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Curriculum Vitae (CV) – Obligatory in an Application


Definition, Explanation

Every application contains the curriculum vitae, CV (Latin “the course of one's life”). Many personnel managers feel it the most important document in an application. It lists the stages of your education and your so-far career.

One distinguishes

  • Functionally structured CV
    Stages of occupations and education are summarized in paragraphs
  • Detailed CV
    One handwritten continuous text gives all the information. It is written by hand in standard letter format
  • Personal data sheet
    Chronological or anti-chronological (latest stage first) listing of previous occupations and education

In Germany, the personal data sheet, being a non-handwritten, has become the most usual and popular out of the above alternatives. Applicants may also rather choose a loosely chronological order, especially when times of several activities overlap; here one might rather start with the longer lasting one. Unlike in other countries an application still contains a personal photo, not glued, with the name written on the back side. This gives the reader of your letter a more alive impression of yourself.

Tips, Checklist

  • Design the CV appropriate to the company you are applying with. Make use of sector-specific expressions. Make reference to the advert text. Also, e.g. listing your 10 favourite adrenaline sports is to dispense with, for a rather conservative addressee, or when you are applying for an administrative position
  • The heading is “Lebenslauf”, left-aligned or centred
  • Attach your personal photo at the right top, best using a double faced adhesive pad
  • Design it neatly and well-structured and readable. The standard popular ordering is
    • personal data with name, title/degree, address, birth date and place, nationality (for foreigners) and family status, number and ages of children
    • Schooling and professional education as well as further education including degrees and internships
    • Military or alternative services with specific activities
    • Professional experience with employers, positions and activities specified (projects, example activities)
    • Abroad experience
    • Language skills, with levels (native, business fluent, school knowledge)
    • Computer literacy
    • Competences, also social competence
    • Interests, hobbies and extra-professional activities related to the job in question
    • Date, place, signature (by hand) – left-aligned. This item is skipped in an online application
    • Specification of religious denomination is out of date, if it is not related to the company or the position you are applying for
  • In parallel with your previous or current activities, be sure to list the time periods. Specify the dates in months and years
  • Be brief. Keywords suffice. A CV should normally be sized 1 to 2 pages. For longer professional experience, also 3 pages are appropriate
  • Make sure it is complete. For any time-line gap in your CV, you should add an explanation such as application period, maternity leave or sabbatical. “Unemployment” is less recommended
  • Hobbies and interests should be related to the position
  • Write the CV on a computer or type-writer, hand-written CVs only on explicit request
  • Avoid typing errors and double formatting (bold and underlined). A neat and clean appearance is taken for granted
  • Use an easily readable font type. Font size 10 to 12 points and single line spacing
  • Be sure to be able to document your statements with certificates or reference letters
  • Copies of certificates and references attached to the application should be only the most important ones. To the interview, you should bring all your documents
  • Important: Giving false information is indictable
  • Sign your CV, with the current date
  • Have some friends read your CV and hear their suggestions

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Last update: 03/23/2010
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