CV Writing Guide

Tools, strategies, and templates to help you

create a professional tand effective CV that
follows German standards and sets you up for
success in the German job market.

Jen Palacios & Yvonne Koppen

Creators of Simple Germany

1.1
 Welcome!
Learn how to write your best CV with
this step-by-step guide.
Good design is always important. But in CVs, to achieve the desired
impact, content needs to be nothing less than perfect. Imagine it like a
game of Tetris - each piece needs to fit on it perfectly.

This e-book will help you write a resume that not only grabs attention
at first glance but also convinces German employers that you are the
right person for the job and gets your foot in the door.

You will learn actionable tips and examples for each CV section to help
you create a strong resume. You will also learn what makes a CV stand
out while still following the format that looks familiar to German
recruiters.

With this information, you'll be able to take your job application to the
next level and accelerate your job search in Germany.

The Secrets to Writing a German-Style CV

 Content
Chapter 1 - German Expectations 5
What do Germans expect to see in a CV? 6
Should you write your CV in German or English? 7

Chapter 2 - Contact Details 8

What to include in contact details 9
Adding an email address and social media 12

Chapter 3 - Personal Statement 13

How to write a personal statement 14
Personal statement template 15
Personal statement examples 16

Chapter 4 - Work History 17

What to include in work history 18
How to describe your responsibilities 21
How to write powerful bullet points 22
Action verbs in a resume 25

Chapter 5 - Education 30
Write a great education section 31

Chapter 6 - Skills and Hobbies 33

How to list your skills 34
Example of languages & tech skills 35
How to include your hobbies & interests 36

Chapter 7 - Signature & Gender Pronouns 37

Why a signature is important 38
A note about gender pronouns 39

Chapter 8 - References 40
What to do with references 41

The Secrets to Writing a German-Style CV

The Secrets to Writing a German-Style CV Content

Chapter 9 - Checklist (Bonus) 42

CV Checklist 43

Chapter 10 - Job Search Tips (Bonus) 44

Practical tips for a successful job search 45

Chapter 11 - Final Words 48

About us 49
Copyright 50
 Chapter 1

German
Expectations
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty
of writing a strong resume in
Germany, let's first talk about what
Germans expect in a CV and how
you can better prepare.

The Secrets to Writing a German-Style CV

The Secrets to Writing a German-Style CV Chapter 1 - German Expectations

What Do Germans
Expect To See In A CV
German recruiters or hiring managers are likely to have certain expectations
and preferences when it comes to the layout of a CV. So translating your
current resume into English or using the CV you used in another country might
not be enough.

The CV (Lebenslauf) in Germany is concise and should get straight to the point.
The resume should put emphasis on your practical experience and skills
through examples of achievements. German recruiters and employers dislike
reading "fluff" or self-promoting sentences.

If you include too much irrelevant or unnecessary information on a resume, it

can make it difficult to read and understand, potentially causing your future
employer to skip over it.

When writing your CV, it's essential to keep the KISS principle in mind: "Keep It
Short & Simple." Sending a concise CV to your future employer will better
showcase your skills and experiences, will be easier to understand, and will
increase your chances of landing that job interview.

In Germany, a CV is between one and a maximum of two pages and has five or
six sections that can be easily scanned. This is best possible with a two-column
structure, separating the dates from the rest of the content.

Most German employers expect to see a professional photo of you.

Page 6
The Secrets to Writing a German-Style CV Chapter 1 - German Expectations

Should You Write Your CV In

English Or German?
It is best to write your CV in the language you are most comfortable and
confident in, whether that be English or German.

It is important to be aware that spelling and grammatical errors in a resume

will most likely turn off potential employers and result in your CV being
discarded, especially in Germany.

Therefore, it is better to present a polished and well-written CV in your

preferred language rather than a poorly written one in a language that you
are not confident in.

Additionally, if you send a CV in German, the hiring manager may assume that
you are proficient in speaking German as well, which may not be the case.

To avoid setting the wrong expectations, it is best to be transparent about your

language skills during the application process.

This e-book focuses on creating a CV in English, but the principles discussed

can also be applied to creating a strong CV in German.

General Guidelines
Your CV should be 1-2 pages maximum
Use A4 paper size
Minimum font size: 10 pt
Keep a margin of 2 cm
If you print your CV don't print on the back of a page (duplex print)

Page 7
 Chapter 2

Contact Details
The very first thing you will write
down will be your contact details.
This part is easy to write – even
self-explanatory. However, there
are a few things you should bear in
mind to kick off your CV in the right
way.

