how to write resume in german language

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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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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.

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!

Want to learn more about the German Business Culture?

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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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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.

Copyright © 2024 Workstory Inc.

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German CV Tips + Template [Detailed Guide 2024]

by Live in Germany Team | Work in Germany

Last Update: Feb 24, 2024 @ 6:44 am

🚀 Meet LiGa, our cutting-edge chat bot for all things about living in Germany! 🇩🇪 Personalized and interactive, LiGa outshines traditional searches. It’s in beta phase, and your feedback will shape LiGa into the ultimate companion for your inquiries! 🤖✨ #LiveinGermany

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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Episode 13 | Ultimate Guide to a perfect German CV, plus a free template!

The resume or CV ( Lebenslauf in German) is like your business card and recruiters decide within 7-12 seconds whether you are a good match or not . But don’t worry, this post will help you to increase your chances of getting hired.

( At the end of the article is a downloadable CV in German. )

Step 1 – Design

Firstly, use an 11-12 font size and secondly keep it simple. Avoid playing around with italics and different fonts and sizes. As mentioned earlier, the HR person only has a few seconds to decide, so it needs to be clear and simple. The German CV also tends to be longer than for example the one-page British CV. If you have enough experience than your German CV can be 3 pages long.

To have an unfair advantage use software to create your CV . This will also make it easier for you to stay organized.

Step 2 – Structure

The stucture of the a CV in German is as follows:

• personal details
• work experience
• interests and hobbies

This structure is not much different to CVs from other countries. However, what is important is that writing a CV in German is more like writing a fact sheet rather then a sales pitch.

Step 3 – Content

Make sure that the content is relevant for the position . For example, you don’t need to write much detail about your job as a waiter unless you are applying for a position as a restaurant manager. The employer is looking for skills, expertise, and experience in a given field. Just think about who you would want to hire if you would be in his/her shoes.

Step 4 – Personal Details (Persönliche Daten)

This section is either at the top of the page or on the first page on the side. What to include? Here is the list of all the information that you should include in your personal details section.

Name and surname: put your full name in a slightly bigger font size and make it bold.

Phone and email: make sure you include the right country code to the beginning of your phone number if you did not purchase your sim card in Germany.

Address: place of residency.

Age and birthdate: put your age as well as your date of birth so that the recruiter doesn’t have to do the calculation.

Citizenship: this is important for your recruiter to know if you are in need of a work permit or visa.

Marital status: optional but recommended, as it gives a better picture about the candidate.

Passport-size photo: this needs to be in every German CV.

Step 5 – Work experience (Berufserfahrung)

This is probably the most important section. Use a reverse chronological order and start with your most recent job. Make sure to include the start and finish date (eg. 03/2018 – 09/2020). Also add the city and country, which is the company location.

The name of the position goes to the top of each job position that you had. Examples: “Junior UX developer” or “Head of Marketing”.

And finally, mention your responsibilities with bullet points below the name of the position. 3-7 bullet points are recommended.

Step 6 – Education (Bildung)

As before, list your education in reverse chronological order, start with the most recent. Include university and school names, as well as the dates. Use the bullet points to write about your achievements such as acquired titles and grades.

Make sure that you know how your grading translates into German.

Step 7 – Languages (Sprachen)

Here you can show off your language skills. However, make sure to be realistic. To be more precise, use a format like: “German – B2”, “English – C2” or “Arabic – B1”.

Languages become increasingly more important in recent years. If you are moving to Germany or applying for jobs at German companies make sure to learn the German language .

Step 8 – Skills (Kenntnisse)

Add relevant training for the position such as software skills (eg. MS Excel – advanced knowledge of macros and pivot tables) or additional certificates (eg. Certificate in Project Management)

Step 9 – Hand in your documents correctly

This is important! When you save the document, make sure that you do it in the right format such as PDF files , or upload them correctly.

Should I write my CV in Engish or in German?

If your German is good enough then yes , write your CV in German. Even if the company profile is in English, it is of great advantage to show that you speak the German language. If your German is not good enough yet , then it is not good to give a false impression about your language ability.

Additional Tips

• Keep it fact-based: Writing to much fluff does not work well in Germany.
• Keep it relevant: Mentioning all of the work experience that you have might not be an advantage. Only list what is relevant for the position.
• Adjust your CV for every application to make it more relevant.
• Make sure you don’t have any typos or misspellings . Let someone else read over it.

To get feedback and to train your interview skills we offer you 1:1 consulting. Click here to schedule a free trial lesson or email me at [email protected]

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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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CV in German with Europass | How to fill in step by step

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If you are looking for a job in Germany, you should apply with a CV in German with Europass. This is the standard form for CVs in Europe and is widely accepted by employers in Germany.

This article is a step-by-step guide on how to complete a Europass resume in German.

Topics in this article

How do you find a CV template in German? >> Fill in personal information >> About your professional experience >> Information on education and training >> Personal skills data >> Saving your CV in German with Europass >> How to hire someone to write your CV >>

How can you find a German CV template online?

It is best to go directly to the Europass where you will find a sample CV in German .

The first message you will see will be a notification asking you to either register – Registrieren – or continue as a guest – Als Gast fortfahren.

I usually prefer not to register and fill in as a guest.

The downside is that after 48 hours, all your data will be deleted from the database.

How to write your career summary in German? Main steps

Step 1: Personal information ( Meine persönlichen Angaben )

Before you start filling in the form, you need to decide in which language you want to fill in your CV. – Entscheide bitte, in welcher Sprache du dein Profil anlegen möchtest.

