Scrum Master could say something like this:

Led a team of 8 engineers to deliver a rebranded company website that resulted in a 25% increase in sales and 1,000 new registered users.

2) It’s not uncommon for people who’ve held the same role at more than one company to repeat the same responsibilities multiple times throughout their CV. For example, a person who works as a team lead usually holds regular “one-on-one” meetings with the people they manage. This person may have been a team lead at three different companies and in such a case, there’s no need to repeat this responsibility three different times. Find a way to convey the points differently or highlight another aspect of your job as a team lead instead.

3) What’s better is finding a way to showcase your responsibilities and accomplishments in a single point. Continuing with the team lead example, you could say something more specific like:

Worked with one of my employees to develop a personal growth roadmap that led to them becoming a team lead within one year.

See how much better that reads? It implies regular meetings with the employee and shows how the team lead worked with that individual to grow into a similar role.

4) Start all of your bullet points with action or power verbs such as led, oversaw, created, developed, etc. Check out this useful list of   Synonyms For Common Resume Power Verbs   for more inspiration.

Some other things to think about:

⭐  Try not to use the same words too many times.

⭐  Make sure the verbs are in the correct tense. All past jobs should be in the past tense and any current work in the present tense. I see my clients making this mistake A LOT. 

Past tense: Authored and maintained technical documents for all feature releases.

Present tense: Author and maintain technical documents for all feature releases.

⭐  Use verbs that convey authority and come across more strongly. Take the following examples:

Weak:  Facilitated regular onboarding workshops for all newbies to the company.

Strong:  Led regular onboarding workshops for all newbies to the company.

While both of the above sentences are true, using the verb led is more impactful to the reader.

When You Don’t Have So Much Experience 

How can you make your German CV stronger when you’re just starting your career?

If you’re fresh out of school or have minimal experience, there are other things you can do to strengthen your German CV. You can highlight:

⭐  Projects you’ve worked on

⭐  Meet-ups you regularly attend or speak at

⭐  Books you’ve read recently

⭐  Conferences you’ve attended or spoken at

⭐  Volunteer work you do or have done

i.e., A newbie software engineer may talk about contributing to open source projects, or a newbie UX designer could talk about some of their design projects completed while in school. It’s ideal if the things you include here are professionally relevant.

Career Gaps in German CVs

What if you have career gaps? 

If you have gaps on your CV for any reason, such as taking a sabbatical, going on parental leave, returning to school, or something else, there’s no need to indicate this on your CV. It’s not relevant to whether or not you’re qualified for a job.

Other CV guides may tell you to do this because you run the risk of giving a “bad impression” to your potential employer, but honestly, would you want to work for someone who demands to know why you took a year off and won’t hire you if you don’t divulge that information? It’s frankly none of their business.

People need to take breaks sometimes. In a world where we face increasing levels of uncertainty and an endless barrage of catastrophic global events, we should all be a little more empathetic with one another and not concern ourselves with something as inconsequential as a career gap. Instead, we should concern ourselves with whether or not someone has the capability to do the job at hand.

If you still want to include reasons for career gaps on your CV, Indeed has some great tips about  how to approach employment gaps .

Career Changes

How to communicate career changes when you’re writing a German CV.

You shouldn’t be afraid to show prior experience on your German CV, even if it’s not directly relevant to your current profession. Sure, you don’t need to include those part-time jobs you did during university or list out every single job you ever did, but if you have good experiences that can showcase your capabilities, include them. You gained experience in those past jobs, honed new skills, or further improved existing ones. However, it would be ideal if you could word your points to make them relevant to your current career. Doing so will demonstrate how transferrable your experience and skills are to your new career.

Read our guide, Is Changing Employers In Germany A Good Idea ?

Optional Elements Of A German CV

These are some optional items you could add to your German CV to make it even stronger:

1) Website   – Link to your portfolio or blog, showcasing you and/or your work.

2) Social Profiles   – LinkedIn, Github, Twitter, Instagram, etc.

3) Volunteer Work   – Anything you do outside of work, whether it’s related to your profession or something more personal.

4) Passion Projects / Side Hustles   – Things that are done outside of normal work hours, even if it doesn’t relate to your day job. Take me for example – I’m more than just an agile and team coach. In addition to my day job, I run a   travel blog   and this site,   The Berlin Life . Yes, I never stop working and I have no life. 🙃

5) Hobbies   – A list of what you love doing. Maybe you’re an aspiring chef, ardent cyclist, or wine connoisseur. I like putting things like this on my CV, as it feels authentic, relatable, and interesting. I make it a practice to ask candidates about these things in an interview as they’re nice icebreakers.

It’s up to you to decide if you want to include these optional CV elements. Not all companies are that cool or forward-thinking, especially more traditional German companies or industries. I’d recommend checking out the vibe of the company first. You can get an idea by browsing the company website, reading   Glassdoor reviews , and observing how they present themselves as an employer on social media, etc.

Recommended reading: Researching German Companies During Your Job Search

Ultimately, the choice is yours. You should include what you think makes you look like your best self, will enhance your overall CV, and most accurately represent you as a person.

Information that You Should NEVER Include on Your German CV

Despite what a lot of German employment guides tell you, there are certain things that you should NEVER include on your CV.

1) Avoid sharing too much personal information   – Many will tell you that in Germany, it’s normal and even required to share things like marital status, date of birth, country of birth, as well as how many children you have on your CV.