The Secrets to Writing a German-Style CV

The Secrets to Writing a German-Style CV Chapter 2 - Contact Details

What To Include In Your

Contact Details

Start with your name and surname

Your name and surname are the first thing employers will read on your
resume. You want them to be seen and remembered. Put them at the top of
your resume.

If you have multiple first and last names, pick only one of each to write on
your CV. If you add too many names, the person reading your CV might not
know how to address you.

Use the names from your legal documents to avoid any issues with hiring. Be
consistent and use the same name and surname in all your job search
documents and communications. Don't include nicknames or translations of
your name, no matter how close they are to your heart.

Add the position you are applying for

Include the position you are applying for under your name. Do not mention
your current position. If you are currently employed and use an internal job
title, it is unlikely that someone outside of your company will understand it.

Add your contact details

Contact details should be highly visible, straightforward, and concise. To
avoid confusion, make sure to write the label of the item you are referring to.

Don't confuse recruiters with multiple options. One phone number and one
email address - those you're always available on - are more than enough.

Always make sure to add the country code to your phone number.

Postal mail is still highly used in Germany, so it's best to include your
complete address just in case your future employer wishes to send your
contract per snail mail.

Page 9
The Secrets to Writing a German-Style CV Chapter 2 - Contact Details

Add a professional photograph

Most German recruiters are used to seeing a passport-size picture of the
candidate on the right-hand side of the CV.

It is recommended that you go to a professional studio to take this picture as

it will guarantee that your face is well-lit, you are centered in the frame, you
have a nice and solid background, and there is no glare in your glasses (if
you wear any).

If you want to take the picture at home, make sure to have a nice
background and for the picture to be high quality.

Unless you're applying for a bank or law firm, it's ok to wear casual clothes.
Show a relaxed, welcoming, and happy smile.

A profile picture should be professional but not too formal.

Think happy, welcoming, and relaxed – not a formal suit
and tie (unless you are searching for a job in law or
finance).

Jamie Rogers
Tech Headhunting at Darwin Recruitment

Example Of Profile Picture

High quality image Low quality image

No glare on glasses Glare on glasses
Honest smile Busy background

Page 10
The Secrets to Writing a German-Style CV Chapter 2 - Contact Details

Add other details

Nationality: Adding your nationality will allow your employer to get to know
you better and might help them understand how long it could take to get
your work permit.

Date of Birth: To avoid confusion, make sure to spell your birth date out. So
instead of writing 11.02.84, write February 11th, 1984, or Feb. 11, 1984.

Driver's license type: If the job you're applying for requires you to drive
within Germany, then you should include your driver's license type and
expiration date in the contact details. For more information on whether your
driver's license is recognized in Germany or not, please check out our guide:
https://www.simplegermany.com/german-driving-license/

Example Of Contact Details

Write this
Jennifer Doe
Senior Product Manager
Address: 4a. calle 01-82 zona 7 Phone: (+502) 123 000 000
Guatemala City, Guatemala DOB: Feb. 11, 1984
Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jen-doe
Nationality: Guatemala

Instead of this

Jennifer Doe
6a. calle 40-58 zona 7 123 000 000 (phone)
Guatemala City, Guatemala 11.02.84 (DOB)
[email protected] linkedin.com/in/jen-doe
Guatemala

Page 11
The Secrets to Writing a German-Style CV Chapter 2 - Contact Details

Be Careful With Your Email

Address And Social Media

Think carefully about your email address and social media links.
The most appropriate and professional email addresses include only your
name and surname. If possible, there shouldn’t be any numbers – especially
numbers that indicate your age.

Avoid offensive, cute or funny nicknames and aliases in your email address.

Never include your work email address. From the future employer's
perspective, it shows disrespect to your current employer, which is always a
red flag. This rule doesn't apply if you are looking for another job within
your company. This is the only case when it's fine to use work email.

Thinking about including your LinkedIn profile, website, or social media?

LinkedIn and your website are perfectly fine if they add value to your CV
and if they are done professionally. However, social media can be tricky.
Add it only if you strongly believe they present you in the best possible
light. Otherwise, they may hinder your application.

Example Of Email Address And Social Media

Write this
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jen-doe

Instead of this
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]

Page 12
 Chapter 3

Personal Statement
A personal statement is a brief
introduction at the top of your CV.
When done correctly, it's the most
efficient way to grab the reader’s
attention and show employers that
you are the person they are
looking for.

The Secrets to Writing a German-Style CV

The Secrets to Writing a German-Style CV Chapter 3 - Personal Statement

How To Write A Perfect

Personal Statement
Recruiters and hiring managers all work like scanners - they quickly skim your
CV looking for the right keywords.

