A German CV (Lebenslauf) is an absolute must when you are in Germany, whether it is for studying or work purposes. It is always better to give your German employers a CV in a style they are already familiar with to increase your chances of getting noticed. While German CVs are not too different from those of other countries, it is important to keep in mind that they have their own nuances. Although it does not have a specific version, we created a general guide on how to write a German CV:
Personal Information
This section requires your personal details. Make sure to add the following:
- Full name (First and last name)
- Address
- Date of birth
- Nationality
- Marital status
- Contact information (Email & Telephone number)
- Passport-size photo
- Profile – a short description of yourself and your skills / experience / qualifications
Education
In this section, you will write the details about your studies focusing on your secondary and tertiary education. Make sure to include the name of your university and degree/s earned; it is also helpful if you mention modules that have relevance towards the position you are applying for. Students normally add more details about their modules when applying for internships.
Find more about the things you should consider while applying for an english internship here.
Work Experience
Here you will list your previous work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent one. Make sure to add the following:
- Name and location of the company
- Dates
- Title of the position
- Division, department
- Key responsibilities
Other skills/achievements
This section will include:
- Foreign languages (also specify the level)
- IT Skills
- Other certifications
Other tips on how to write a German CV:
- A German CV should be maximum 2-pages long
- Do not lie and keep it factual
- List only the experience, skills and qualifications that are relevant to the position
- Keep it simple and use the same font throughout
- Bullet points are recommended instead of long paragraphs
- Check it several times to eliminate any error
- Adjust your CV for different positions
- German CVs do not really have a section for hobbies
Here are some online German CV creators that can be useful to you:
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