Traditional companies may still expect this as it previously was the norm, but you don’t need to provide this data. Some German companies (like the one I currently work for) are even asking applicants not to include this information in their job applications.

2) Maybe leave out a photo as well   – Photos are yet another unfortunate factor that could add bias during the recruitment process. Use your best judgment and do whatever makes you feel comfortable when adding photos to your CV.

Recommended reading: German CV Photos – Are They Even Necessary?

If you decide to feature a photo on your German CV, keep it professional looking and/or aligned with the general culture of the companies to which you’re applying. Typically, a simple headshot does the trick.

I’d also recommend keeping your photo on the small side and not something that takes up an entire page of your CV. Such a prominent and large photo can come across as a bit much unless you’re applying for a job where such photos are commonplace like an acting or modeling gig.

For even more tips, read our guide about common German CV mistakes .

Customizing German CVs

Many people ask if German CVs need to be customized in the same way as cover letters.

As a general rule of thumb, CVs should always be customized for individual applications and should be tailored to the job description of the role to which you’re applying.

Advantages of doing this?

⭐ Employers want to know how you can help them. Your customization efforts make it quicker and easier for companies to understand why you’re a candidate they should invite to a job interview.

⭐ It demonstrates that you’ve put thought and effort into crafting a standout job application and that you care about delivering high-quality results.

Note, that it doesn’t mean you need to create a brand new CV for each job application, but it does involve making some basic changes. Start by reading over the job description and taking notice of the key things the company is seeking. If something is mentioned more than once, you can consider that an important requirement to focus on and refine your CV accordingly.

1) Professional experience section . You can add certain keywords or phrases that match the job requirements, or re-word it to more closely match the desired candidate profile.

2) Skills section . You likely have a plethora of skills to showcase. Change them up as needed.

3) Experience section. Think about repositioning your job responsibilities or accomplishments.

Above all, be strategic about how many points or words you pull from the job description and add to your CV. Keep the keyword stuffing to a minimum and only do it when it makes sense. Consider using words or phrases that sound similar, while appearing as natural and organic as possible. A keyword on the page may trigger excitement in a hiring manager or increase your chances of being recommended by an ATS, but on the other hand, it can come across as really obvious and make you appear disingenuous. Even worse, it will frustrate your reader, which is the  last thing you want to happen when someone is reviewing your CV. 

Say you’re applying for a job as an accounts payable specialist and you have about five years of experience. The job description calls for experience with processing employee expense claims and using various ERP systems.

Your current CV might say:  Review and process supplier invoices.

You could slightly alter this statement to read:   Review and process supplier invoices and employee expensive claims using SAP.

Last but not least, be sure you can back up and prove any claim you make when adjusting your CV. Don’t just add something for the sake of doing so, be sure it’s something you have experience and qualifications.

Writing Your CV In German

Some people recommend writing your CV in German to get noticed by ATS’, as it’s more likely your profile will bubble up to the top of search rankings. Honestly, this might actually work! That said, be careful and use your best judgment. It could backfire if they discover your actual level of German doesn’t match the level of your job application.

At the very least, indicate your language level very clearly and feature it very prominently on your CV.

Recommended reading: Are There English Speaking Jobs In Germany?

Proofreading Your German CV

Run a quality check on your CV by:

⭐ Ensure there are no typos or grammatical errors

⭐ Check that the formatting is consistent

⭐ Ensure there’s a logical flow of information

⭐ See that links don’t lead to broken pages

If possible, have a second or third pair of eyes review your cover letter. It could be a friend or family member or even someone you pay. You can also post in our  Facebook group  and ask fellow members to take a look and give you feedback.

There are a lot of tools out there offering free CV reviews, like   ResumeWorded   and   Top CV . They can certainly be helpful but I’d advise you not to take all of their recommendations seriously and only follow the ones that make sense and feel right. The reviews are done via an automated process, meaning no human eyes are taking a look at your CV. The recommendations provided often reinforce outdated industry practices, contradict what some of their competitors say, and reflect job application norms of countries outside of Germany.

I ran my CV through some of these tools as a test and advised me not to include an about me statement, as well as hobbies. I disregarded this advice entirely. 🤡

Being Honest on Your CV

Being truthful on your German CV is especially important. 

Be honest about your education, work experience, professional accomplishments, and language levels. Exaggerations and lies could come back to haunt you and set false expectations with your potential new employer.

I’ve seen colleagues give themselves promotions on LinkedIn, saying they use the word managers when they never had anyone reporting to them. Another colleague claimed to lead a project that only started after they left.

Berlin may be Germany’s capital city, but the working community is small and people talk and it’s likely the same in other parts of the country. A potential employer may know someone at your former company and reach out to them for information. If this happens and it’s found you misled your potential employer, it could cost you not only the job but your professional reputation.

If you follow our advice, we’re confident that you’ll be hearing from employers in no time, and that you’ll soon find a job in Germany.

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Is it easy to find work in Berlin? Learn about some the realities of finding a job in Berlin during normal times, never mind *right now*.

Cheryl Howard, Founder @ The Berlin Life

Hi, I’m Cheryl. My mission is to help you move to Berlin and find work.

A Canadian in Berlin for 10+ years, I have the unique experience of moving to Berlin – not once, but twice. During my time in Berlin, I’ve had five different visas and worked as both a freelancer and a permanent employee for   numerous   Berlin companies. I even managed to find a new job during the pandemic  and again in 2023, during Germany’s  recession and massive layoffs in tech. 