If you tick all the boxes from the job description, it’s important to let them know
it right from the start; otherwise, they might miss it.

So, to start your resume on the right foot, the most important thing is to fill the
very first paragraph of your CV with the same keywords that you found in the
job description of the role you want to apply for.

Note: While a personal statement on top of the CV is not really a traditional

German standard, it has become a little bit more popular. If done right and filled
with relevant information, it can be helpful. If done wrong and only filled with
fluff it can end your application right away. So it's up to you to add this section
or not.

What to include in a personal statement to make it right?

Start with a sentence or two describing your experience and areas of
expertise.

The next two sentences should be your key selling points. Think about the
experience, skills, or achievements that make you perfect for the job.

Optionally, finish with a sentence about your career goal, focusing on

long-term personal and career development within the role you're
applying for. Focus on the value you can bring to the company and not
what you can or want to get from the company.

Page 14
The Secrets to Writing a German-Style CV Chapter 3 - Personal Statement

Personal Statement Template

Copy the text below, replace the words in brackets, and you’ll have a
customized personal statement that works perfectly.

<Adjective 1> and <adjective 2> <current or most

relevant job title> with more than <number> years
of experience in <industry 1> and <industry 2>.
Strong <key strength1> combined with the ability
to <skill 1> and <skill 2>. Extensive experience
of <area of expertise 1>, <area of expertise 2>,
and <area of expertise 3>. <Quantify relevant
achievement>. Looking to apply my <relevant
experience> to <actionable verb + core task in job
ad> for the <industry/company/role>.

Page 15
The Secrets to Writing a German-Style CV Chapter 3 - Personal Statement

A Few Personal Statement Examples

Software Developer Student

Open-minded and creative front- Business administration graduate

end developer with more than 4 at the Graduate School of Business
years of experience in e-commerce in Cape Town, with strong
and the travel industry. Strong organization and time-
automated testing and clean code management skills gained through
knowledge combined with the multiple extracurricular activities
ability to anticipate needs and while maintaining the third-best
adapt to new requirements quickly. grades in my class. Seeking to
Increased page speed of product apply strong theoretical knowledge
pages which resulted in a 30% about business organization and
increase in sales. management as Management
Assistant at XYZ.

Project Manager Career Break

Customer-focused project manager HR Administrator with 7+ years of

with more than 5 years of experience in Talent Acquisition and
experience in the IT industry. Learning & Development
Extensive experience in leading departments. Extensive experience
end-to-end features, managing in liaising with clients and
complex projects, and consulting managing multiple stakeholders.
internal stakeholders. Strong Excellent organization skills and
communication skills combined with advanced knowledge of all
the ability to adapt to changing Microsoft Office programs. After
requirements and re-prioritize dedicating the last three years to
easily. Successfully launched caring for a family member, now
features that increased conversion seeking to continue my career on a
rate by 45% while maintaining full-time basis as the Office
customer satisfaction scores high. Administrator at XYZ.

Page 16
 Chapter 4

Work History
The work history and/or
professional experience section
is the most important part
of your CV. Every word you
include here counts. So, this
section needs to be impeccable.
Find out how to do it right.

The Secrets to Writing a German-Style CV

The Secrets to Writing a German-Style CV Chapter 4 - Work History

What To Include In Your Work History

To meet the German CV format, you need to structure the work experience
section in reverse chronology, beginning with your current job and then going
backward in time.

For all jobs you include in your CV, you need to have the following information:

Your job title

Name of the company
Company's website: this will allow recruiters or managers to get a sense of
what kind of company you were working for
Time frame: starting date - ending date
Description of what the company does and your role
Description of your responsibilities and achievements

What to do with longer career breaks?

If you have any gaps longer than 3-4 months in the last five years in the
employment history, include them and explain briefly what you have done
during that time (e.g., studying a language full-time, traveling, raising a family,
or taking care of a family member).

It’s better to be transparent and make it clear than to omit or hide something
that might raise questions and concerns. Germans like to read gapless CVs.

What if you have too many employers to fit on one page?

If you have a long professional history, it may be that you have worked for
more than six companies. In this case, list the last four companies you worked
for. Mention your total years of experience in your personal statement. This will
allow you to keep your CV within the two-page limit.

Page 18
The Secrets to Writing a German-Style CV Chapter 4 - Work History

Also, only list the roles that are relevant to the job you are applying for. If, for
example, you had a career change throughout your career and the first years
of your career add no value to the current position you are applying for, skip
that part of your work history.

What if you have held different positions within the same company?
If you have been promoted internally or changed departments within the same
company, it is important that you treat each role as a separate job on your CV.

