Why German Applications Are Different
If you’re a Chinese student or expat applying for jobs or internships in Germany, you’ll quickly notice that the application process here follows strict rules. German employers expect a tabular CV (Lebenslauf) — not a narrative or creative one. It must be clear, structured, and complete. A photo is still standard (top-right corner), and you must account for every month since your last degree. No unexplained gaps allowed.
Step 1: The German CV (Lebenslauf)
Format and Structure
Your CV should be 1-2 pages, in reverse chronological order (most recent first). Use a clean, professional font like Arial or Calibri, size 10-12. Save as PDF (not Word).
Personal Information (Persönliche Daten)
- Full name, address, phone number, email
- Date and place of birth (optional but common)
- Nationality (e.g., Chinese)
- Photo: professional, passport-style, placed top-right. This is still expected in Germany, unlike in the US or UK.
Work Experience (Berufserfahrung)
List jobs, internships, and working student positions (Werkstudent). Include company name, location, dates (month/year), and 2-3 bullet points of responsibilities. Use action verbs like ‘developed’, ‘managed’, ‘supported’.
Education (Ausbildung)
Start with your most recent degree. For Chinese applicants, include your APS certificate (Akademische Prüfstelle) — this is mandatory for Chinese degrees to be recognized in Germany. Mention the issuing authority and date.
Skills (Kenntnisse)
- Language skills: use the CEFR scale (Gemeinsamer Europäischer Referenzrahmen) — A1/A2 (beginner), B1/B2 (intermediate), C1/C2 (advanced). For Chinese, list ‘Chinese (native)’. For German, be honest: B1, B2, etc.
- IT skills: list software, programming languages, tools
- Soft skills: teamwork, communication, intercultural competence
Other Sections
- Volunteer work (Ehrenamt)
- Publications (if any)
- Hobbies (optional, but can show personality — e.g., running, photography)
Step 2: The Cover Letter (Anschreiben)
Keep it to one page. Address it to a specific person (Herr/Frau + last name). If not named, use ‘Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren’. Structure:
- Introduction: State the position and where you found it
- Body: Explain why you’re interested in the company and the role. Connect your skills to their needs. Be specific — mention a project or product they have
- Closing: Express enthusiasm and request an interview. Sign off with ‘Mit freundlichen Grüßen’
Common Mistakes Chinese Applicants Make
- Being too modest: German employers expect you to highlight achievements. Don’t say ‘I tried to help’ — say ‘I supported the team in achieving X’.
- Generic cover letters: Always customize. Copy-paste is obvious and rejected.
- Wrong format: Sending a Word file or a non-tabular CV. Always PDF, always tabular.
- Unexplained gaps: If you took a gap year or had visa delays, explain briefly (e.g., ‘Visa processing, 03/2023-06/2023’).
Platforms and Tools
In Germany, Xing is the dominant professional network (like LinkedIn in China). LinkedIn is also used, especially in international companies. For English-only jobs (startups, tech, international firms), use LinkedIn, Indeed, or Glassdoor. For German-speaking roles, use StepStone, Monster, or the Bundesagentur für Arbeit.
The Bewerbungsmappe
Some companies still expect a physical application folder (Bewerbungsmappe) with printed CV, cover letter, and certificates. But for most modern roles, email or online portals are fine. Always attach your documents as one PDF (max 5 MB).
Final Tips
- Include your APS certificate if you studied in China
- Use German terms where possible (e.g., ‘Praktikum’ for internship)
- Proofread — ask a German friend or use a service like DeepL Write
- Be on time: German punctuality applies to applications too
Good luck! Viel Erfolg!
