resume format used in germany

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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

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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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