My day job has involved work as a hiring manager, overseeing the recruitment of countless people, as well as a team coach helping teams and individuals work better and find happiness in their careers. Through my side projects, I’ve also shared my personal experiences by publishing a series of helpful blog posts, creating a thriving community of job seekers, and hosting events to help people find work in Berlin. In 2021, I decided to put my coaching and recruiting talents to use by creating The Berlin Life, bringing my existing content and community together in one spot.

The combination of my personal and professional experience means I know  exactly  what it takes to move to Berlin and find work.

Please I’m a Ghanaian and currently lives in Ghana. I’ve never been to Berlin, Germany. But I really want to relocate to Berlin, Germany to work. Please how do I go about it? Any advice or assistance?

Hi Ernestina, Welcome to our website! As a start, I recommend reading through our guides about moving to Berlin and finding a job in Berlin . Also, definitely join us on Facebook . Then if you have more questions, we can take it from there. 🙂

Hey can u help me write the best CV …and currently am in Germany on a visit visa . could u help me find a job as well

Hi there Sebikali! I can definitely help you write a new CV and cover letter through coaching sessions. Check out our page and make a booking if interested. https://theberlinlife.com/your-berlin-career/career-coaching/

Would it be possible for you to share the CV template you posted above as a sample, in MS word format?

Thanks & Regards, Anvesh

Hi Anvesh, The template there is a very simple example, so that’s why it’s just a graphic.

If you use one of our service s like CV coaching or a quick review, I then share templates that you can use yourself (in addition to the usual detailed feedback I provide).

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How to Write a Compelling German CV (German Lebenslauf)

If you’ve been paying attention to the news lately, you’ve probably come across reports saying that the German job market is growing and employment rates are rising. That doesn’t mean it’s always easy to get hired, though, especially when you’re applying for a job in a competitive field.

Is your job search starting to wear on you? Are you tired of feeling as though you’re being passed over for positions when you’re just as qualified as every other candidate?

If you’re getting sick of the job search struggle, don’t give up hope just yet. You may need to consider re-working your German CV to make yourself a more appealing prospect.

Not sure where to begin when it comes to writing an impressive German CV? We’re here to help. Read on to learn everything you need to know to help yourself stand out from the other job applicants.

Common German CV Mistakes to Avoid

Before we get into the strategies you can implement to give your CV a bit of a glow-up, let’s go over some common mistakes people make when crafting their German CVs. The following mistakes might seem minor at first. Fixing them really can make a difference, though, especially when you’re going up against lots of applicants for one position.

Including Irrelevant Information

Many people who are applying for jobs in Germany, especially those coming from other countries, are surprised by the amount of detail a German CV requires. For example, in the U.S. you would almost never include a photograph or information about your marital status in your CV. In Germany, however, details like that are expected.

That being said, some people run into trouble when they include too many details in their CV. Your potential employer wants to know about your life and why you’d be a good addition to their team. They don’t need unnecessary information like your height or your political affiliations, though.

Covering Up Important Information

Many people accidentally cover up essential details when they’re writing their CV. Make sure that the most important information is easy for your potential new employer to find.

Keep in mind that the person reading your CV has a lot of other CVs to get through. They don’t have time to go through it with a fine-tooth comb and pick out every relevant detail. It’s up to you to craft it in a way that makes that information stand out and catch their attention.

Ensure that the information you really want them to see is near the top of your CV. This is where design (which we’ll cover in a minute) becomes very important.

Being Too Vague

Some people provide too many details and inadvertently make their CV way too long or complicated. On the other end of the spectrum, others are too vague and don’t give enough information.

This is why writing a German CV (or any CV, for that matter) is so tricky. You have to strike the perfect balance between providing enough detail without going overboard.

Remember to be specific when you’re talking about your experiences or skills so the reader knows enough about you to make a decision.

Using an Unprofessional Photo

It’s customary to include a photo when putting together a German CV. However, you need to be very particular about the type of photo you use. It’s best to include a professional headshot if possible. Don’t expect to get hired if you use a poorly lit selfie or a picture of yourself out at the pub with your friends.

Incorrect Contact Information

It doesn’t matter how well-written and organized your CV is — or how professional of a photo you use — if the hiring team can’t get in touch with you because you’ve given them incorrect contact information.

Always double-check your CV before submitting it to ensure you’ve included the proper information.

The team isn’t going to bend over backward to contact you. If they can’t get in touch within a day or so, they’ll likely move on to the next candidate who could be bothered to proofread their CV.

Typos or Spelling Errors

Typos and spelling errors are a huge turn-off when someone is evaluating your CV.

It doesn’t matter what kind of position you’re applying for. If you can’t be detail-oriented enough to spell everything correctly and proofread your CV before sending it off, you’re going to have a hard time convincing the hiring team that you’re a good fit.

Tips for Writing a Killer German CV

Okay, you know what not to do when writing or revising your German CV. Now, what should you do to make yourself an appealing candidate? The following tips can help you polish up your CV so that, when you apply for a job in Germany, you can feel confident that it’ll be yours:

Design it Right

Before someone even reads your CV, they’re going to start making judgments about it (and you by default). This is why design is so important.

A well-designed CV guides the reader’s eyes to the information that’s most relevant. It also shows them that you care about the little things and are the type of dedicated individual they want on their staff.

