GERMANY
Applying to Germany? Exact dates, CEFR levels, and your permit status up front.
Check my CV for Germany →
What gets applicants rejected here
- Tabular layout ("tabellarischer Lebenslauf"), one to two pages.
- Exact dates as MM/YYYY for every role and degree. No gaps unexplained.
- Language levels as CEFR: A2, B1, B2, C1. "Fluent" means nothing.
- Photo optional but still common; date and place of birth commonly included.
- State your work permit or EU status in the first lines; it is the first filter for non-EU applicants.
Questions
Do German CVs need a photo?
Optional since anti-discrimination rules, but still common, especially at traditional employers. A professional photo does not hurt; a casual one does.
What does tabular mean?
Two columns: dates on the left, role and employer on the right, in reverse-chronological order. It is what German HR software and recruiters expect.
Do I need German to get hired?
It depends on the role. Tech and research roles often hire in English; state your German level honestly in CEFR so you are matched correctly.
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