I recommend German language – Deutsch.

Datumsformat auswählen – you can also choose the date format

You will then start entering your personal details.

Required fields

Vorname(n) – first name

Nachname(n) – last name

Geburtsdatum – date of birth

Geschlecht – gender – Here you have to choose from the list:

• männlich – male
• weiblich – female
• divers – diverse
• keine Angabe – No details (you have the right not to give details)

Staatsangehörigkeit – citizenship – Search i.e. rumänisch (Romanian)

Here you can enter more than one citizenship by clicking on the + Hinzufügen

Contact details

E-Mail-Adresse – email address

Telefonnummer – phone number – you can choose

• Privatwohnsitz – landline phone at home
• Beruflich – work phone
• Mobiltelefon – mobile phone
• Sonstige (others)

Important: Don’t forget the country code and area code.

Typ – Address type

You can choose from:

• Privatwohnsitz – residential address
• Beruflich – work address
• Sonstige – other address

Straße und Nummer – street and number

Postleitzahl – postcode

Ort – city

Land – country – when searching for country in German, look for i.e. Rumänien (Romania)

Once you have finished filling in all your personal details, click on Weiter (i.e. continue).

Step 2: Professional experience ( Berufserfahrung )

In the CV template in German language you have the possibility to enter details about previous jobs and your current job.

And here you can enter more than paid jobs.

It is recommended to introduce internships, voluntary work, training courses and more.

How to get started?

Important: start with your current job – or the most recent job you had.

What details are required?

1. Occupation or position held at the respective workplace ( Beruf oder Funktion )

If you don’t know the exact name of your job or position, look up in an online dictionary.

2. Details of the company where you were or are still employed (Arbeitgeber)

In this section you must enter:

• name of company/employer ( Name )
• the name of the city where the employer is based ( Stadt )
• country ( Land )

3. The period you were employed at a particular job in the German CV template

• from ( von ) – until ( bis )
• Day (TT or DD – from Tag ), Month (MM – from Monat ), (DDYYY or YYYY – from Jahr )
• if you are still employed at the most recent job listed on your CV (which you should start with, by the way), write the date you started ( von ) and then click the Laufend button (current job).

4. Details of main tasks and responsibilities ( Wichtigste Tätigkeiten / Zuständigkeiten angeben )

Please note: this is the most important section of the CV. Therefore, you should also give it maximum importance.

How to write about tasks and responsibilities?

• First, make a list of your activities and responsibilities at work.
• Of these, choose the three or four most important – don’t forget: the resume should not exceed 2 pages
• find the best translation.

Because I know it’s not always easy to translate into German, here’s what I found for you:

If you need inspiration in writing activities and responsibilities in German, I recommend looking on Berufenet Arbeitsagentur . Here you will find job descriptions and responsibilities for many professions, jobs and positions in German.

You have two search possibilities on Berufenet Arbeitsagentur :

• you can enter the search word in German
• look in the lists of professions, trades or occupations: Berufsfelder sau Tätigkeitsfelder

Examples of job descriptions in German for CVs

German language job description for logistics assistant – Assistent/in – Logistik

• Transport-, Umschlag- und Lagerprozesse (TUL-Prozesse) organisieren, vom Versand über den Umschlag bis hin zur Lagerung von Waren
• TUL-Mittel zur Verfügung stellen
• Gütertransport- und Lagerleistungen abwickeln und kontrollieren
• Ladungen sichern und überwachen
• bei der Kommissionierung mitwirken
• logistische Prozesse dokumentieren, Informationen auswerten und verarbeiten

    …

Job description for Laboratory Chemist in German – Chemielaborant/in

The full job description can be found at Berufenet Arbeitsagentur Chemielaborant/in

• für den Laborbetrieb erforderliche Chemikalien, Geräte und sonstiges Laborzubehör bestellen und bereithalten
• Laborgeräte, -einrichtungen sowie Laborcomputer bedienen und pflegen
• Versuchsabläufe planen, Apparaturen aufbauen
• organische und anorganische Stoffe hinsichtlich ihrer qualitativen und quantitativen Zusammensetzung sowie Struktur analysieren
• Feststoffe zerkleinern, sieben, filtrieren, destillieren
• fotometrische Bestimmungen vornehmen, d.h. Messung der Lichtstärke
• volumetrische und gravimetrische Bestimmungen durchführen
• Stoffe reinigen, identifizieren und charakterisieren

Job description for a mechanical engineer in German – Ingenieur/in – Maschinenbau

The full job description can be found at Get in Engineering .

• Maschinen, Maschinenteile, Anlagen wie Produktions- und Fertigungsanlagen oder Windkraftanlagen projektieren und konstruieren, Simulationen durchführen, Prototypen entwickeln
• Produktionsverfahren und Produktionsmittel optimieren, Schwachstellenanalysen durchführen – z.B. durch den Einsatz von Toleranzmanagement in den Entwicklungs- und Planungsprozessen

Would you like to find the job description in German for your specialisation? Go to Berufenet Arbeitsagentur .

5. Add a new work experience ( Berufserfahrung hinzufügen ) in the Europass German CV template

Step 3: Education and training ( Allgemeine und berufliche Bildung )

My advice: Before you start filling out this section, go to a certified translator and ask them to translate your diplomas into German.

Do this for two reasons:

• you will know how to translate into German the qualification you have obtained or are about to obtain
• you will be able to scan and attach to your European CV your diplomas and their certified translation

Start with the last school or course you completed. In general, this is enough.

You do NOT necessarily have to write all the schools you have completed, from primary school to university.