When designing your CV, make sure it’s easy to read — don’t use a font that’s too small or intricate. Keep your CV as short as possible, too. As a general rule, it should never go over two pages and should be as close to one as you can get it.

Use the Proper Structure

In addition to design, you also need to think about structure. There’s a particular order that’s expected when it comes to writing a German CV. The outline typically goes as follows:

• Personal information
• Career history
• Hobbies and interests
• Venue, Date, and Signature

Using a German CV template or looking at a German CV example can help you make sure you check all these boxes and don’t leave out any essential details.

Tailor your Content

Many people, especially when they’re applying for several jobs at once, will use a generic CV and send it out with every job application. 

Here’s the thing, though. You’re much more likely to get hired if you tailor the content of each CV to the specific position for which you’re applying. 

This doesn’t mean fabricating information, of course. It just means changing the tone and details of your CV to match the job description and help yourself stand out. 

Include Personal Information

Personal details are important when you’re writing a German CV. You need to include the basics, such as your full name, photo, and contact information. 

Some other details you might not think to apply (especially if you’ve never applied for a job in Germany before) include the following:

• Your nationality (it helps employers know if there’s a need to apply for a work visa)
• Your current work permit status in case you already live and work in Germany but would like to switch the company 
• Your current location in case you are not yet living in Germany which means you need to relocate to Germany or in case you are already living in Germany, this is a critical detail as you can potentially get hired way faster 
• Your age and birthdate (this isn’t required, but recruiters will likely need to look it up anyway)
• Your marital status and the number of children you have (this also isn’t required, but it also helps the employer to get to know you better)

Adding these details can make a big difference when separating yourself from other applicants.

Provide Details of Your Career and Educational History

Remember to provide specific details about your career and educational history, too. This includes information about the type of worker you were (full-time, part-time, freelancer, etc.) and the type of work you did (don’t just write something vague like “‘marketing” or “sales”). 

Talk about achievements, as well. Be clear about what you did for previous employers so they can get a sense of what you’ll do for them. Don’t be braggadocious, but also don’t be so modest that you don’t make yourself seem like an appealing choice.

Add Interests and Hobbies 

This might seem strange at first, but many employers ( 80 percent , as a matter of fact) want to know about the interests and hobbies of the people they’re thinking about hiring. 

If they can learn more about you and what you like to do outside of work, they can get a more well-rounded picture of who you are and how you’ll fit in with the rest of their team. 

This shouldn’t be the most prominent section of your CV, as your interests and hobbies definitely don’t hold as much weight as your education and career history. It’s good to include, though, and it can create more opportunities for discussion during an interview.

Get Help with Your German CV Today 

As you can see, there’s a lot to keep in mind when it comes to writing an effective and enticing German CV. 

You now have a clearer understanding of German CV rules and what kinds of mistakes to avoid during the writing process. You might still be feeling a little anxious about putting one together, though. 

If this is the case, we’re here to help. Start by checking out our German CV template options today. They’ll guide you through the process and help you construct the perfect professional CV to get your dream job in Germany. 

You can also get one-on-one help through our easy-to-use platform if you need some additional guidance and support.  Contact us today to get closer to securing the best job Germany has to offer.

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How To Write a Resume for Germany

In This Guide:

What is a german resume format, what sections to include in your resume, look at examples of german resumes.

A well-crafted resume is necessary if you are considering applying for jobs in Germany or working in a German-speaking environment. Even though the concept of resumes may be universal, there are still significant regional variations in how we should write resumes to best suit local hiring practices. So, how do you create a resume that will impress German employers and stand out from the competition?

In this article, we will walk you through each step of creating a resume for Germany. We will go over everything, including how to style your resume and include the appropriate sections and comprehend the German labor market. So sit back, and start crafting a winning resume that will catch the attention of German employers!

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The German resume format, also known as the "Lebenslauf," typically follows a standardized structure that includes personal information, professional experience, education and training, skills, and other optional sections like volunteer experience and hobbies.

German employers often prefer a chronological listing of work experience and education, emphasizing the applicant's qualifications and accomplishments that align with the job qualifications they are seeking. Formal language and style are also important in a German resume, reflecting the applicant's attention to detail and professionalism.

We will review the crucial components of a German resume and offer hints on how to arrange them well. By adhering to these recommendations, you can write a clear, concise summary that shows your abilities and work history and persuasively pitches you to potential employers.

1. Personal Information (Persönliche Angaben)

You will have to list your details. This section is essential to your resume as it provides the employer with information about who you are and how to contact you. Ensure to include the following:

• First and last name: Usually, Germans have one first name and one last name. However, for those with longer names (such as having two first and two last names), using the name you prefer to be called by and your last name on your German resume is recommended. It can help ensure clarity for the employer on which name to use.
• Date (Geboren): Written DD/MM/YYYY.
• Nationality (Staatsangehörigkeit): This can help the employer understand whether they need to provide you with a work visa.
• Marital status (Familienstand): This information is optional and often considered outdated. However, some employers may still request it.
• Contact Details: Include your Phone Number (Telefonnummer), Address (Adresse), Email (Mail), and Online profile, e.g., Linkedin. Ensure your email address is professional and appropriate for job applications.
• Passport size photo

When creating your Personal Information section in a German resume, keeping it concise and pertinent to the position you seek is crucial. Avoid including irrelevant personal details such as your social security number or religious beliefs. Please stick to the essential information and ensure it is accurate and current.

