German CV for International Candidates
Learn how to present your experience clearly so German employers can understand your skills, work history and documents.
4 min.
Overview
German employers want to understand what you have actually done at work. A good CV is not only a list of job titles. It should show your experience, tasks, tools, training and language level in a clear and verifiable way.
Your CV does not need to be perfect. It needs to be honest, structured and specific.
Recommended CV structure
Personal information
Include your full name, current country of residence, email address, WhatsApp number and nationality. You can also include your target role, for example “Automotive Mechanic”, “Cook” or “Industrial Technician”.
Professional profile
Use two or three short sentences to summarise your experience.
Example:
Experienced automotive mechanic with 6 years of workshop experience, including diagnostics, maintenance, brake systems and engine repair. Interested in long-term employment with a German workshop.
Work experience
This is the most important part of your CV.
For each job, include:
• Employer name
• City and country
• Job title
• Start and end date
• Main tasks
• Tools, machines, systems or kitchen sections used
• Team size or responsibility level, if relevant
Strong example for a mechanic
Automotive Mechanic
ABC Workshop, São Paulo, Brazil
March 2019 – Present
• Performed maintenance and repair work on passenger vehicles
• Worked with brake systems, suspension, oil service and engine diagnostics
• Used diagnostic tools and standard workshop equipment
• Supported junior mechanics during daily repair work
• Communicated with customers and workshop manager about repair status
Strong example for a cook
Cook
Thai Restaurant, Bangkok, Thailand
June 2018 – Present
• Prepared Thai cuisine in a professional restaurant kitchen
• Worked on curry, wok, grill and preparation stations
• Managed daily mise en place and hygiene routines
• Coordinated with kitchen team during lunch and dinner service
• Supported menu preparation for high-volume service days
Education and training
List vocational training, technical school, culinary school, nursing education or university degrees. Include dates and certificates where available.
Skills
Use practical skills, not generic personality words.
Better:
• Engine diagnostics
• Brake systems
• Preventive maintenance
• Thai cuisine
• Mise en place
• HACCP routines
• Patient care documentation
• Shift handover
Avoid:
• Hard-working
• Good person
• Fast learner
• Motivated
• Team player
These qualities are useful, but German employers need evidence from your work history.
Language level
State your language level honestly.
Example:
German: A1, no certificate
English: B1, conversational
Portuguese: native
If you do not speak German yet, say so clearly. It is better to be honest than to create false expectations.
Common CV mistakes
• No exact dates
• Too many vague descriptions
• Missing employer names
• No details about actual tasks
• Language level overstated
• Certificates listed but not available
• Work history that does not match documents
• One CV used for every profession without adjustment
What workiOn looks for
workiOn reviews whether your CV matches current Germany opportunities. We look for real experience, clear work history, available documents, realistic language information and motivation for long-term employment.
Important
A strong CV does not guarantee a job. It helps employers understand your profile and decide whether an interview makes sense.
workiOn does not charge candidates a recruitment fee.
Best next step
Update your CV before you submit your profile. Make it specific, honest and easy to verify.