The reasons for that are:

you have had different responsibilities and achievements per role
you portray your growth
you show that you are loyal

Loyalty plays a big role for German employers, so you should avoid conveying
that you only intend on staying one year with the company you are applying
for (unless it is a time-limited offer).

Page 19
The Secrets to Writing a German-Style CV Chapter 4 - Work History

How do you add internships?

If your recent professional experience is an internship, you should also add it.
The best to do this is to place (internship) next to the job title.

Example Of Work History

Write this
02/2019 - ongoing Current job title
Current Company - Company's website
City, Country
a bulleted list of responsibilities

01/2018 - 12/2018 Career break

traveling and volunteering

03/2017 - 11/2017 Job title (internship)

Company Name - Company's website
City, Country
a bulleted list of responsibilities

Instead of this

03/2015 - 11/2017 First job title

First Company
City, Country
a bulleted list of responsibilities

02/2019 - ongoing Second job title

Company Name
City, Country
a bulleted list of responsibilities

Page 16

Page 20
The Secrets to Writing a German-Style CV Chapter 4 - Work History

How To Describe Your Responsibilities

Describe each job in three to five bullet points. As you go further into the past,
you can keep the list shorter and reduce the number of bullet points to two.

Wondering how you can describe everything you’ve done in just a

few bullet points?

Here are some guidelines:

Use the job description as inspiration. Include in your bullet points only those
responsibilities that mirror the content of the job posting by using the same
keywords (note: ‘mirror’ isn’t the same as copy-pasting the content!).

Be critical. Think about every bullet point you include in each job. Ask yourself
if it shows valuable experience, achievement, knowledge, or skill you could use
in this job. If the answer is ‘no,’ ‘not sure,’ or ‘maybe,’ remove it or tweak it.

Quantify achievements. This is an important one. Instead of merely describing

your tasks and responsibilities, focus on your results and accomplishments. In
a CV, numbers give weight and credence. Even if it’s just a rough estimate, a
number turns a claim into a fact and pops off the page. So, quantify your
work and achievements where possible.

Cut out long and empty phrases. Omit phrases such as ‘I am responsible for.’
Instead, start every bullet point with an action verb that summarizes your
activities, such as ‘led,’ ‘improved,’ and ‘created’ (see the list on the following
pages).

Page 21
The Secrets to Writing a German-Style CV Chapter 4 - Work History

Sort bullet points by their relevancy. Sort out bullet points starting from
the most relevant to the job to the least relevant. If you have more than
seven bullet points, go to the ones at the bottom and consider if they add
value. If not, cut them out.

How To Write Powerful Bullet Points

Bullet points are the heart of a CV. When reading through job applications,
employers focus on the bulleted lists of responsibilities and accomplishments,
which provide the majority of the content and context for your resume. This
content (i.e., the resume bullets) will distinguish an average CV from a
competitive one, determining the outcome of a job application.

The first step to writing more effective bullet points is recognizing that bullets
can and should be more than just a list of the tasks and responsibilities you
managed in a particular role. Instead, they should be accomplishment
statements.

Here are a few general tips to make your bullets stand out:

Start your bullet points or statements with strong action verbs.

Be specific about what you did and how you did it.
Quantify your work and achievements where possible.
Try to keep your bullet points to a maximum of two lines. The more
concrete your bullet points, the better.

Page 22
The Secrets to Writing a German-Style CV Chapter 4 - Work History

Remember that recruiters and hiring managers don't always read CVs word for
word. Instead, they typically scan a few first words of each bullet point. So, if
you save the best for last, i.e., if you keep your successes at the end of the
bullet, it may not be seen.

Pro tip: Flip your bullets and put your achievements at the beginning to level
up your content.

An Easy, 4-Part Formula For

Writing Powerful Bullet Points

action verb + quantified outcome + ‘by/through/using’ + your actions

Page 23
The Secrets to Writing a German-Style CV Chapter 4 - Work History

Bullet Points Examples

Sales Example

WEAK responsible for developing a sales strategy

AVERAGE developed a sales strategy and increased revenue

developed a new sales strategy and increased revenue by $1.5M

GOOD YoY

increased revenue by $1.5M YoY by developing, implementing

GREAT
and managing a new sales strategy

Software Developer Example

WEAK responsible for coding new features

AVERAGE coded new features for the online shop

coded new features for the online shop and increased page-
GOOD
speed by 60%

increased the conversion rate of the online shop by 25% by

GREAT
modernizing the tech stack and increasing the page speed by 60%

Customer Service Example

WEAK responsible for answering customer calls

AVERAGE handled customer service and resolved customer queries

handled 10-15 customer queries per day and resolved issues

GOOD
with a 4.8 out of 5 satisfaction rating

earned 4.8 out of 5 customer satisfaction rating by successfully

GREAT
resolving 10-15 customer queries per day

Page 24
The Secrets to Writing a German-Style CV Chapter 4 - Work History

Action Verbs For A CV

Action verbs are high-impact words that express an action. In a CV they are
used to highlight your skills and experience and convey your performance and
achievements to potential employers. They are specific, clarify your
contributions, and bring a confident tone to your resume.