2. Professional Experience (Persönliche Erfahrung)

The Professional Experience section is crucial for highlighting your employment experience and showcasing your relevant qualifications. In your German resume format, each previous role must be listed separately, with dates of employment in the left-hand column and corresponding details on the right-hand side. These details typically include the following:

• List of prior positions ordered chronologically.
• Include the job title, company name and location, employment dates, and a brief description of the duties and accomplishments of every position you mentioned.
• Highlight relevant work experience that matches the job requirements.
• Maximum 3-5 bullet points detailing each position. Start each bullet point with an action verb and quantify your achievements whenever possible.
• If you have gaps in your employment history , explain them briefly and honestly.

Suppose you have any volunteer or internship experience. In that case, it is more typical for German resumes to list that information in the same section as other paid work experience, provided it is relevant to the position. It would help to organize these responsibilities into your career timeline, showing when and where you assumed them.

3. Education and Training (Schul-und Berufsbildung)

Depending on your needs and profile, you can put this section before or after the work experience section. If you are a student or new to the job market, having a solid academic background at the beginning of your German resume might impress the hiring manager more than listing only your work history.

This section should be organized chronologically, with your most recent education or training listed first. Here are some key points to keep in mind when creating your Education and Training section:

• Include the institution's name, the certification or degree you earned in your study area, and the dates you attended.
• If you have multiple degrees or certifications, list them in reverse chronological order.
• If you are a new graduate with little professional experience, consider going into more detail about your schooling and academic accomplishments.
• Include them separately under the "Professional Development" or "Additional Skills" sections if you have proper training or certifications not affiliated with a particular academic institution, such as language courses or certifications specific to your sector.
• Incorporate solely the educational details pertinent to the position you seek. For example, if you have a degree in a field unrelated to the job, including all the components may be optional.
• If you have not completed a degree or certification program, indicate your current status (e.g., "in progress" or "anticipated graduation date").

While producing a German resume, you should illustrate the equivalents for your credentials and grades if you decide to include them. This is because different educational systems exist in other parts of the world.

Additionally, German hiring managers will understand if you have attended a school using the International Baccalaureate (IB) grade system.

As you proceed to higher education, German universities are divided into multiple sectors, and the applicable one will be based on your specialization.

University or College (Universität)

Teacher College (Pädagogische Hochschule )

Art of College (Kunsthochschule)

Institute of Technology (Fachhochschule)

Training Center (Administration Fachhochschule)

Applicants must frequently submit official certificate translations for their German employment applications.

4. Skills (Fähigkeiten)

Making your German resume stand out may seem challenging because recruiters typically want only factual information rather than persuasive arguments. However, adding a skills section to your resume could help catch the hiring manager's attention without appearing boastful.

To do this, use bullet points to list a mix of soft and hard skills related to the vacancy or sector you're interested in.

• List of relevant technical, language (also the proficiency level ), and soft skills
• Highlight skills that match the job requirements
• Driver’s license: If a job requires you to drive the company car for events or other purposes, it is important to include your driver's license and specify what type of vehicle you are qualified to drive.

Additionally, include any important accomplishments or certifications.

5. Volunteer Experience (optional)

The volunteer Experience section is optional but can be a great way to showcase your skills and dedication outside of paid work. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• Include any volunteer work or community service you have participated in, especially if it relates to the position you are applying for.
• Describe your role in the organization and your responsibilities.
• Highlight any leadership positions you held or any accomplishments you achieved.
• Be sure to include the dates of your volunteer work and the organization's name.

Volunteer work can be a useful addition to your German resume and show your character, work ethic, and dedication to improving your town.

6. Hobbies and Interests (optional)

Feel free to provide any interests or hobbies relevant to the role in this optional section. Note that Germans enjoy facts, so if you include this section, keep it succinct and to the point. Here are some key points:

• Keep this part brief and concentrate on accomplishments that speak well of you and may apply to the position or field you seek.
• Avoid mentioning political or controversial interests because this could hurt your hiring chances.
• Provide examples of your innovation, leadership, teamwork, or dedication in your actions.
• Sports or physical activities demonstrating discipline, tenacity, or a competitive spirit can be considered.
• Do not add pastimes seen as frivolous or time wasters, such as watching TV or playing video games.

Just briefly mention hobbies and interests that showcase relevant skills or achievements. Avoid including irrelevant hobbies or interests.

7. References (optional)

A references section is optional and may not be necessary to include in your CV. Have the following in mind:

• Only include references if specifically requested by the employer or job posting.
• If you do decide to provide references, be sure first to get their approval and let them know what position you are looking for.
• List your references in a separate document rather than directly in your resume.
• Include each reference's name, title, company, phone number, and email address.
• Consider including testimonials from former managers or coworkers who can attest to your professional background.

Remember to include the References section only if specifically requested, as it is not always necessary. Be sure to obtain permission from your references and provide their contact information in a separate document.

