The Curriculum Vitae a.k.a. der Lebenslauf a.k.a Resumé



Creating a standout resumé (or curriculum vitae) for the German job market requires an understanding of local expectations and conventions. Here are key ingredients that should be included:

  1. Personal Information (Persönliche Angaben): Unlike resumés in some countries, German resumés typically begin with personal information such as your full name, address, phone number, email, date and place of birth, and marital status. Including a professional photo at the top is also customary.


  1. Professional Experience (Berufserfahrung): List your work history in reverse chronological order. Highlight your achievements and responsibilities with quantifiable results when possible.


  1. Education (Bildungsweg/Ausbildung): Again, in reverse chronological order, include your educational background with degrees, certifications, and relevant courses, along with the institutions and dates of attendance.


  1. Skills (Kenntnisse und Fähigkeiten): Clearly outline your language skills (Sprachkenntnisse), IT and software skills (IT-Kenntnisse), and any other professional skills relevant to the job.


  1. Qualifications and Training (Weiterbildung): Mention any additional certifications, courses, seminars, or training that are relevant to your career or the job you're applying for.


  1. Internships and Traineeships (Praktika): If you have completed any internships or traineeships, especially if you have less work experience, make sure to include these with details on your role and any key accomplishments.


  1. Hobbies and Interests (Interessen/Hobbys): While not mandatory, some German employers appreciate a brief section on your personal interests, as it can give them a sense of your personality and are especially helpful if your hobbies somehow relate to what a prospective employer does. In some cases, if you know the interviewer shares the same hobby as you, this might help by means of the affinity bias. 


  1. References (Referenzen): You may include a line stating that references are available upon request, or list contact details for referees if they have agreed to it.


Additional tips for a German resumé:


  • Be Precise: German employers value detail and precision. Ensure that all dates are accurate and that there are no unexplained gaps in your history.

  • Language: If you're applying for a job in Germany, it's best to write your resumé in German unless the job listing specifically asks for an English CV.

  • Formatting: Keep the resumé clean, well-structured, and easy to read. Use bullet points and avoid large blocks of text.

  • Length: Ideally, a German resumé should not exceed two pages.

  • Attachment: Include copies of important certificates and letters of reference with your application.


Remember, cultural nuances play a significant role in resumé writing. It's always beneficial to research the specific industry or company you're applying to and possibly seek advice from local professionals or career services.


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