1. Title of certificate or diploma obtained ( Bezeichnung der erworbenen Qualifikation )

2. educational institution/training provider ( bildungseinrichtung ) and its address – write in addresszeile.

Land – country

3. Website ( Webseite )

4. period of study or schooling:.

• day (TT or DD – from Tag), month (MM – from Monat ), year (DDYYYY or YYYY – from Jahr )
• if you are still attending a school or college, indicate the date you started ( von ) and then press the Laufend button (currently)

5. Further details ( Weitere Einzelheiten )

If you want to add more details, you can do so by ticking the box next to the text above: Weitere Einzelheiten

6. Add another type of education ( Neuen Eintrag hinzufügen )

Click on the blue field where the text above appears to enter another education course you have taken.

Step 4: Personal skills (persönliche Fähigkeiten) in the CV template in German language

You can give details of the following personal skills:

• mother tongue(s) – Muttersprache(n)
• other known languages – Weitere Sprache(n)

What are your personal skills?

1. Muttersprache(n) – mother tongue(s)

Here you can choose from the list mother tongues / languages learned in the family, if applicable.

2. Weitere Sprache(n) – other known languages

The first thing to do here is to choose a foreign language (Sprache): e.g. German.

You then move on to Self-assessment – Sebstbeurteilung, i.e. you show how well you understand, speak and write a foreign language.

The important thing is not to overestimate yourself. Once at the interview, the potential employer will realise how good you are in that language.

3. Digitale Kompetenzen – digital skills

CV – digital skills in German

The employer is interested, in this case, in seeing how proficient you are in using computers, the internet and mobile apps for:

• Data processing – Daten-Verarbeitung
• Communication – Kommunikation
• Content creation – Erstellung von Inhalten
• Security – Sicherheit
• Problem solving – Problemlösung

Within each category you will have to select the option that suits you best.

On the right hand side you already have choices that you can draw in the left field.

If you struggle to understand the German text, you can also open the English version of the European Europass CV online.

Step 5: How to save the Europass Curriculum Vitae

1. When you have finished filling in the personal skills section , click on Weiter , bottom right.

2. You will now be able to view your German Europass CV .

3. Next, click the Beenden – Finish button (End), top right.

4. You will now be able to see your account as a whole. At the bottom left, you will need to click on the Lebenslauf erstellen – i.e. “Create a CV”.

5. Choose Europass-Lebenslauf-Importieren – i.e. import your Europass CV

6. Choose where you want the file to be saved

Mein Gerät means My device (computer, laptop, phone etc.)

Congratulations! 🙂 You have completed the online German CV template.

Let’s recap how to complete a Europass Curriculum Vitae in German

First condition: go to the Europass website, where you will find a European CV template in German.

Step 1: Personal data ( Meine persönlichen Angaben )

Step 2: Work experience ( Berufserfahrung )

Step 4: Personal skills ( Persönliche Fähigkeiten )

Step 5: How to save the Europass CV

How to hire someone to write your CV

If you still need help writing your employment record in German, I can recommend an option I have used several times. Namely, to hire a German CV writing specialist on Fiverr *.

Or you can hire someone just to proofread your resume.

Fiverr * is an online platform where a lot of freelancers offer their services. You can search by the word BEWERBUNG (job application).

Then you contact the person in the ad and within a few days you have a professional CV.

A great place to find a German CV template is on the Europass website.

There you will find a CV template in German which you can fill in with:

• Personal information
• Information about your professional experience
• You can also fill in information about your education and training
• Data about your personal skills

You can then save it as a PDF.

If you still find it difficult or don’t have the time, I recommend hiring someone to write your CV on Fiverr.

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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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Are you looking for a job in Berlin, Germany? Then check out this ever-growing list of 150+ companies in Berlin that are hiring right now.

Companies in Hamburg Hiring Right Now

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The Reality Of Finding Work In Berlin In 2024

by Cheryl Howard | Jul 1, 2024 | Berlin Guides , Job Search , Working In Berlin | 10 Comments

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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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.

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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.

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A complete guide for writing a German resume

Writing a suitable German resume, alongside adhering to the points relevant to a job interview, increases your chances of receiving a job offer or employment proposal in Germany. There are certain principles and rules that you must adhere to when writing a German resume . In this article, we have outlined these principles and recommend that you stay with us until the end.

Germany, due to its stable economy and position on the path of development, is a good destination for many immigrants. To find a job in this country, you need to design a strong and professional resume. Also, to find a suitable job in Germany, it is necessary to acquire information about how to adapt your resume to the work culture of this country, as in this case, you will have a better chance of getting a job in this country. Many people think that writing a German resume is difficult and challenging, which is not the case, and by following the basic principles of resume writing, you can have a resume in the German style. It can be said that writing a German resume is the most important step in obtaining residence in this country, and for this reason, we emphasize the importance of observing the necessary points and principles for writing it. We also intend to teach you how to write a German resume in this article.

Writing a German resume and job application

As mentioned, Germany is one of the countries with a high demand for skilled immigrants, and for this reason, to find a job in this country, you need to prepare and present a good and acceptable resume. When you apply for a position in a company or institution, the employer has no background or knowledge of you, and the only document that can introduce you and your abilities to them is your resume. Now, if you use the language and culture of the target country in writing your resume, you can double your chances of acceptance. Therefore, if you intend to work in Germany, you must write a German resume and introduce yourself in it. When writing a resume in the German style, it is necessary to mention information such as personal details, level of education, work experience, skills, and courses you have taken. Now, what points should you pay attention to when writing a German resume and how to write a resume in the German style are the things you will learn by reading this article.