German resumes can be a helpful way to better understand the format and style expectations. Look at the example of a German resume below:

Personal Information (Persönliche Angaben)

First and Last Name: Hans Schmidt

Date of Birth: 12/06/1990

Nationality: German

Marital Status: Single

Contact Details:

Phone Number: +49 123456789

Address: Musterstrasse 1, 12345 Berlin

Email: [email protected]

Online profile: LinkedIn

Professional Experience (Persönliche Erfahrung)

Marketing Manager, ABC GmbH, Berlin (04/2018 – present)

• Increased social media following by 30% and website traffic by 40% through targeted campaigns

Marketing Coordinator, XYZ AG, Munich (06/2016 – 03/2018)

• Conducted research and analysis to evaluate campaign effectiveness

Education and Training (Schul-und Berufsbildung)

Master of Business Administration (MBA), University of Munich (09/2014 – 06/2016)

Bachelor of Science in Marketing, University of Berlin (09/2010 – 06/2014)

Skills (Fähigkeiten)

• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite

Volunteer Experience (Ehrenamtliche Erfahrung)

Volunteer, Red Cross, Berlin (01/2017 – 12/2017)

• Mentored at-risk youth in a local community center

Hobbies and Interests (Hobbys und Interessen)

• Running: Completed three marathons and regularly participated in local races.

References (Verweise)

Available upon request.

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Writing a German Résumé

Germans have different expectations when it comes to composing or evaluating a résumé.

Major Differences in the German Recruiting Process

In Germany, job applicants put more emphasis on specific qualifications, and less on general personality traits. Employers are not very interested in “well-roundedness;” rather, they look for certified competence in a particular area. That puts liberal arts students into an awkward position. German employers simply don't know what to make of an Art History major who wants to take a temporary job in an accounting firm before going on to medical school.

They may neither know what the Ivy League is nor know which university is more prestigious than another. In Germany, where you went to school is largely irrelevant. That makes some sort of mediator — either personal contacts or an organization — all the more important.

Note that the form of German résumés is changing somewhat. Handwritten résumés, once required, are now considered old-fashioned. Read more about what is appropriate .

You might find it useful to read about The German Workplace . 

This information is meant to provide only a model from which you can work. You will need to adapt everything to your own circumstances. Be sure you have a native-speaker proofread. As with any job application, carelessness will disqualify you.

Know your terminology

If you announce your GPA as 3.89, a German will think that you are a very poor student. German grades run from 1 (best) to 5 (insufficient) and even 6 (abject failure). You might work out a meaningful conversion. Note also that you should mark the decimal with a comma.

Consult a native speaker about the German terms you select. A dictionary alone is not enough and can often lead to head-scratching howlers. What both German and American employers share is the demand that you put care and effort into your application.

It might be helpful to look first at the English site  alec.co.uk , then the  Karriereberatung .

What to include—and what to leave out

The German definition of “personal information” is also different. Forms may ask for birth date, marital status and perhaps even your religious affiliation — although that last piece of information is optional. Including a picture with your application is customary. On this page, you will see an example of a “narrative résumé” that even contains information about parents, etc. In the U.S., such points are unusual, if not outright illegal.

On the other hand, German employers are much less interested in your rock-climbing accomplishments, unless they bear some relevance to the position. You need to use some common sense here and not hide your light under a bushel. An employer willing to hire a foreigner is also willing to accept some peculiarities. Make sure you address your language competence.

Keep in mind that Germans might well infer something different from what you intend to say with certain kinds of information. An American will point proudly to past menial jobs as evidence of flexibility and a willingness to work hard, no matter what the task; a German might see the same job as evidence of lack of direction or ambition. If you want to mention waiting on tables or working as a lifeguard, make it clear that these were “Ferienjobs,” “Schülerjobs,” or “Studentenjobs.”

Parts of the Résumé (“tabellarisch”)

[Note: “ggf.” = “gegebenenfalls” = “if applicable”]

• Persönliche Daten Vor- und Zuname Anschrift/Telefon/Telefax/E-Mail-Adresse Geburtsdatum und Ort Religionszugehörigkeit (muss nicht sein = “not obligatory”) Familienstand, ggf. Zahl und Alter der Kinder ggf. Name und Beruf des Ehepartners (muss nicht unbedingt sein) Staatsangehörigkeit (aber nur, wenn diese ausländisch ist)
• Schulausbildung [Note: “Schule” is elementary or secondary school. This section is probably not applicable to you] besuchte Schulen (Typen) Schulabschlüsse [here you would probably put (in English) “high school diploma”]
• Ggf. Berufsausbildung [This section is probably not applicable to you] Art der Berufsausbildung Ausbildungsfirma/-institution, eventuell mit Ortsangabe Abschluß, eventuell mit Hinweis auf besonderen Erfolg
• Hochschulstudium [Note: “Hochschule” is post-secondary school, such as a university]. Fach/Fächer [perhaps something like: “Studium generale mit Hauptfach Chemie, Nebenfach Deutsch”) Name/Ort der Universität oder Fachhochschule Schwerpunkte [You would probably combine this with the next two categories by saying: “Studienbeginn 2010, voraussichtlicher Abschluss (Bachelor of Arts Diplom) Juni 2014.”] Thema der Examensarbeit [You could conceivably mention an honors thesis here] Art der Examina [This section is probably not applicable to you]
• Ggf. Berufspraxis Berufsbezeichnung, Position, eventuell Kurzbeschreibung Arbeitgeber mit Ortsangabe
• Ggf. berufliche Weiterbildung: alles, was der Berufspraxis genützt hat
• Ggf. außerberufliche Weiterbildung: z.B. nachgeholter Schulabschluß - aber aufgepasst bei anderen Kursen: Fremdsprachen ja, aber Psycho- oder Astrokurse an der VHS? (Welches Bild entwerfen Sie möglicherweise von sich?)
• Besondere Kenntnisse: z. B. Fremdsprachen, EDV, Führer- und andere Scheine, aber auch hier Vorsicht und Überlegung, welches Bild Sie von sich abgeben [i.e. you might leave out your expertise in astrology].
• Sonstiges/Hobbys (gerne künstlerisch): Ehrenamtliches und/oder soziales Engagement, selbst Sport (wichtig), sogar politisches (nur die richtige Richtung muss es natürlich sein). Hier alles gut überlegen, es sollte irgendwie zu Ihnen und Ihrer Bewerbung um den speziellen Arbeitsplatz passen. Hier kann auch noch eine kleine Botschaft, Erklärung etc. untergebracht werden, wenn Platz ist und Sie eine gute Idee dazu haben (und sich damit nicht noch zu guter Letzt schaden).
• Ggf. Sonderinformationen über Auslandsaufenthalte während der Schulzeit/Berufstätigkeit, ggf. Praktika/Aushilfstätigkeiten/Neben- und Ferienjobs usw.
• Ort, Datum, Unterschrift: keine Grußformel, Erklärung, Versicherung etc. Ziffern 2. bis 7.: alle Informationen möglichst mit Zeitangaben Reihenfolge: im Zweifelsfall chronologisch

