In Germany your application is a portfolio containing next to your CV, a motivation letter, copies of certificates and qualifications, publications, reference letters from previous employers, etc. Hence, in many cases, the complete application package might be more than 8 pages. When sent by snail mail, everything is neatly arranged in ‘Die Mappe’, a special application folder. Check first whether the employer prefers to receive your information in a digital or a printed format. Do realise that a digital application does not imply you do not have to send the additional documents. It is always a full portfolio that you have to send.

A German CV should be arranged in tabular form (Tabellarischer Lebenslauf). On the left side, the time frame should be specified. On the right side, the description of the individual time frames should be given. Avoids gaps.

A special CV photo is required. In Germany you can get a special Bewerbungsfoto taken (slightly larger than a passport-sized photo). In case you are not in Germany and cannot get such a picture, at least ensure it is a photo taken by a professional photographer/looking professional. The photo should be placed at the upper right-hand corner of your CV, preferably scanned (alternatively include your data on the back of the picture).

List your professional experience in reverse chronological order. For each of your roles, include your most essential tasks as well as your major achievements. Avoid poetic descriptions, as Germans like to stick to the facts!

When listing your education, make sure to include your academic results. Particularly when you are at the start of your career.

Avoid gaps in your CV and in case you have some gaps, adequately explain them in your CV and do not try to hide such gaps, as recruiters are experienced enough to realise the gap and may assume you are hiding something.

Grading systems differ per country; make sure you come up with good national equivalents. In the German system a 1 is excellent, the highest possible grade, whereas in The Netherlands, a 1 is the lowest possible grade.