German Resume Tips [English Guide 2024] - Navigate Germany

German CV/Resume format (Lebenslauf) is important to apply for a job in Germany. This guide is to help you create a German resume or CV!

German CV/Resume (Lebenslauf)

German CV is a straightforward document, which is used to make a good impression when sent to any employer for a vacant position. Tailor your German CV according to the specific needs of each job application you submit. It is a traditionally structured document to provide a summarized overview of your experience and skills.

Personal Information

Including your personal information like name, address, contact information, and previous designations to let recruiters know about you!

Profile Photo

Your profile picture shows your professionalism, so it should be professional but not formal.

First and Last Name

Write your first name, what you want to be called and the last name when registering for a job.

Phone Number

Add your German number to your CV. If you do not have, add your skype ID.

Nationality

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

Address

Write the country name with the city code.

Work Experience

Use chronological order to write your previous work experience. Add the name of the company, duration of your work, designation, key roles, and significant achievements you’ve made there.

Education

Include your high and low-level education by mentioning the university name, studied program, and specialization.

Skills

Add computer skills, personal skills, language skills, technical skills, and awards relevant to the job you are applying for.

Hobbies & Interests (Optional)

It is optional but leaves a good impact on your potential employer. Germans love facts, so adding your hobbies and interests will be valuable and it will make your CV accurate.

Courses and Certificates

Add courses you attended. Also add the course provider’s name, relevant content, and instructor name or position.

German CV vs English CV

• Picture – no requirement to attach a picture to an English CV, but required in German CV.
• CV order – English CV data is always in reverse chronological order whereas German CV begins with professional experience and vocational training.
• Personal Data – add complete personal data in a CV, violating this is against local legal requirements. Information on marital status, age, religion, or origin is excluded in an English CV.
• References – References are not common in a German CV but are mandatory in an English CV.
• Date – There is no date in an English CV, whereas German CVs have it.
• Signature – German CVs include a signature at the bottom but an English CV does not include it.
• Cover Letter – This should be error free and must have only the most relevant information regarding the job.

General Tips to Use When Creating a CV

• Keywords and Experience: Start your CV with all important information and use proper keywords relevant to your field, experience, and vacancy.
• Objective: Write a generic objective by focusing on yourself. You can also start with a summary about yourself. 
• Length: The length of a German CV should be between one to two pages. 
• Font and Color: Use selected font types, sizes, and colors when designing your Europass CV which will keep the design professional. To customize your template, use Europass site!
• Experience: Include experience relevant to the vacancy you are applying for.
• Short and Focused: Include everything in your CV but keep it to the point, short, concise, and  relevant to the job role.

Conclusion

Your CV puts the first impression on your potential employer so it must be good enough to get an amazing job. Keep your CV short and focused but do not skip any important details. Your CV should explain everything about you so your employer knows about your educational and professional background, skills, and any certification you had in the past. All the best!