You will of course also need to send a cover letter with your résumé.

Sample résumé

Here is an example of a “narrative résumé.” It would now be considered inappropriate for a job application, but it might be expected certain kinds of exchange programs:

Lebenslauf: Alfred Neumann Am 2. Mai 1972 kam ich als drittes Kind der Eheleute Dr. Dietrich und Anneliese Neumann in Tiengen/Oberrhein zur Welt. Nach dem Besuch des Kindergartens wurde ich 1978 in die katholische Grundschule unseres Wohnortes Waldshut eingeschult.

Im Jahre 1982 setzte ich meine schulische Laufbahn am erzbischöflchen St. Ursula Gymnasium in Schaffhausen fort, das ich 1992 mit dem Abitur (1,7) verließ.

Seit dem Wintersemester 1992/93 studiere ich Amerikanistik an der Bonner Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität.

Mein Vater, Dr. Dietrich Neumann, arbeitet als Regierungsdirektor im Bundeswirtschaftsministerium, und meine Mutter Anneliese ist Lehrerin an der Grundschule in Walberberg.

Die Geschwister befinden sich beide noch im Studium. Mein Bruder Rolf (27) schließt gerade sein Maschinenbaustudium an der Technischen Hochschule in Aachen ab; meine Schwester Gisela (25) studiert in Kassel Städteplanung.

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Cover Letter

How to write your cover letter in german.

Generally speaking a cover letter should be concise and to the point and definitely no longer than one page.

Points you should consider when writing a cover letter

To be effective, your cover letter should follow the basic format of a typical business letter and should address three general issues:

• First Paragraph - Why you are writing
• Middle Paragraphs - What you have to offer
• Concluding Paragraph - How you will follow-up

Do not repeat your what is already in your CV, simply refer to it! "As you can see from my CV, …". If a particular work experience listed in your CV especially qualifies you for the job you can refer to it and emphasise its relevant points. Your cover letter should NEVER be longer than 1 page.

Why you are writing?

In some cases, you may have been referred to a potential employer by a friend or acquaintance. Be sure to mention this mutual contact by name as soon as possible as it is likely to encourage your reader to keep reading!

If you are writing in response to a job advert , indicate where you learned of the position and the exact title of the position you are applying for. More importantly, remember to convey your enthusiasm for the job and the likely match between your credentials and the position's required qualifications.

If you are writing a prospective application letter - a letter in which you enquire about potential job openings - state your specific job objective. Since this type of letter is unsolicited, it is even more important to capture the reader's attention. It is a good idea to mention why you are interested in that specific company, esp. when you write a prospective application letter. Do not give the impression that they are one of two hundred applications (badly copied CVs, serial letters, etc.).

What You Have To Offer

In responding to a job advert , refer specifically to the qualifications they have listed and illustrate how your particular abilities and experiences relate to the position for which you are applying. In a prospective applicationg letter express your potential to fulfil the employer's needs rather than focus on what the employer can offer you. You can do this by giving evidence that you have researched the organization thoroughly and that you possess skills that are used within that organization. Emphasize your achievements and problem-solving skills. Show how your education and work skills are transferable, and thus relevant, to the position for which you are applying.

How You Will Follow Up

Bid directly for the job interview or an informational interview and indicate that you will follow-up with a telephone call to set up an appointment. Be sure to make the call within the time frame indicated. Even if you do not mention it explicitly in the letter, it is a good idea to make a follow up phone call. Timing is important: do not call on the very next day or after more than one week. If you are applying from outside the employer's geographic area you may want to indicate if you'll be in town during a certain time frame (this makes it easier for the employer to agree to meet with you). In conclusion, you should also indicate that further references are available on request. Also, if you have a portfolio or certificates to support your qualifications, inform prospective employers that they are also available on request.

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Communication and Awareness Officer

UNOPS is the Management Agent (MA) of the Stabilization Coherence Fund (SCF) a United Nations Multi Partner Trust Fund that aim to support the ‘’Programme de Désarmement, Démobilisation, Réinsertion Communautaire et Stabilisation (PDDRCS). The Fund is funded by Germany, Norway, Sweden, Netherlands and the United Kingdom; and hosted by MONUSCO which serves as its technical secretariat. 

