Let’s talk CVs – What should a CV in Germany look like in 2023?

Let’s talk how your CV for german companies should look like. In this blog post, the following questions will be tackled:

1) How should expats write a CV in Germany?

2) What is a good method to write an outstanding CV?

3) Do international students and expats need to speak german to find a job? What about translating the CV to German?

Let’s go straight to the first question.

When writing a CV in Germany, it is important to keep in mind the following key points:

1. Tailor the CV to the German style: In Germany, CVs are usually more detailed and longer than in other countries. They typically include a detailed work history, education, and in the appendix relevant certifications.
2. Use the right format: A German CV should be well-structured, with clear headings and bullet points. Use a professional font and keep the CV concise and to the point.
3. Start with a personal summary: A personal summary at the beginning of your CV can be a great way to introduce yourself to potential employers. It should highlight your relevant skills and experience, as well as your career goals.
4. Focus on work experience: Work experience is the most important aspect of a German CV. Include your job title, employer name, dates of employment, and a detailed description of your responsibilities and accomplishments.
5. Include education and qualifications: List your educational qualifications and any relevant certifications, including the name of the institution and the date you received your degree or certificate.
6. Use the right language: Your CV should be written in some cases in German, even if you are an expat (for traditional companies e.g. German banks, manufacturers). For startups and in tech, English is in most cases fine. If you are not fluent in German and would like to translate your CV, it is a good idea to have a native speaker review your CV for grammar and vocabulary. Nevertheless, you can translate the first version of your CV with DeepL
7. Be concise: In Germany, CVs are usually one or two pages long. Avoid lengthy descriptions and stick to the most important information.

By following these guidelines, you can create a well-written and effective CV that will help you stand out to potential employers in Germany.

TIP: In our community group, Jobs in Germany you will CV templates as well as cover letters in a word format. Watch out for career events or CV masterclasses in our event calendar. You can bookmark all our events in your own Google Calendar, iCalendar, Outlook 365 or Outlook Live.

2) What is a good method to write an outstanding CV?

There is one method that is particularly popular with recruiters. It’s called the reverse-chronological format.

In this format, the most recent experiences and achievements are listed first, followed by previous experiences in reverse chronological order. The reverse-chronological format is preferred by many employers because it provides a clear and straightforward overview of the candidate’s career history and development.

In a reverse-chronological CV, each job is listed with its title, company name, dates of employment, and key responsibilities and achievements. The focus is on what the candidate has accomplished in each role, rather than just a list of responsibilities. For each job, the candidate should list specific achievements, such as completed projects, awards, or other notable accomplishments.

Additionally, education and certifications should also be listed in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent. Relevant skills, such as language proficiency, computer skills, or specific software knowledge, should be listed in a separate section.

The reverse-chronological format is a straightforward and easy-to-read format that allows the employer to quickly see the candidate’s work experience, education, and key skills. It is a good choice for most job seekers, particularly those with a solid work history and consistent career progression.

3) Do international students and expats need to speak german to find a job?

German language skills can be an advantage for international students looking for a job in Germany, but it is not always a requirement. It depends on the industry and the specific job.

For certain industries, such as finance or consulting, a high level of German proficiency is often required.

On the other hand, for jobs in English-speaking international companies or Tech, English language skills may be sufficient.

However, even for jobs where English is the working language, a basic knowledge of German can be beneficial. It can help you integrate into the local community, understand the culture, and communicate with German-speaking colleagues and clients.

Really put the work when it comes to speaking German. It will be so beneficial in the long run.

Ultimately, it’s important for international students to be honest about their language skills on their CV. If you are still learning German, it’s okay to state that, but also mention your willingness to continue improving your language skills.

Moreover, the job openings which require the german language are way more in regards to publications  on online platforms such as Linkedin, Xing, Stepstone and more. Check out Expatino job market, We fetch English-speaking job posts from some portals and make sure that they are in english. Furthermore, MoBerries is great recruiting matching tool worth checking out.

In summary, while German language skills can be beneficial, they are not always a requirement for finding a job in Germany as an international student. It depends on the specific job and industry.