Since language plays a key role in the success of a resume, the verbs you use
strongly impact the outcome of your job application. In other words, the choice
of the action verbs can make the difference between highlighting your skills
and undermining your contribution.

Weak, vague, or overused verbs can actually diminish the excellent work you
did at your job, so choose action verbs that more accurately reflect what you
do.

For example, if you supported a project, don't overuse the verb ‘supported.’
Instead, be more specific about your tasks and contribution (see the example
below).

Depending on your experience, use the list of action verbs on the following
pages to make sure your successes are communicated in an active, exciting,
and compelling way.

Write this
facilitated communication between 20 project members
maintained and catalogued project documentation

Instead of this
responsible for supporting a project
supported project team

Page 25
The Secrets to Writing a German-Style CV Chapter 4 - Work History

Action Verbs For A Strong CV

If you managed a team, use these:

advised hired organized

coached led inspired
consulted managed recruited
coordinated mentored supervised
delegated motivated trained

If you led projects, use these:

collaborated executed managed

completed guided monitored
coordinated implemented oversaw
designed launched planned
delivered led supervised

If you improved processes, use these:

accelerated facilitated overhauled

boosted improved revamped
changed incorporated streamlined
designed optimized updated
developed reorganized upgraded

Page 26
The Secrets to Writing a German-Style CV Chapter 4 - Work History

Action Verbs For A Strong CV

If you saved time or money, use these:

budgeted eliminated negotiated

converted generated optimized
cut increased raised
decreased maximized reduced
earned minimized saved

If you performed administrative tasks, use these:

administered collected prioritized

assisted compiled processed
arranged monitored recorded
catalogued organized scheduled
classified prepared systematized

If you analysed data, use these:

analysed estimated quantified

audited examined reconciled
assessed forecasted researched
calculated investigated reviewed
evaluated measured tested

Page 27
The Secrets to Writing a German-Style CV Chapter 4 - Work History

Action Verbs For A Strong CV

If you supported customers, use these:

advised helped proposed

answered informed recommended
communicated instructed resolved
consulted managed supported
educated promoted taught

If you had a creative role, use these:

built customized invented

crafted designed originated
constructed developed produced
conceptualized drafted shaped
created generated visualized

If you wrote or communicated, use these:

authored facilitated persuaded

communicated influenced proofread
conveyed moderated reviewed
drafted negotiated summarized
edited outlined wrote

Page 28
The Secrets to Writing a German-Style CV Chapter 4 - Work History

If there is only one thing from this

guide you'll apply to your German-
Style CV, let it be this...

Three to five bullet points per job with high impact, i.e.,
achievement-focused bullet points with strong action-oriented verbs
and relevant content, are more impressive than seven to ten
average or low-impact bullet points. Bear that in mind while
describing your work experience, and you'll easily write a CV that
sounds amazing and impresses German employers!

Page 29
 Chapter 5

Education
German employers will be
interested in your educational
background and qualifications.
Find out what needs to be
included in this section of your
resume.

The Secrets to Writing a German-Style CV

The Secrets to Writing a German-Style CV Chapter 5 - Education

How To Write A Great Education Section

Where to put the education section?

If you are a student or a recent graduate, your education should be listed

at the top of your CV – before your work history.

When you have 1-2 years of work experience, it becomes more important
than your education. So, start with your work history and include the
education section below your employment history.

Follow the next tips to write this section in the right way:

Add other degrees in reverse-chronological order. Start with your highest

degree first. If you finished college, don’t add information about your high
school or primary school.

Include only the following information: the type of degree you received,
your major, the name of your school/institution, and the year you started
and graduated.

If the name of the institution does not have 'university' or 'institute' in it, add
it in parenthesis so the reader has a better understanding of the type of
school you attended. So instead of just Wyden Educacional, write Wyden
Educacional (University).

If you graduated with honors or had a specific area of focus in your studies,
you can add that information as well.

