THE GERMAN RESUME FORMAT
A good structured CV (Lebenslauf) is probably one of the most important steps in finding a job in Germany. You will have to consider some factors such as cultural preferences and professional standards. What a German recruiter looks for in a job application is very different from recruiters of other countries. A resume is the first thing that will represent you in front of the employer or recruiter, so knowing how to write a resume for Germany is very important if you are planning or moving to Germany or want to work within the German market.
Tips for writing a German CV
- Resume should not be lengthy and should be maximum of two pages.
- Be sure to include a photo on your CV. German recruiters value professionalism, make sure your photo is professional, high-quality and work appropriate.
- It should be updated and should be ready when needed.
- When you will list your experience and skills, list it in bullet points and don't use paragraphs.
- The font of the CV should be appealing and appropriate, avoid paragraphs, too many bold or underlined sections.
- Always re-check your CV before forwarding it, so that you can correct errors and typos.
- If you are applying for an English speaking job, then it's good to write your resume in English. Since you are applying jobs in Germany, there are chances that you may have to present your resume in German language.
Structure of contents in CV
PERSONAL DETAILS
This should be the very first section on your CV, here you will write all your personal and contact details, which includes:
- First and last name
- Date of birth
- Nationality
- Marital status
- Address
- Phone number
- Passport-size photo
EDUCATION
The second section of your resume includes your secondary and higher education. It should be in chronological order mentioning the most recent qualification first. Include name of your academic degrees, university name, location and duration of your studies. Many also include specific modules of study that is relevant to the position.
WORK EXPERIENCE
The third section of resume includes all your past work experience and should be listed in reverse chronological order, starting with most recent. Each previous role should be mentioned in details, including job title, company name, duration of your work, location and your key responsibilities. If you have any internship or voluntary experience, you can add it in this section. It is common in Germany to add these details, as long as they are relevant to the vacancy.
SKILLS
This is the final section of your resume where you can list any other skills or achievements that are relevant to the role, such as computer skills, programming skills, language skills and certification. You can also add additional qualification in your resume which includes awards, scholarships and trainings.
Conclusion:
German recruiters and employers value well-organized and appropriate resume that is clear and direct about your past experiences and skills. Remember, your aim is to show the hiring manager that you are suitable for the position on offer.