Is it better to write a resume in German or English?

If you're looking for a job in Germany, then naturally you'll need to be proficient in the language of the country, unless your job requires speaking another language. If you're familiar with the German language and can speak and write in it, start writing your German resume and ultimately ask a translator to review it and correct any writing errors.

While it's recommended to write a resume in German style, if you have no skills in the German language, write your resume in English. Because if you don't have proficiency in the German language and your employer needs an employee proficient in German, you may face difficulties in the interview stage. In any case, regardless of the language you prepare your resume in, make sure there are no spelling or writing errors in it.

Accompanying the writing of a German resume, you need a sample work!

German companies often require job applicants to provide a sample of their work (known in Germany as "die Mappe"). This sample should include the following:

• Cover letter (anschreiben)
• Resume (lebenslauf)
• Copies of educational certificates
• Copies of endorsements and other documents
• Passport photo

All of these documents should be printed on A4 paper and of high quality. Except for the cover letter (anschreiben), all documents should be placed in an envelope without any folds and sent via post to the desired destination. Currently, most companies receive applicants' resumes online in PDF format, and there is no difference between sending documents by post or online. In fact, the employer can determine how you send your resume and documents. Also, the conditions for the cover letter (anschreiben) should be written briefly and clearly on one A4 page. Be careful not to write this letter by hand and type it instead.

Tips and steps for writing a German resume

It's important that your resume (CV), referred to as lebenslauf in German, is written in a way that German employers expect. Otherwise, there's a chance it might not be read and could end up in the trash. To write a German resume (lebenslauf), which typically consists of a one-page document, at most two pages, and uses a two-column table format, you should follow certain guidelines, which we'll outline below:

When writing a German resume , pay attention to the template you have chosen for your resume. Your resume design should be attractive and easy to read for the employer and the reader. When writing a German resume, you must adhere to some rules for its format and design. For example, you should be able to organize all relevant information about yourself on one or at most two A4 pages, as longer resumes are not read at all. Use standard font and size of about 11-12, and avoid writing colorful content as well as italics and bold. The most common format used for writing a German resume has a header at the top of the page and divides the available sections into two columns. Then write the dates of activities on the left side and the details related to them on the right side.

In addition to the German resume design, its content is also of utmost importance. Considering that employers allocate little time to read your resume, be very careful in writing the content of your German resume and avoid mentioning trivial and insignificant details. In fact, you should not disclose all the information and details of your personal and professional life. Instead, when writing a German resume, you should only focus on mentioning useful and relevant information related to the job you are pursuing.

To write a German resume, you should be familiar with its format and overall structure. In fact, the structure of a German resume includes the following:

Personal Information (Persönliche Daten)

This section pertains to your personal information and details, where you should provide information to help the employer identify you. To write personal information in a German resume, you should use a high-quality personal photo and place it in the top left corner of the page. Then, write other relevant information about yourself, including your full name, age and date of birth, residential address, country of origin, marital status and number of children, phone number, and email address, next to the photo.

Resume Summary (Kurzprofil)

It is not mandatory to include a resume summary in a German resume. However, you can write a short, creative, and engaging text summarizing your work and educational experiences, skills, and interests. This section, which consists of one or two paragraphs, should be written at the beginning of the resume, before the work experiences.

Work Experience (Berufserfahrung)

Note that the order of listing work experiences and educational backgrounds in a German resume depends on the preferences of your employer. That is, if your employer values education more, you should write education first, and if they pay more attention to your work experiences, you should mention your work experience before addressing educational backgrounds. To write work experience in a German resume, you should follow a reverse chronological order and list your work experiences from the most recent to the oldest. For each work experience, write the employment date on the left column and more detailed information such as company name, address, duration of employment, job title, and responsibilities on the right column.

Educational Background (Ausbildung)

Educational backgrounds are also written from the most recent to the oldest degree, similar to work experiences. Remember that your educational backgrounds should include the name of the educational institution, degree and academic rank, as well as the duration of study. Also, if you have projects and achievements in this field, be sure to mention them. Considering the differences in educational systems worldwide, it is recommended to write the equivalents of your educational qualifications when writing a German resume.

Skills and Abilities (Kenntnisse und Fähigkeiten)

Your skills and abilities are another aspect that you should mention when writing a German resume. The point you should focus on when listing your desired skills is to state the facts accurately and avoid exaggeration. In this section, consider the skills related to the desired job, the programs you have used, and your proficiency level in them. Computer and software skills are among the most important skills that you should mention in this section.

Interests and Hobbies (Interessen und Hobbys)

Another section in writing a German resume is where you should mention your personal interests and hobbies. It could be said that this section is the most attractive and popular section in German resume writing because it allows the employer to gain a better understanding of the applicant's personality. To write this section, simply ensure that you mention interests and hobbies related to your skills.

Among other things to consider when writing a German resume is indicating your proficiency in foreign languages. Try to accurately and precisely state your level of proficiency in foreign languages, as it may raise the employer's expectations, and writing inaccurately could create problems for you in the future. Keep in mind that one of the important factors in obtaining residency in Germany is proficiency in the German language, so mention your proficiency level in this language and also write your resume in German. To express the level of your German language skills, you can use the following phrases:

• German is your native language: Muttersprache
• verhandlungssicher or business fluent: You are proficient in business and commerce.
• fließend: Your level of German language, especially in listening, is fluent.
• Grundkenntnisse: Your level of German language is basic or equivalent to general knowledge.