Page 31
The Secrets to Writing a German-Style CV Chapter 5 - Education

Example Of Education History

Write this
2013 - 2016 Master of Business Administration
Name of institution
City, Country
Name your final certificate/grade and your focus
area(s). - if applicable

2010 - 2013 Bachelor of Economics

Name of institution
City, Country
Name your final certificate/grade and your focus
area(s). - if applicable

Instead of this

1998 - 2006 Primary School

Name of institution
City, Country

2006 - 2010 High School

Name of institution
City, Country

2010 - 2013 BA, Major

Name of institution
City, Country

Page 32
 Chapter 6

Skills & Hobbies

Learn how to list your skills and
when it's appropriate to include
your hobbies or extracurricular
activities in your CV.

The Secrets to Writing a German-Style CV

The Secrets to Writing a German-Style CV Chapter 6 - Skills & Hobbies

How To List Your Skills

The skills section of your CV should include your abilities related to the job you
are applying for. In this section, you should list proficiency in software or
languages and other technical skills. To take this section to the next level:

Specify proficiency: It’s not enough to name languages or software you

use. Employers need to know how skilled you are. E.g., instead of listing
English and Spanish, add this: English (native) and Spanish (B2); instead of
MS Office and Adobe Photoshop, write MS Office (advanced knowledge) and
Adobe Photoshop (basic).

For languages: Use The Common European Framework of Reference for

Languages (CEFR), which is from A1 to C2, and make sure to point out your
mother tongue. Now, since you are applying for jobs in Germany, you
should also mention your level of German proficiency. Although some jobs
don't require you to speak German fluently, it's always a good sign to the
recruiter or manager that you want to learn it. (author’s note: skip all A1-A2
languages unless it's German).

For software: Use ‘Basic’, ‘Intermediate’, or ‘Advanced/Working Proficiency’

terminology.

Soft skills: With soft skills, it’s hard to measure your proficiency. They work
better if you explain where you acquired or developed them. It's best to
communicate these soft skills in your professional statement or bullet
points in your work history. For example: ‘Strong communication skills
developed through customer-facing roles within a bank branch that
required influencing.’

Page 34
The Secrets to Writing a German-Style CV Chapter 6 - Skills & Hobbies

Example of Languages & Tech Skills

Write this
Languages:
Spanish (Mother Tongue), English (C2), German (B2)

Technical skills:
Advanced Knowledge: Outlook, Microsoft Office
Working Proficiency: Jira, Confluence, Adobe Photoshop
Basic: Google Analytics, Search Engine Optimization

Instead of this

Languages: Spanish, English, German

Technical skills Outlook, Excel & PowerPoint, Jira & Confluence, Adobe Photoshop
Soft skills: communication, leadership, hands-on

Hot Tip: If you want to get a FREE certificate to prove your level of English, you
can take the EF SET test online: https://www.efset.org/

Page 35
The Secrets to Writing a German-Style CV Chapter 6 - Skills & Hobbies

Hobbies & Interests (Optional)

You should consider adding your hobbies or extracurricular activities to your
CV only if they are relevant to the job you are applying for or if they
demonstrate valuable skills in the workplace.

For example, if you are applying for a job in a creative field, listing your
hobbies, such as photography or painting, can help show the hiring manager
your creativity.

Additionally, if your hobbies involve leadership or teamwork, such as coaching

a sports team or organizing community events, they can demonstrate your
ability to work well with others.

Avoid adding generic hobbies like ‘reading,’ ‘traveling,’ or ‘music.’ For one,
these hobbies tend to be things that many people enjoy, so they don't really
set you apart from other candidates. Additionally, unless the hobby is directly
related to the job you're applying for, it's unlikely to impress the hiring
manager or add anything meaningful to your application.

Write this
Moderate Facebook Group of Guatemalans living in Berlin
Compete every year in the relay marathon competition in Berlin

Instead of this

Running, social media, writing, travel

Page 36
 Chapter 7

Signature & Gender

Pronouns
Learn why it is important to add
your signature on a German CV.
Additionally, learn where you
could include your gender
pronouns.

The Secrets to Writing a German-Style CV

The Secrets to Writing a German-Style CV Chapter 7 - Signature & Gender Pronouns

Why A Signature Is So Important

In Germany, it is still standard to add the date you created your CV and your
signature at the end of the document. A date and hand-written signature will
make your CV look more professional, polished, and with a personal touch.

Additionally, by signing your CV, you are affirming that the information
contained in the document is accurate and truthful.

