Guide
CV Conventions in Germany That Still Surprise International Applicants
German CVs still favour a clear chronological structure with month-year dates, education placed where it strengthens the story, and concrete responsibilities rather than slogan-like summaries.
A professional photo remains common in many industries, though some international firms omit it. When you include one, keep it neutral: plain background, business attire appropriate to your field, no lifestyle crops.
Spell out degree titles and include the issuing country. Equivalence questions arise less often when the reader can see Universität, Fachhochschule, or foreign institution names without guessing.
Keep the document to two pages for mid-career specialists unless publication lists or patents genuinely belong with the application. Longer dossiers belong in attachments, not in the Lebenslauf itself.
Finally, match terminology to the job ad. If the employer writes “Projektleitung,” echoing that language in your experience bullets helps both human readers and keyword screens.