Ensure the completeness and currency of your German resume information and refrain from stating irrelevant details. Conclude the resume with your name, place, date, and signature, which is also of great importance. You can also review your German CV on the website https://www.topcv.com/. If you need more information on writing a resume to get a job, read the article "How to write a resume to get a job?

Sending certificates along with a German resume

Try to send a copy of your most important and relevant documents along with your application and resume. Keep the original documents with you, as you may need the original document for final verification by the issuing authority, a copy equivalent to the original, or a translation into German.

As mentioned, writing a German-style resume is one of the important and influential components of obtaining a job position in this country. For German resume writing, you should consider some points. The design, structure, content, and language of your resume are among the most important factors that affect the professionalism of your resume. Since your resume is your introduction to a German employer, you should be very careful in writing it to not miss the chance of getting a good job opportunity in an ideal country.

We have tried to highlight the most important points of writing a German resume in this article so that if you intend to migrate to this country, you can write a better resume and double your chances of acceptance. However, keep in mind that at our migration institute, we provide special and specialized counseling for writing resumes in the German style. Just contact our experts. Thank you for being with us until the end of this article.

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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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German Resume / CV Format

Amali ranasinghe.

German CV format is not too different from the other resume formats. Yet, you need to pay attention to the key aspects of the standard format as listed below.

• Start your resume with Personal Information (Persönliche Daten)
• Next, you can add your Career Summary statement (Kurzprofil) which is not mandatory.
• The work experience section should come next. (Berufserfahrung)
• Next comes the Education Highlights section. (Ausbildung)
• Finally, add the Skills section. (Kenntnisse und Fähigkeiten)
• It's important to know that adding your hobbies and interests is also not mandatory.

If you are looking for an easy way to build a German Tabular CV (Lebenslauf), you can try out our 100% free resume builder below.

If you have no idea about the section needs to be included, please continue reading!

What's the ideal length of Germany resume format?

The ideal length of a Germany resume template would not exceed two pages. This is where whether you add the optional sections discussed above comes into play. If you still can write your resume within 2 pages including the career summary along with hobbies and interests nothing should go wrong.

Font size and font face - German Resume Example

• Font face/ type - It's better to use a simple font face with clarity when it comes to a German CV. Some of the recommended font faces are Roboto, and Times New Roman.
• Font size - For headings, you can use 14 pt. - 16 pt., whereas for other general content, use 11 pt or 12 pt.

Most importantly, make sure to keep your format consistent in terms of font size and font face. Also, labeling the sections of your CV with proper headings is mandatory, as professionalism is one of the major qualities expected by German recruiters.

How to write personal details in German resume?

In the Personal Details section, including the following information is compulsory.

• Your Name: Here, you can add the first name and the Surname/ Family name. It's not wrong to emphasize this with a bigger font and with boldface as depicted in the German sample below.
• Contact details: For this, it's expected to provide an email as well as your contact number. If you are an offshore applicant, it's essential to include the country code in the contact number.
• Residential Address

Apart from the above key details, you can add optional information as stated below to create a better picture of yourself as a candidate.

• A professionally taken photo
• Date of Birth
• Citizenship/ Visa: This helps to determine your work rights in Germany.

German CV template / sample / example in English is readily available for you now below. Get access to German resume / CV template free download now.

How to write Career Summary in German resume?

If you choose to have a career summary that is optional in the German resume, still you need to think of its effect on the reader. For example, your summary can focus on one key aspect of yours such as highlighting your strengths as a good fit for the role, your expertise in the role, etc.

Most importantly, don't make it too long. An ideal career summary in German CV layout / model can be a maximum of four lines in length.

Work History and Education summary guideline

Work history - germany cv template.

German recruiters prefer the reverse chronological order . For example, add the most recent records first and move from there. In each employment record, add the following details.

• Name of the company followed by the city (if in Germany) or the country (if offshore)
• Job duration along with the years and months
• A brief list of the most important responsibilities that you held in the role. Limit the points maximum up to 8. If you have a lengthy record of work history, rather than listing out the responsibilities, you can give a brief description of it.

Check out the sample below.

Education History - German Resume Example

Education summary too should be added in the reverse chronological order. In each record, add the following.

• Name of the University/ College/ Academic body
• Title of the qualification
• Duration of your studies
• GPA if applicable (optional)

Here's a sample of how to add education history in curriculum vitae in Germany CV format / template.

Other tips for German CV (CV German Template)

• Once you create your CV for applying to jobs in Germany, you are advised to scan it using a CV scanner to find out the possible harmful words or action verbs in your CV.
• While action verbs can increase your chances of getting hired, some overused buzzwords (clichés) may narrow down your chances. You can use the Resume Buzzword Scanner below to scan your CV and make sure that it does not contain any buzzwords.
• When it comes to work history or education records, use only related records for the job you apply for. If you fill your resume with unrelated records, it won't be a good sign as an ideal candidate. Also, it's good to know that CV in tabular form in Germany (curriculum vitae in tabular form German) is an acceptable approach as a German CV template.
• Now you can request for a 100% free German CV / resume template in English in PDF of Word format. All you have to do is fill the brief form below.
• Sometimes, you will have to write your CV in German language. This is the case either if you have to send the CV for German university or if the job itself was published in German. If that's the case, the employers expect the candidates to be competent in using the German language.

If you are keen on other international resume formats, you can explore them such as UAE CV format , Italian CV format , USA Resume guide and many more from our International Resume Format page now.

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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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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.

How to Land a Job Offer... Fast!

