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
- Education
- Career history
- Skills
- 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.
