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Prepare a German CV

Selected criteria

  1. I’m just exploring moving to Germany
  2. Work and career
  3. Prepare a German CV

A German CV, or Lebenslauf, helps an employer quickly see your experience, education and fit for a specific role. Start with a clear structure and factual chronology, then select only the skills, projects and results that support the target role. Do not try to list your entire career: it is more important to show the connection between the job requirements and what you have actually done. After preparing the main version, create separate versions for different job-search directions, and check the dates, contact details and consistent formatting. If the vacancy asks for a complete application package, decide in advance which qualification evidence and cover letter are actually needed. Before sending, open the final PDF and make sure it is easy to read at a glance.

Plan overview

Create a structured Lebenslauf, tailor it to the vacancy and check it with the required attachments before sending.

What to do step by step

  1. 1

    Choose a target role and analyse the vacancy

    List the tasks, skills and language requirements in the ad to decide which experience to show first.

    Articles for this step

    Resume for Work in Germany: 5 Rules for a Strong CV How to Get a Job in Germany: Bewerbung, Resume, and Interview
  2. 2

    Build the Lebenslauf foundation

    Place contact details, experience, education, skills and languages in clear sections; use reverse chronological order.

    Articles for this step

    Lebenslauf: CV for Finding a Job in Germany Resumes in Germany: How to Write a Lebenslauf for a German Employer A German Resume in English: The Lebenslauf Structure for Working in Germany
  3. 3

    Describe relevant experience specifically

    For suitable positions, show tasks, tools and results in short bullet points; clearly indicate notable gaps in the timeline.

    Articles for this step

    Lebenslauf: CV for Finding a Job in Germany Tabular Resumes in Germany: What Is a “tabellarischer Lebenslauf” and How to Write One Resume for Work in Germany: 5 Rules for a Strong CV
  4. 4

    Tailor the version to the vacancy

    Move relevant experience and skills higher up, and use clear wording from the vacancy only where it truthfully describes your experience.

    Articles for this step

    Why Resumes in Germany Don’t Get Responses: ATS, Structure, and Candidate Mistakes Why Job Applications in Germany Are Rejected: Mistakes in the Bewerbung and Resume How to Get a Job in Germany: Bewerbung, Resume, and Interview
  5. 5

    Prepare the application package

    Check which documents the employer requests and add a cover letter or qualification evidence only when appropriate.

    Articles for this step

    Job Application Documents in Germany: Lebenslauf, Anschreiben, and Bewerbungsunterlagen Cover Letters in Germany: How to Write an “Anschreiben”
  6. 6

    Check the document before sending

    Remove long paragraphs and incidental details, then check the language, dates, names, contact details and PDF display.

    Articles for this step

    Resume mistakes to avoid when looking for a job in Germany How to Improve Responses to Job Applications in Germany: A Strategy of Testing, Analysis, and Adaptation

Important notes

  • Choose the CV language based on the language of the vacancy and team.
  • Do not add a photo automatically; the decision depends on your situation and the vacancy.

Common mistakes

  • One version for every vacancy
  • Too much text
  • Unverified skills