How to Make Your German CV

Understand the Purpose of a German CV

A German CV is a concise, clear, and well-organized document that provides an overview of your professional background, skills, and qualifications. It’s typically 1-2 pages long and focuses heavily on your work experience, education, and relevant skills. German employers value precision and clarity, so your CV should reflect these qualities.

Format and Structure

The structure of a German CV is different from what you might be used to in other countries. It typically follows this order:

• Personal Information (Persönliche Daten)
• Professional Experience (Berufserfahrung)
• Education (Ausbildung)
• Skills (Kenntnisse und Fähigkeiten)
• Languages (Sprachkenntnisse)
• Certificates and Additional Information (Zertifikate und Zusätzliche Informationen)

Each section should be clearly marked with headings, and the document should be well-organized, with consistent formatting throughout.

1. Personal Information (Persönliche Daten)

At the top of your CV, include the following personal details:

• Name: Write your full name, with the surname first, in bold.
• Address: Include your full postal address. If you’re applying from abroad, it’s beneficial to mention your current location and whether you’re willing to relocate.
• Phone Number: Include your international dialing code.
• Email Address: Use a professional email address.
• Date of Birth (Geburtsdatum): This is still commonly included in Germany, though not mandatory.
• Place of Birth (Geburtsort): Sometimes requested.
• Nationality (Nationalität): Mention your citizenship.
• Photo (optional): In Germany, it’s common to include a professional headshot. However, due to anti-discrimination laws, this is becoming less common and is entirely optional.

Useful Tips:

• Keep Your Contact Information Updated: Ensure that the contact details you provide are current and accurate. If you’re located abroad, mention your willingness to relocate or whether you’re already in Germany on a job-seeking visa.

2. Professional Experience (Berufserfahrung)

List your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position. Each entry should include:

• Job Title: Use the German equivalent if possible, or provide a clear title in English.
• Company Name and Location: Include the city and country.
• Dates of Employment: Provide the month and year for start and end dates.
• Responsibilities and Achievements: Briefly describe your main duties and any notable accomplishments. Use bullet points for clarity.

Useful Tips:

• Be Honest About Job Titles: Don’t exaggerate your role or responsibilities. German employers appreciate straightforwardness, and any inconsistencies between your CV and your interview responses may raise concerns.
• Avoid Gaps in Employment: Germans prefer seeing continuous work history. If you have employment gaps, provide an explanation in your cover letter or during the interview (e.g., for further studies, travel, family commitments).

3. Education (Ausbildung)

Like your work experience, list your educational qualifications in reverse chronological order. Each entry should include:

• Degree Title: Provide the German equivalent if possible.
• Institution Name and Location: Include the city and country.
• Dates of Attendance: Provide the month and year for start and end dates.
• Thesis (if applicable): Mention the title and a brief description of your thesis if it’s relevant to the job.

Useful Tips:

• Translate Your Degree Titles: If you’re applying for jobs in Germany, try to find the equivalent German degree title. This helps employers understand your qualifications more easily.
• Emphasize Relevant Coursework: If your education is highly relevant to the position, mention specific courses or projects that are related to the job you’re applying for.

4. Skills (Kenntnisse und Fähigkeiten)

This section should highlight your technical and soft skills relevant to the job. Group similar skills together for clarity, and be specific about your proficiency level.

Useful Tips:

• Don’t Include Irrelevant Skills: Focus only on skills that are directly relevant to the job you’re applying for. Listing too many unrelated skills can dilute the strength of your application.
• Use Clear Proficiency Levels: When mentioning technical skills, clearly define your level of expertise (e.g., beginner, intermediate, advanced) to avoid ambiguity.

5. Languages (Sprachkenntnisse)

In Germany, language skills are highly valued, especially proficiency in German. List the languages you speak and your level of proficiency using the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) levels (A1-C2).

Useful Tips:

• Be Honest About Your Language Skills: If you’re not fluent in German, avoid writing your CV in German. Submitting a German CV while not being able to communicate effectively in the language can create confusion and potential issues during the interview.
• Highlight Any German Learning Efforts: If you’re in the process of learning German, mention it. Employers value candidates who are making an effort to learn the local language.

6. Certificates and Additional Information (Zertifikate und Zusätzliche Informationen)

This section is optional but can include relevant certifications, publications, volunteer work, or professional memberships.

Useful Tips:

• Include Relevant Certifications: If you’ve completed any certifications (e.g., PMP, Scrum Master) or specialized courses that are relevant to the job, list them here. It’s a good way to show your commitment to continuous learning.
• Highlight Volunteer Work or Side Projects: If you have volunteer work, internships, or personal projects that demonstrate relevant skills, include them. This can be especially useful for candidates with limited professional experience.

7. References

In Germany, it’s typical to mention that references are available upon request rather than listing them directly on the CV.

Useful Tips:

• Have References Ready: While you don’t need to list your references on the CV, make sure to have them ready in case the employer asks for them. Choose former supervisors or colleagues who can vouch for your skills and work ethic.

 Do German Employers Prefer Doers or Achievers? How to Craft Your CV Accordingly

When crafting your German CV, understanding whether German employers value “doers” or “achievers” can significantly impact how you present your experience and skills. The truth is, German employers appreciate both qualities, but how you balance and convey these traits can make a difference in how your CV is received. This section will guide you on how to position yourself as a doer, an achiever, or a blend of both, depending on the role and the company’s culture.