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German Language Resume Sample

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Work Experience

• Flexibility to work various shifts, including working one weekend day or alternative start-end times
• Fluent spoken and written German – ideally native level – and a high standard of English
• Several years of experience in a business of financial publication, preferably online
• In-depth knowledge of the financial industry and financial insturments
• Excellent writing skills with plain, precise language
• Outstanding ability to identify compelling news
• Complement journalism expertise with the authority and knowledge of research and product specialists within the firm
• Talent to anticipate what our clients and advisors need to know
• Passion for working in an editorial team
• Establish DOU/MOU and other required governance documents with global delivery center managers for services as appropriate, to be revisited each calendar year. Also included are any account level DOU’s with other teams/competencies
• Double entry bookeeping based on IFRS standards
• University education in accounting or finance
• Fluent German language is required
• Intermediate level of English language skills are required
• Analytical skills, self-motivation, workload resistance
• Numerical skills, attention to detail
• Liaise with other departments such as Customer Service, Retail, Merchant Investigations, or Payments teams as required to resolve Vendor's/Seller’s issues and questions
• Identification, investigation and resolution of support requests
• Timely communication to customers with focus on customer service and relationship building
• Build relationships with customer base and become knowledgeable about the customer’s needs. Keep the customer updated on the status of reported problems. Communication with strong focus on customer service and solution quality
• Project management skills (knowledge of ITIL processes)
• Fluent German language is mandatory
• Assertiveness, pro-activity, leadership, problem solving
• Very good knowledge of German language in business context
• Support the account team, internal and external stakeholders

Professional Skills

• Strong communication skills – verbal and written communication skills in English
• Strong communication skills. – effective verbal and written communication skills in English language
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and troubleshooting skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in Slovak language (English and German as well)
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills, especially oral and written German
• Excellent oral and written communication skills at least in Slovak language
• Broad understanding of MS Office skills

How to write German Language Resume

German Language role is responsible for english, german, software, languages, negotiation, recruiting, finance, training, database, mac. To write great resume for german language job, your resume must include:

• Your contact information
• Work experience
• Skill listing

Contact Information For German Language Resume

The section contact information is important in your german language resume. The recruiter has to be able to contact you ASAP if they like to offer you the job. This is why you need to provide your:

• First and last name
• Telephone number

Work Experience in Your German Language Resume

The section work experience is an essential part of your german language resume. It’s the one thing the recruiter really cares about and pays the most attention to. This section, however, is not just a list of your previous german language responsibilities. It's meant to present you as a wholesome candidate by showcasing your relevant accomplishments and should be tailored specifically to the particular german language position you're applying to. The work experience section should be the detailed summary of your latest 3 or 4 positions.

Representative German Language resume experience can include:

• Strong interpersonal skills. Track record of building strong, lasting relationships with multiple stakeholders, partners and customers
• Strong Analytical skills and process understanding
• Strong time management/organizational skills
• Maintain and improve technical accounting skills
• Proven people management/team leader experience
• Solid knowledge of Mac and Windows operating systems

Education on a German Language Resume

Make sure to make education a priority on your german language resume. If you’ve been working for a few years and have a few solid positions to show, put your education after your german language experience. For example, if you have a Ph.D in Neuroscience and a Master's in the same sphere, just list your Ph.D. Besides the doctorate, Master’s degrees go next, followed by Bachelor’s and finally, Associate’s degree.

Additional details to include:

• School you graduated from
• Major/ minor
• Year of graduation
• Location of school

These are the four additional pieces of information you should mention when listing your education on your resume.

Professional Skills in German Language Resume

When listing skills on your german language resume, remember always to be honest about your level of ability. Include the Skills section after experience.

Present the most important skills in your resume, there's a list of typical german language skills:

• Good verbal and written communication skills in German (B2-C1) and English (B2-C1)
• Good MS Office skills (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Strong client focus and commitment to continuous improvement; ability to proactively network and establish effective working relationships
• Organizational and negotiation skills, with a keen focus on delivering business results
• German native with great interpersonal skills and impeccable written and spoken English are mandatory
• General Ledger Accounting background preferably with Finance Shared Service & international experience

List of Typical Experience For a German Language Resume

Experience for buyer / german language skills resume.

• Support month end process and statutory related processes within deadlines and instructions
• Prepare or analyze financial reports, research and explain variances
• Ensure appropriate communication with all business partners and support business partners in financial decisions, if required. Ensure business activities are appropriately reflected in the accounting records
• Applying forecast techniques
• Support the onboarding of additional countries to the new IQVIA financial shared services center in Bratislava Slovakia

List of Typical Skills For a German Language Resume

Skills for buyer / german language skills resume.

• Excellent communication, conflict handling and team working skills
• Good computer skills (e.g. MS Word, Excel, Adobe, Power Point, Oracle Applications)
• Solid ability to handle tough conversations with buyers in a professional, solution-oriented manner
• Experience with Google Docs and Microsoft Office
• Strong overall IT Knowledge and computer literacy
• Sense of urgency and ability to juggle and prioritize multiple work requirements to meet deadlines
• Initiating, monitoring, and providing final quality check on all requests
• Managing risks to the contract's business objectives and supporting the Project Executive (PE) or Opportunity Owner (OO)

Skills For Subject Matter Expert With German Language Resume

• Managing contract performance measurements
• Measuring performance against plan to optimize profit contribution
• Ensuring compliance with the terms and conditions of the particular contract involved
• Managing both internal and external stakeholders
• Coordinating all work done by the “horizontals” in the shared service
• Willing to work flexible hours to meet targets
• Flexible in terms of accepting the short-term travelling abroad