Here are some tips to make sure your signature shines on your CV:

Add the date in an easy-to-understand format. For example, 12th Jan. 2023
instead of 02.01.23 (ideally, the same format you used for your DOB).
If you have a two-page resume, it's enough to sign the last page.
If you print your document, sign with a blue-ink pen. This will make your
signature stand out from the rest of the information.
Spell out your name in your signature. Don't use your official, sometimes
unreadable, and squiggly signature.

Wondering how you can add your signature digitally?

Once you have finished filing your information in the CV template you
purchased with this e-book, export it as a .pdf file. Then, you can use a service
like SmallPDF to sign your document digitally.

Page 38
The Secrets to Writing a German-Style CV Chapter 7 - Signature & Gender Pronouns

Example Of Date & Signature

Write this
12 Jan. 2023
Jennifer Doe

Instead of this
12 Jan. 2023

A Note About Gender Pronouns

It is not necessary to include your gender pronouns on your CV unless you are
specifically asked to do so by the employer, or it's something you would like to
do.

Including your gender pronouns on your CV can serve as a signal to potential

employers that you are an advocate for diversity and inclusion and that you
are committed to creating a workplace where all employees feel valued and
respected.

If you decide to include your gender pronouns on your CV, you can simply add
a line that says "Pronouns: [your pronouns]" under your signature.

Write this (optional)

12 Jan. 2023
Jennifer Doe
Pronouns: she/her/hers

Page 39
 Chapter 8

References
Learn how and when to include
your references in your CV in
Germany.

The Secrets to Writing a German-Style CV

The Secrets to Writing a German-Style CV Chapter 8- References

What To Do With References

You don’t need to have the ‘References available upon request’ sentence at the
bottom of your CV. Employers assume you have references, and they will ask
for them if needed. This usually happens at the end of a hiring process.

Also, including them in a resume can be a double-edged sword. If you want to

include them, ensure that your references have a good reputation to avoid a
situation where they hinder your job application.

Before you add your references, you should ask for their approval to avoid any
awkward situations. When you get the approval, add the following information:

Name and surname

Their job title and company/institution
Contact details – phone number and email address

It’s recommended to list your references in a separate document and have it

prepared if employers ask for it.

Page 41
 Chapter 9

CV Checklist
Congratulations - the hardest
part is over! Now use the
following checklist to make sure
everything is right, and your CV
will be ready to go!

The Secrets to Writing a German-Style CV

The Secrets to Writing a German-Style CV Chapter 9 - Resume Checklist

CV Checklist
Before you submit your next job application, use this checklist to make sure
your CV is good to go.

Step #1: Make sure the content is perfect

Contact details are concise, correct, professional, and easy to find.

Introductory section is short, engaging, and tailored to the job you wish to apply for.
Work experience and education are listed in reverse chronological order.
Your current or most recent role has a detailed but not too long list of responsibilities.
> a recommendation is to have a maximum of three to five bullet points for more relevant jobs
Bullet-pointed lists are shorter for your older or less relevant jobs.
All bullet points start with an action verb in an appropriate tense.
> put a current or ongoing job in the present tense, and previous jobs in the past tense
Your responsibilities and achievements are quantified.
There are no unexplained career gaps.
Relevant skills or areas of expertise (e.g., languages, technical skills) are specified.
It’s free of typos, spelling mistakes, punctuation, or grammatical errors. You can use an
online tool like Grammarly.

Step #2: Polish the formatting (if you made any changes in the template)
Font styles are used consistently throughout the document.
Dates are written down in the same format everywhere.
> e.g. only as MM/YYYY without mixing it with MM/DD/YY, Month YYYY, or Mth YYYY, etc
There is enough white space that makes the document easy on the eye.
It looks like a polished, carefully crafted professional document.

Step #3: Take care of technicalities

Your CV file is named professionally, e.g., NameSurname_CV.
Someone else proofread your CV, besides you.
> or you used proofreading software such as Grammarly to confirm your resume is mistake-free
Your document is saved in PDF or the format requested by the employer.
You’re happy and proud of your CV and can’t wait to share it!

If you can tick all the boxes, congratulations - your CV is ready to impress German employers!

Page 43
 Chapter 10

Practical Tips For A

Successful Job
Search
Now that you have a perfect CV
written and prepared to be
shared with employers make
sure you also follow these
practical tips.

The Secrets to Writing a German-Style CV

The Secrets to Writing a German-Style CV Chapter 10 - Practical Tips

Practical Tips For A

Successful Job Search

TIP #1: CREATE A MASTER CV

Create a master CV - a comprehensive document with all the details

about your work experience, education, accomplishments, and skills.
Then, use it as a starting point and pull content from it as you create
multiple, tailored resumes. By doing so, you won’t have to start fresh
every single time you go to write a CV, and it will be easier to keep track
of the minor details that could make a difference to a future job
opportunity. Note: This master document is only for your reference,
don’t share it with employers!