Understanding the Difference: Doers vs. Achievers

• Doers are individuals who are action-oriented, focusing on tasks, execution, and getting the job done. They are reliable, consistent, and often detail-oriented. In a CV, a doer might emphasize the ability to handle a large workload, complete projects on time, or maintain high-quality standards in routine tasks.
• Achievers, on the other hand, are outcome-focused and driven by results. They aim not only to complete tasks but to exceed expectations, innovate, and add value. An achiever’s CV might highlight significant accomplishments, awards, or key contributions that led to measurable improvements or success for the organization.

What German Employers Value

German employers typically value efficiency, precision, and reliability—qualities that align with both doers and achievers. However, the emphasis might vary depending on the industry, company size, and role.

• In Traditional and Industrial Sectors: German companies in engineering, manufacturing, or logistics may lean towards valuing doers who can consistently deliver high-quality work and maintain operational excellence.
• In Innovative and Competitive Fields: In sectors like technology, finance, or consulting, there might be a stronger focus on achievers who can drive growth, innovate, and provide strategic value.

That said, a balance between being a doer and an achiever is often the best approach, particularly in companies where quality and results are equally prized.

How to Sound Like a Doer on Your CV

To position yourself as a doer, focus on the following:

• Highlight Consistent Performance: Mention your ability to handle routine tasks with precision and reliability. Discuss how you’ve consistently met deadlines, adhered to company standards, or managed day-to-day operations effectively.
• Emphasize Technical Skills: If you’re in a technical role, detailing your expertise with specific tools, processes, or systems can reinforce your capability as a doer.
• Detail Your Process: German employers appreciate a methodical approach. Describe how you approach tasks, the steps you take to ensure quality, and how you troubleshoot issues. This shows that you are thorough and reliable.

How to Sound Like an Achiever on Your CV

To present yourself as an achiever, incorporate the following strategies:

• Quantify Your Success: Wherever possible, use numbers to quantify your achievements. Whether it’s increasing sales, improving efficiency, or reducing costs, specific metrics demonstrate your impact.
• Showcase Awards and Recognition: If you’ve received any awards, recognitions, or promotions due to your performance, include them. These accolades help to highlight your status as an achiever.
• Mention Key Contributions: Describe instances where you went above and beyond your job description. For example, leading a project, suggesting process improvements, or mentoring junior staff can all indicate that you are not just doing your job but excelling at it.

Balancing Doer and Achiever Traits

While it’s important to tailor your CV to reflect the traits that best suit the role and company, finding a balance between being a doer and an achiever is often the most effective strategy. Here’s how to do it:

• Blend Tasks with Results: When describing your work experience, combine your duties with the outcomes. For example, instead of merely stating that you managed a project, explain how your management led to the project being completed ahead of schedule or under budget.
• Prioritize Based on the Role: For roles that are more operational or routine-based, lean slightly more towards doer qualities. For roles that are strategic or leadership-focused, emphasize achiever traits. However, always include elements of both to present a well-rounded profile.
• Use Language that Reflects Both: In your CV, use action verbs that convey both action and accomplishment. Words like “implemented,” “delivered,” and “executed” show that you are a doer, while “improved,” “enhanced,” and “exceeded” highlight your achievements.

What’s Good for German Companies

German companies generally value individuals who can deliver reliable results while also driving improvement and innovation. To appeal to these employers, your CV should reflect both your ability to get things done and your potential to contribute to the company’s long-term success.

• Demonstrate Reliability and Consistency: Make sure your CV conveys that you can be trusted to maintain high standards in your work consistently.
• Show Potential for Growth: Highlight your achievements and any initiatives you’ve taken that have led to positive changes in your previous roles. This demonstrates that you’re not only a reliable employee but also someone who can add value and drive progress.
• Adapt to Company Culture: Research the specific company you’re applying to and adjust the balance between doer and achiever traits to match what they seem to value most. For example, in a traditional company, emphasize reliability, while in a startup, focus on innovation and results.

Final Tips

• Language: If your German is strong, write your CV in German. Otherwise, English is acceptable, especially for positions in international companies.
• Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV for each job application. Highlight the experience and skills most relevant to the position.
• Proofread: Ensure your CV is free from typos and grammatical errors. A well-written CV reflects attention to detail, a valued trait in Germany.
• No Gaps: Germans prefer to see continuous work history. If you have gaps, explain them in your cover letter or during the interview.
• Focus on Clarity and Brevity: German employers appreciate a clear and concise CV. Avoid unnecessary details and keep the document to 1-2 pages.
• Be Professional: The tone of your CV should be professional and formal. Avoid using informal language, especially in the German business context.
• Research the Company Culture: If you’re applying to a large corporation, they may have stricter expectations regarding the format and structure of your CV. For startups or creative industries, a more modern or personalized CV might be acceptable.

Writing a German CV requires attention to detail, organization, and adherence to specific formats. By following these guidelines, you can create a CV that meets German employers’ expectations and increases your chances of landing your desired job. Whether you’re applying from abroad or are already in Germany on a job-seeking visa, a well-crafted CV is your first step toward a successful career in Germany.