Curriculum Vitae and Resume

When applying for jobs in Germany, having your CV (Lebenslauf) in the correct format is essential. Unlike some other countries, German employers generally prefer a Résumé for job applications.

CV vs. Résumé – What’s the Difference?

📌 CV (Curriculum Vitae) – A comprehensive document detailing your entire academic and professional history, including research experience, awards, publications, and memberships. This is mostly used in academia or research-related positions.

📌 Résumé – A one- or two-page summary of your key professional experience, education, and skills. The focus is on relevance to the job you’re applying for, rather than an extensive career history.

💡 Tips for Your German Résumé

✅ Match the job posting language – If the job ad is in German, your application should be in German.
✅ Keep it concise – No longer than two pages.
✅ Include a professional photo – A passport-style headshot is standard.
✅ Customize your résumé – Highlight skills and experience relevant to the job. Avoid unrelated details (e.g., financial experience for a programming role).
✅ Check for spelling and grammar mistakes – Use tools like Grammarly or DeepL for proofreading.
✅ Include these key sections:

Profile – A short summary of your skills, experience, and qualifications (similar to an elevator pitch).
Personal information – First and last name, nationality, date of birth, contact details, and a professional photo. You can also mention your marital status.
Education & work experience – List degrees, certifications, and relevant job history.
Skills & certifications – Highlight industry-specific skills and certifications.
Languages – Mention your proficiency levels.

✅ Do not include hobbies or personal interests – These are not typically relevant in Germany.

Résumé Formats & Online Builders

You can use the following platforms to create your German-style résumé:

📎 Documents to Attach to Your Application

📌 Cover letter (Anschreiben) – Briefly explain why you’re the right fit for the job.
📌 Résumé (Lebenslauf) – In the correct German format.
📌 Testimonials & references – Letters from previous employers, if available.
📌 Proof of education – Degrees or certificates (only if requested).

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid on Your German CV

Even small errors can hurt your chances of landing a job in Germany. Avoid these common mistakes:

🚫 Using the wrong format – A German résumé (Lebenslauf) is structured, concise, and usually one to two pages. Avoid long, overly detailed CVs.

🚫 Skipping the photo – While optional in some countries, a professional photo is expected in Germany. Make sure it looks formal and high-quality.

🚫 Including personal details that are not relevant – Your hobbies, personal interests, or religious views do not belong on a German résumé.

🚫 Forgetting to translate your qualifications – If your degrees or certificates have different titles in Germany, clarify them (e.g., Bachelor of Commerce = Betriebswirtschaftslehre (BWL)).

🚫 Ignoring the job posting language – If the job ad is in German, your application must be in German unless the employer specifies otherwise.

🚫 Not tailoring your résumé – One-size-fits-all doesn’t work in Germany. Adapt your résumé for each application, emphasizing relevant experience.

🚫 Poor formatting – Use a clean, structured layout, with clear headings, bullet points, and professional fonts like Arial or Calibri. Avoid fancy designs.

🚫 Spelling and grammar mistakes – Proofread carefully and use tools like Grammarly or DeepL to check for errors.

🚫 Adding references directly – Unlike in some countries, you don’t need to list references on your résumé. Instead, mention “References available upon request” if needed.

🚫 Sending an incomplete application – Many German employers expect additional documents like a cover letter (Anschreiben), certificates, and testimonials. Make sure to check the job listing carefully.

Vocabulary

CV / Resume	Der Lebenslauf
Cover Letter	Das Anschreiben
Testimonial	Das Zeugnis
Recognition	Die Anerkennung
Interview	Das Bewerbungsgespräch / Vorstellungsgespräch
Study curriculum	Das Studium
Degree	Der Abschluss e.g Bachelor Degree is Der Bachelorabschluss

Translators listed on our website

Chris Grosch – accredited interpreter – sworn translator – VO artist

Chris Grosch – accredited interpreter – sworn translator – VO artist Professional linguist in English, German and French having lived in Germany, Japan, the US, France and now South Africa. Accredited simultaneous interpreter in all three languages, sworn translator with the High Court of South Africa and versatile VO artist with own studio. Document translations, interpreting for conferences and business meetings, training and promotional video voice-overs. Available to travel.

Birgit Böttner – Sworn Translator

Based in Johannesburg South Africa. I’m a qualified sworn translator for English & German, registered with the German Consulate in Pretoria Trained in Germany in German and English and sworn in by the High Court of South Africa. I work locally & globally In Deutschland in Englisch und Deutsch ausgebildet, in Südafrika beim Obersten Gerichtshof vereidigt. Ich arbeite vor Ort & international. This translator is a bilingual German/English language practitioner with many years in

Linguistika

A Multifaceted Language Service founded by Stephanie Schaffrath TAILORED ONLINE LANGUAGE TUITION: With over 12 years of experience teaching languages, Linguistika is committed to providing high-quality language instruction to individuals of all ages and levels of proficiency. Not only is our team of native speakers experienced in preparing students for international language examinations, ranging from A1 to C2 levels, we are also incredibly proud of our remarkable 100% pass rate and 86% average. 🇬🇧 English

Helge Mayer translations services

Based in Germany. Helge Mayer (MA) – accredited/sworn translations German to English and English to German Masters Degree in Translations from the University of Heidelberg (Germany)

Career coaching

Career coaching or counselling is professional advice and support to help you manage your education and career. This could be in the form of workshops, webinars and one on one sessions. We had a webinar with Yvonne Brockaus, who is a career coach with working experience in South Africa. You can find a transcript of the questions and answers in the following file: Career webinar with Yvonne Brockhaus Yvonne is also listed on our website, and

Networking

In todays connected world it is important to manage your online professional identity. Many companies find potential staff via professional networks like LinkedIn, and they may also view your profile before interviewing you. It is important to make a good impression so give some thought to the following: Choose a professional profile picture Add a background photo that shows your interest Use your summary as an “Elevator pitch” Don’t use to many buzzwords List your

Searching for job opportunities

The most popular approach to finding a job in Germany is to register directly on company job sites. This helps you keep track of all the currently available job positions and makes the application process much more organized. Another option is to utilize the services of a reputable employment agency. This option could help you get extra career insights, identify hidden job opportunities, and potentially bring exclusive benefits to your job search process. For each