Stage 4 · Lesson 3 of 5
CV norms in Germany and the EU
A German CV (Lebenslauf) is traditionally tabular, reverse chronological, with exact months for every job and no unexplained gaps. A photo is common but optional for international tech companies, and anti-discrimination law means you cannot be required to include one.
English-speaking startups accept a standard one or two page tech CV. Many companies still ask for a short cover letter (Anschreiben), even for English roles. Mention your German level honestly on the CEFR scale (A1 to C2) and your visa route.
The Europass CV format exists and is accepted, but tech usually prefer a cleaner layout.
Common trapa CV with vague dates such as "2022 to 2023" and gaps, which German recruiters read as something hidden.
A question to check yourself, an AI practice session and 2 cheat sheet entries come when you add the roadmap to your account. Add it
Resources for this stage
Start with· follow one of these
- GuideFreeLinkedIn Help: Create a Good LinkedIn Profile
LinkedIn
LinkedIn's own guide to profile sections and Open to Work settings
- GuideFreeTech Interview Handbook: Resume Guide
Yangshun Tay
A free, practical guide to a clear engineering CV that travels well
Practise
Keep handy
Also worth your time
The common reasons a CV gets skipped, and how to fix each
- ADPListGo deeper
Free mentor calls with engineers already working in your destination