TIP #2: CREATE A FEW CV VERSIONS

If you're interested in pursuing job opportunities in two completely

different fields, create two ‘base’ resumes to highlight the relevant skills,
education, and work experience you possess for these respective career
paths. These base CVs will simplify the customization of a resume for
each position. If you're looking for jobs only in one field, you don’t need
to have multiple resumes. Instead, use one base CV and make necessary
tweaks to tailor it to the job posting.

Page 45
The Secrets to Writing a German-Style CV Chapter 10 - Practical Tips

Practical Tips For A

Successful Job Search

TIP #3: USE THE POWER OF LINKEDIN

More than 90% of recruiters use LinkedIn as their primary search tool.
It’s the best resource available today for career and job search
networking, finding people working at companies of interest, and
positioning yourself to be found by a recruiter with a relevant job
opening. Create or update your profile there to optimize and automate
your job search. Here are some tips:

Use keywords: Include keywords related to your industry and

expertise in your LinkedIn bio. This will help you show up in relevant
LinkedIn searches.
Add a professional photo: Just like in your CV, having a professional
headshot in your LinkedIn profile is a must. It gives your profile
credibility and helps people put a face to your name.
Personalize your URL: LinkedIn allows you to customize the URL of
your profile. Use your name or a variation of it to make it easy for
people to find you.
Be professional: Avoid using slang or overly casual language in your
LinkedIn bio. Instead, keep it professional and polished to make the
best impression.
Avoid the Easy-apply function: Luca, founder and German career
expert from CareerBee, suggests avoiding using LinkedIn's Easy
Apply function. As it automatically filters out non-German residents,
so the hiring employer will not see your application. So if you find a
job posting on LinkedIn and you are not in Germany yet, go to the
company's website and apply directly.

Page 46
The Secrets to Writing a German-Style CV Chapter 10 - Practical Tips

Practical Tips For A

Successful Job Search

TIP #4: SAVE ALL JOB DESCRIPTIONS

Having a job description stored is a life-saver if you're progressing

through the hiring process, especially when interviewing with the
company and the job posting is no longer available online. So, create a
folder with your job-search-related documents, and save all of the job
descriptions of your applications. Once you have that folder set up, you
can easily go there to see all the jobs you've applied for in one place.

TIP#5: TRACK YOUR JOB SEARCH

Properly organizing and managing your job search is just as important

as identifying the right job opportunities and submitting your
application. To stay on top of your job search, create a job search
spreadsheet, table, or a simple folder with all the information about
your job applications, including a job title, company, date of application,
the status of your application, and any other information you may find
important along the way.

TIP#6: PREPARE CORRESPONDENCE TEMPLATES

Using time wisely is a key priority in an efficient job search. Prepare in

advance everything you might need in the process, including
communication templates. Prepare an email and LinkedIn outreach
message, a follow-up message, and a thank you note that you can
easily customize to all job applications.

Page 47
 Chapter 11

Final Words
If you came this far, thank you
and we hope you've found the
information in this e-book useful.
Learn more about us and what
we do to support internationals
settle into life in Germany more
smoothly.

The Secrets to Writing a German-Style CV

The Secrets to Writing a German-Style CV Chapter 11 - Final Words

About Us
Simple Germany is the #1 resource in English to empower internationals to
settle into life in Germany more smoothly!

We are Jen (from Guatemala) and Yvonne (from Germany), the creators of
Simple Germany. We are on a mission to help international job seekers put
their best foot forward, navigate the German job search without stress and
land their dream job with ease.

We don't only cover content related to finding a job in Germany, we cover so

much more.

On our website and YouTube channel, you will find tips & information in English
about living in Germany as an expat and learn what services are best to use to
beat bureaucracy.

We appreciate your trust in us and wish you the best of luck in your job search.
Thank you for choosing us as a resource, and we hope our content helps you to
land that job interview more smoothly.

Jen & Yvonne

Creators of Simple Germany

Let's connect!

We’d love to hear about your job search successes and any
feedback you might have. We'd love for you to stay in touch.

simplegermany.com youtube.com/@simplegermany

[email protected]
 Copyright
All designs, templates, and content
are for personal use only and
should not be sold, shared,
distributed, duplicated, edited, or
used, in whole or in part, for any
commercial or promotional
purpose, without the written
permission of the author.

Please do not share these files.

Instead, invite friends and family to
get their own copy at our shop
(simplegermany.com/shop).

Your support of the author’s rights

is appreciated.

Page 50