Within the framework of the project in support of the Technical Secretariat of the Fund, UNOPS will recruit a Communication and Awareness Officer to support the Technical Secretariat in the implementation of the activities planned by the Fund. This post incumbent will be recruited and contracted by UNOPS (ICA Modality) and considered as UNOPS staff seconded to the MONUSCO Stabilization Support Unit, specifically dedicated to the conduct and implementation of the Fund under the supervision of the Program Management Specialist, Technical secretariat and ultimately to the Principal Coordinator of the Stabilization Support Unit (SSU).

UNOPS will support the technical secretariat in its fiduciary role by administering the allocations of the funds of the Fund allocated to NGOs UNOPS’s main focus will be to manage the administrative and financial procedures required to reach the project objectives by NGO partners. 

The Communication and Awareness Officer will report to the Program Management Specialist and maintain a formal and administrative link with the UNOPS Project Manager and will support the overall communication and awareness component of the projects & programmes within the Technical Secretariat.

The results and deliverables of the person recruited for the Technical Secretariat as Communication and Awareness Officer will be as follows: 1- Support the Production of Communication Products & strategies

Under the supervision of the Program Management Specialist, and in close consultation with the UNOPS Project Manager in support of the Technical Secretariat in the production of a wide range of communication products

In close collaboration with the Principal Coordinator of the Stabilization Support Unit, provide technical support to governmental and implementing partners in the design and development of communication strategies, ensuring that conflict sensitivity and gender are fully taken into account.

2- Development of Communication Tools

Development of specific communication tools to share project results as well as the overall use of the trust fund, for example through the development of photo booklets, fact sheets, infographics and project sheets.

Work closely with the Public Information Officer (PIO) on media and outreach operations to promote Trust Fund activities, i.e. use of OKAPI radio, production of short videos, project visits by journalists, use of social media, etc.

3- Collaboration on Media and Outreach Operations

Develop and implement a social media strategy to promote projects financed by the trust fund.

4- Information and Awareness-Raising Materials

Development and preparation of information and awareness-raising materials for MONUSCO components on activities and achievements in support of the P-DDRCS, including presentations (PowerPoint) and other communication tools (briefing notes, talking points, etc.).

Visit projects in the regions to gather testimonials from beneficiaries to support communication efforts.

Develop and implement a public awareness strategy.

An advanced university degree (e.g. Master’s or equivalent) in a relevant field such as Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, International Development, Political Science, International Relations or other relevant field is required.

A first-level university degree (e.g. Bachelor) in the abovementioned fields with an additional two (2) years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the education requirements outlined above.

Experience in development of communication strategies and creation of contents for various platforms including social media, newsletters, and press releases is required. 

Experience in project communication and/or regional level communication on development results with counterparts/partners is desirable. 

Prior experience working in international organizations, international development, post-disaster and/or emergency contexts would also be an advantage.

Prior related experience in the UN system is an asset

Experience in the usage of computers and in office software packages is required.

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations. For this position fluency in French, (both oral and written) is required. 
• Knowledge of the local language (Kiswahili or Lingala) is an advantage.

• Contract type:  Individual Contract Agreement
• Contract level  Local ICA Specialist - LICA8
• Contract duration : Ongoing ICA – ‘Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.’

Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.

Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.

UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures,  languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. 

Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.

We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process.  If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions 

For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post. 

For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses ( they take around 4 hours to complete)  in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here .

All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

APPLICATION TIPS

Together, we build the future.

PATIENT EQUIP ATTENDANT

How to apply.

A resume is required to be considered for this position.  Applications submitted without a resume will not be considered

Mission Statement

Michigan Medicine improves the health of patients, populations and communities through excellence in education, patient care, community service, research and technology development, and through leadership activities in Michigan, nationally and internationally.  Our mission is guided by our Strategic Principles and has three critical components; patient care, education and research that together enhance our contribution to society.

Why Join Michigan Medicine?

Michigan Medicine is one of the largest health care complexes in the world and has been the site of many groundbreaking medical and technological advancements since the opening of the U-M Medical School in 1850. Michigan Medicine is comprised of over 26,000 employees and our vision is to attract, inspire, and develop outstanding people in medicine, sciences, and healthcare to become one of the world?s most distinguished academic health systems.  In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. Work at Michigan Medicine and become a victor for the greater good.

Responsibilities*

• Receive orders for patient equipment from the floors by phone, page or verbally
• Deliver patient equipment to patient floors by hand or cart
• Check all equipment returned to Patient Equipment for cleanliness, safety and proper operation
• Return all equipment from patient floors and specified pick up areas to central location
• Instruct, upon request, medical and nursing staffs on the proper use of equipment
• Maintain a control log of all equipment requests noting patient name, bed number, type of equipment and the name of the person requesting the equipment
• Prepare charge tickets in duplicate for all chargeable equipment
• Install and dismantle orthopedic traction set-ups
• Clean, assemble and disassemble equipment such as circle-electric beds, suction machines, cardiac monitors and hypothermia machines
• Perform maintenance and repair on patient equipment including replacing interchangeable parts which are kept in stock.

Required Qualifications*

• High school diploma, GED or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Some computer skills
• Must be able to speak, read and write the English language clearly
• No lifting restrictions

Work Schedule

Friday-Sunday

11:00pm-7:00am

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes .

Union Affiliation

This position is covered under the collective bargaining agreement between the U-M and the AFSCME union, which contains and settles all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours and other terms and conditions of employment.

Background Screening

Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background screenings.  Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.