Differences between German and American resumes

[hausefrau 0]

I am about to begin the process of testing the job market and I am in need of some "sample" German resumes. I have been advised that there is a difference (although I am not sure what exactly) and I was hoping that someone would have a copy of one or a sample format that I could follow . . . ???

 

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!

[moctoj2 542]

1. Start it with your education - specifically your degree(s) and then list any (2.) vocational training. Germans tend to look for your education as a basis for your experience and you need to prove that you have had 'training' in the field in which you are applying.

3. They may want to see proof of this training (degrees and certificates) during your interview.

4. Then list your experience in reverse order - last first and then history.

5. State: References can be provided

6. Hobbies are UK specific and optional.

7. Then get ready for long interviews. Research the company and make sure you are ready for 'panel' type interviews. Up to 8 people is not so uncommon.

As a side note: Most American companies do background checks so don't lie on your resume. Make sure everything you list can be validated with phone numbers, supervisor's names (if you remember them) and addresses for the H.R. Dept.

 

Good Luck.

[Expaticus 752]

Good g*d :-)

 

First, forget everything you ever learned about non-discriminatory Anglo-american practices and go ahead and attach a big-ass photo of youself to the front cover demonstrating that you're an un-deformed white peron who doesn't look like they can get pregnant. Second, prominently include what your parents do (hint: Friedherr Dr. Dr. von Whatever - Geldanlager and Frau Friedherr Dr. Dr. von Whatever - Leherin seems to play a lot better than Dad - scrap merchant and Mom - Hausfrau). Third, make sure your Zeugnis includes every last thing you did since birth with letters of recommendation from the relevant authorities (age 2-3; played with wooden blocks and drooled - supporting 24-page documentation attached) ... which takes the normal CV from the usual 1-2 pages to a Gutenberg bible-sized ordner.

 

My sarcasm is showing, probably because I receive about 10 of these per week ... and end up hiring the anglo-american person (or in fairness the international-style CV-ed German) because they're not being complete gits.

[oli2000 23]

Type lebenslauf muster into google and all will be revealed.

[mere 76]

expaticus, want to hire me? i'll send a very short and succinct resume/cv to you!

[eurobabs 644]

The Germans do their order the opposite that we do (if, first job first etc..) They also even put their primary school even on their CV. And there is no "Purpose" Statement on theirs.

 

Also, basically everything that is illeagal to even put on a CV in the states is standard here (nationality, marital status, age, picture etc...)

 

Also - is usual to have 2 pages, where as for us a 2 pager is a big no no.

 

Good luck!

[TheMoth 14]

I had a book over there that had great details about CVs and letters. It was called something like "Working in Germany for EU nationals". Found it one of the normal chain bookstores.

[Kay 4,137]

TT search results for CVs / résumés / resumes.

[Expaticus 752]

 

expaticus, want to hire me? i'll send a very short and succinct resume/cv to you!

The problem is that you've already presented me with an illegal Dekolleté photo :-)

 

Seriously, what are your qualifications? ... we're always looking ... and my former assistant here in Frankfurt was from Wisconsin as well!

[mere 76]

i'm varied in my expertise and experience. as for the photo... i can put in my proper catholic girl one if you'd like. It was a favorite at the nunnery.

[Freising 503]

there are drafts in Microsoft Word, or try some of these: http://www.bewerbungsmappen.de/Bewerbungsg...lebenslauf.html

 

There is also cheap software to help you with job applications. Try: http://www.amazon.de/Buhl-WISO-Bewerbung-2007/dp/3938279656

[Expaticus 752]

 

i'm varied in my expertise and experience. as for the photo... i can put in my proper catholic girl one if you'd like. It was a favorite at the nunnery.

[having trouble with the PM function]

 

U.S. resume format fine. We are an international firm that has locations in both Frankfurt and Munich.

 

Please use the TT response address.

 

Just kidding on the photo :-)

[Mariposa 1,281]

Putting your parents' professions on the resume is outdated. Many people don't know that though and still do it anyway.

But yeah, a photo is a must, so is your DOB, and the other things eurobabs mentioned.

[mere 76]

i don't get it. what does it matter what you look like? why does age, gender, or if your married matter?

should education and experience? then at the interview you can get a better idea of personality and other info.

why does personal information (maritial status and the such) play into it? Why are they allowed to judge from that and your sex and age?

 

i understand if it is job specific- a model for plus clothing or something that is more age/sex defined, but most jobs are not.

[moctoj2 542]

Mere, Laws in America protect from pre-judgment and discrimination. They don't apply here. They want to see you before they bother to call you for an interview. Are you married? Single? Have hobbies? They want to know if you will 'fit' in. We had the same problem with renting an apt. My husband is British and I'm American...one place said no. It shocked me too. It's just a fact.

[Expaticus 752]

Ahhh ... but European social mores are so much more fair, socially-responsible and sophisticated realtive to American ones </sarcasm>

 

"All animals are equal ... but some are more equal than the others" -- Orwell

[mere 76]

moctoj2- i'm well aware that laws differ between countries. I was merely saying i personally do not understand (i understand why laws are different, but i do not see why that information would matter) since a person should be taken for what s/he can/not do and this has no bearing on how s/he looks, what the hobbies are, and what sort of relationship you may or may not be in.

Yes, it's nice if people get along, but from what i've heard it's not as if Germans socialize outside of work all that much so does it matter what your hobbies are? I can work just fine with my coworkers who go play bingo for fun, sit around and watch tv, or drink a lot even though i prefer training dogs, being outside, and other things.

[Mariposa 1,281]

Your hobbies say something about you. Actually it is very wise to think about which hobbies exactly to put on the resume.

 

If you have hobbies that are all loner hobbies, you may be a loner, not work well in a team. If you like playing team sports, you may work better in a team. Do you have dangerous hobbies, hobbies at all...

 

The picture, I think is mainly to see if the person looks nice (like a nice person), knows how to take a resume picture, (not which race they are), at least I'd like to think so. ;)

[mere 76]

i'm sure Jeffrey Dahmer could take a nice picture, but that doesn't mean he won't drug, murder, and eat you.

[Mariposa 1,281]

Of course not, but then I am sure he would have been able to put together a nice resume as well. ;)