Skills For Refer a Friend With German Language Resume

• German (native) and fluent English in speaking and writing is required. Knowledge of Swiss-German and/or French is a pré
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office applications (e.g. Excel, Word, PowerPoint
• Not afraid of learning new, market demanded (and valued) technologies and products
• Review with Customers,PE/OO the economics of the Contracts (e.g. discuss extra services before Billing)
• Real possibilities of self-development and promotion
• Possibility of remote work

Skills For General Ledger Accountant With German Language Resume

• Languages classes (free of charge)
• Comfort in email management systems i.e Desk.com, Zendesk.com
• Interested in conscious cost-containment efforts in recruiting, continually seek new sourcing options, and develop creative approaches to delivering candidates to the customer
• Deep work experience within each function
• Experience in candidates who have worked in Sales, Financial / Sales Operations
• Experience in Business Research and Analytics domain in the technology industry in global delivery roles
• Experience in MS excel and MS PowerPoint

Skills For Telecom Analyst With German Language Resume

• Flexibility to work overtime hours as per business requirement
• Deep knowledge of executive business-related preferences
• Excellent verbal and written language skills both in German and English (C2 - CEFR or equivalent), additional proficiency in any other major European language desirable
• Contract management or project management experience at least 2-4 years
• Fluent written and spoken knowledge of English and German
• Able to apply sound business judgment, commercial sense
• Knowledge of Microsoft solutions, MS Office 365 (Azure, OneDrive and others) are a great advantage
• Advanced in German and English language
• Willingness to learn new, market demanded (and valued) technologies and products

Skills For Ipmi Customer Service Rep-german Language Essential Resume

• Understand the context and background of the client’s problem/request
• Work time on site in Germany
• Develop and maintain processes to allow accurate and timely production of regular
• Coordinate other departments and center functions involved in account operations
• Drive innovations in order to ensure required levels of efficiency and automation
• Maintenance of the client’s inventory of telecom services
• To help their manager monitor the KPI’s and participate in the analyses of the team’s daily/weekly/monthly results with his/her line manager

Skills For Credit & Collections Associate German Language Resume

• Act as SPOC towards the customers for all issues related to order management (E2E), communicating all relevant information and ensuring customer satisfaction and SLA’s
• Graduate profile, max 1-2 years working experience. Knowledge in the areas of order management and/or customer service (based on internship, junior position) is a pré
• Strong software skills (Outlook, Excel)
• Ability and willingness to work in a very diverse and dynamic environment
• Knowledge of and keen interest in SSO, Adobe Creative Cloud and Document Cloud
• Knowledge of installer/deployment technologies

Skills For Business Analyst With German Language Resume

• Excellent communication skills. Demonstrated ability to effectively, concisely and clearly communicate his/her viewpoint on complex or larger-scale business or operational considerations, and key decision points
• Simple MS Project workplan management support (time actuals update)
• Proactive attitude, self-driven
• Stress and conflict management
• Knowledge of MS Project application is advantage
• 1st level support activities
• Self-motivated, empathetic, proactive, well organized and efficient

Skills For Offering Manager With German Language Resume

• Interest to self – development
• Student at the University
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively to a wide range of constituencies in a diverse environment especially in the VCC space
• Easily approachable, cooperative, and a team player, easily gains the trust and support of VCC Associates and peers
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively to a wide range of constituencies in a diverse environment especially in the DE VCM space
• Easily approachable, cooperative, and a team player, easily gains the trust and support of DE VCM Associates and peers
• Fluent in German spoken and written

Skills For Contract Management Specialist With German Language Resume

• Communication skills with ability to convey medium impact messages clearly (verbal, written and presentation) to internal and external peers and management. Mastery in English and local language as well as other languages as required
• Understanding of moderately complex internal operational issues
• Administrating risks and issues
• Participate in local projects or initiatives, evaluates potential impact on local reporting units, perform local implementation of changes
• German languageis an advantage

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Jury to resume deliberating in trial of ex-politician accused of killing Las Vegas reporter

LAS VEGAS (AP) — A jury resumes deliberations Tuesday in the trial of a former Las Vegas-area Democratic politician accused of killing an investigative journalist prosecutors say he blamed for writing stories that destroyed his career, ruined his reputation and threatened his marriage.

Robert Telles, the former elected county administrator of unclaimed estates, is charged with murder in the fatal stabbing of reporter Jeff German two years ago. Jurors deliberated for about four hours on Monday and will begin working toward a verdict again on Tuesday.

Telles “did it because Jeff wasn’t done writing,” prosecutor Christopher Hamner said during closing arguments on Monday. “It’s like connecting the dots.”

Jurors sent the judge a note late Monday asking for a court technician to show them how to zoom in on laptop video while in the jury room, then remained an hour past the usual 5 p.m. court closing time.

That came after Telles’ defense attorney, Robert Draskovich, presented a surprise image at closing arguments of a silhouette of a person who did not look like Telles driving a maroon SUV that evidence showed was key to the crime.

Telles lost his Democratic primary for a second elected term after German’s stories about him appeared in the Las Vegas Review-Journal in May 2022. The reports described turmoil and bullying at the Clark County Public Administrator/Guardian office and a romantic relationship between Telles and a female employee.

The day before German was stabbed to death, Telles learned that county officials were about to provide German with email and text messages that Telles and the woman shared, in response to the reporter’s request for public records.

Prosecutor Pamela Weckerly presented to the jury a timeline and videos of Telles’ maroon SUV leaving the neighborhood near his home a little after 9 a.m. on Sept. 2, 2022, and driving on streets near German’s home a short time later.

In some photos drawn from security camera video, the SUV driver was seen wearing a bright orange outfit similar to one worn by a person captured on camera walking to German’s home and slipping into a side yard.

“That person stays, lying in wait,” Weckerly said, playing again a video from a neighbor’s home showing German’s garage door rise and German walk into the side yard where he was attacked just after 11:15 a.m.

A little more than 2 minutes later, the figure in orange emerges and walks down a sidewalk. German does not reappear.

Weckerly also focused on a text message from Telles’ wife, which he failed to answer, asking, “Where are you?” about 45 minutes before evidence showed German was killed. Hamner and Weckerly told the jury they believe Telles left his cellphone at home so he couldn’t be tracked.

German’s body was found the next day, but no murder weapon was recovered. Telles’ DNA was found beneath German’s fingernails.

In his testimony, Telles named office colleagues, real estate agents, business owners and police he accused of “framing” him for German’s killing. He said it was retaliation for his crusading effort to root out corruption he saw in his office of about eight employees handling probate property cases.

“I’m not crazy. I’m not trying to avoid responsibility,” Telles told the jury on Friday. “I didn’t kill Mr. German, and I’m innocent.”

None of German’s blood or DNA was found on Telles, in his vehicle or at his home, Draskovich said Monday, urging the jury to, “Ask yourself what is missing.”

Draskovich introduced the new clip of video for the first time, zeroing in on a view of a maroon SUV like Telles,’ seen through the passenger window with the shadowed silhouette of the driver at the wheel. The image was prosecution evidence that had not been presented previously.

Originally from Milwaukee, German was a respected journalist who spent 44 years covering crime, courts and corruption in Las Vegas.

Telles, 47, is an attorney who practiced civil law before he was elected in 2018. His law license was suspended following his arrest several days after German was killed. He faces up to life in prison if he’s found guilty.

Weckerly and Hamner presented 28 witnesses and hundreds of pages of photos, police reports and video over four days.

Telles and five other people testified for the defense. No Telles family members were called to the stand or identified in the trial gallery.

About a dozen German family members sat together in the hushed courtroom throughout the trial. They’ve declined as a group to comment.

The killing drew widespread attention. German was the only journalist killed in the U.S. in 2022, according to the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists. The nonprofit has records of 17 media workers killed in the U.S. since 1992.

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https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2024/08/20/gcse-results-day-2024-number-grading-system/

GCSE results day 2024: Everything you need to know including the number grading system

Thousands of students across the country will soon be finding out their GCSE results and thinking about the next steps in their education.   

Here we explain everything you need to know about the big day, from when results day is, to the current 9-1 grading scale, to what your options are if your results aren’t what you’re expecting.  

When is GCSE results day 2024?  

GCSE results day will be taking place on Thursday the 22 August.     

The results will be made available to schools on Wednesday and available to pick up from your school by 8am on Thursday morning.  

Schools will issue their own instructions on how and when to collect your results.   

When did we change to a number grading scale?  

The shift to the numerical grading system was introduced in England in 2017 firstly in English language, English literature, and maths.  

By 2020 all subjects were shifted to number grades. This means anyone with GCSE results from 2017-2020 will have a combination of both letters and numbers.  

The numerical grading system was to signal more challenging GCSEs and to better differentiate between students’ abilities - particularly at higher grades between the A *-C grades. There only used to be 4 grades between A* and C, now with the numerical grading scale there are 6.  

What do the number grades mean?  

The grades are ranked from 1, the lowest, to 9, the highest.  

The grades don’t exactly translate, but the two grading scales meet at three points as illustrated below.  

The bottom of grade 7 is aligned with the bottom of grade A, while the bottom of grade 4 is aligned to the bottom of grade C.    

Meanwhile, the bottom of grade 1 is aligned to the bottom of grade G.  

What to do if your results weren’t what you were expecting?  

If your results weren’t what you were expecting, firstly don’t panic. You have options.  

First things first, speak to your school or college – they could be flexible on entry requirements if you’ve just missed your grades.   

They’ll also be able to give you the best tailored advice on whether re-sitting while studying for your next qualifications is a possibility.   

If you’re really unhappy with your results you can enter to resit all GCSE subjects in summer 2025. You can also take autumn exams in GCSE English language and maths.  

Speak to your sixth form or college to decide when it’s the best time for you to resit a GCSE exam.  

Look for other courses with different grade requirements     

Entry requirements vary depending on the college and course. Ask your school for advice, and call your college or another one in your area to see if there’s a space on a course you’re interested in.    

Consider an apprenticeship    

Apprenticeships combine a practical training job with study too. They’re open to you if you’re 16 or over, living in England, and not in full time education.  

As an apprentice you’ll be a paid employee, have the opportunity to work alongside experienced staff, gain job-specific skills, and get time set aside for training and study related to your role.   

You can find out more about how to apply here .  

Talk to a National Careers Service (NCS) adviser    

The National Career Service is a free resource that can help you with your career planning. Give them a call to discuss potential routes into higher education, further education, or the workplace.   

Whatever your results, if you want to find out more about all your education and training options, as well as get practical advice about your exam results, visit the  National Careers Service page  and Skills for Careers to explore your study and work choices.   

You may also be interested in:

• Results day 2024: What's next after picking up your A level, T level and VTQ results?
• When is results day 2024? GCSEs, A levels, T Levels and VTQs

Tags: GCSE grade equivalent , gcse number grades , GCSE results , gcse results day 2024 , gsce grades old and new , new gcse grades

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