Job Application & CV Checklist for Germany - Entry-Level Focus

Sep 13, 2026

A practical checklist for proactively revising job application documents in Germany, with emphasis on formatting quality and application structure for entry-level roles. It covers the purpose of the application, required components for a complete package, font and consistency rules, PDF naming conventions, and language style alignment with the job advertisement. It also provides dedicated guidance for CV creation, including layout, ordering, duration formatting, keyword selection, and rules to improve CV parsing by automated systems, plus a cover-letter checklist with layout, content blocks, and personalization tips.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryForms

FormatPDF

Pages3

Reading Time1 min

AccessFree to download

Checklist for Proactively Revising Job Applications (in Germany)

General tips

Checklist for Curriculum Vitae

Tips for dealing with “CV parsing”

Components in the CV

Checklist for Cover Letter

General tips

Components in the cover letter

CHECKLIST FOR PROACTIVELY REVISING JOB APPLICATIONS (IN GERMANY) The following information and tips are supposed to help you with autonomously revising your application documents for (entry-level) jobs in Germany – primarily with a focus on the formatting. After having had a go for yourself, we still recommend requesting a feedback session with one of our career counselors: General tips: • Purpose of your application: Applying for a job, internship, etc. usually requires a cover letter („Anschreiben“)– highlighting the potential use of a candidates skills and knowledge for the employer; in contrast, applications for a scholarship, a mentoring program, etc. usually require a motivation letter („Motivationsschreiben“), detailing the candidate’s personal plans and expectations • Completeness: 1. Cover letter, 2. CV, 3. Supplements such as university diploma or current grade sheet, certificates of trainings, language proficiency tests, or scholarships, letters of reference or official „Arbeitszeugnisse“ • Consistent formatting: One font type and size for cover letter and CV – preferably non-serif such as „Arial“ and no smaller than size 11 • Document format: If possible, create one pdf document from all three parts, and label it clearly, e.g. "Bewerbung_MariaMustermann_DataScientist_ 221207", document size max. 3 MB • Corporate culture: Mirror the language style of the job advertisement, e.g. if the advertisement is in English, apply in English or use the first name of a person when addressing them casually in the „Du“-style • Faultlessness: Typos and grammatical errors give a bad first impression. Have someone proofread! CHECKLIST FOR CURRICULUM VITAE General tips: • usually 2-column table, approx. 2 pages in length • Insert page numbers, e.g. "Page 1 of 2", full name and optionally full contact information on each page • use reverse chronological order within CV sections, i.e. with the most recent experience at the top • always include month and year information to indicate the exact duration, e.g., "10/2012 -02/2013"; no gaps if possible • Consistent structure: highlight job titles, educational qualifications • Pick up relevant keywords from the job advertisement • no must-have going by German labor law, but a professionally done and friendly photo may signal a good match to the advertised job role or the corporate culture in place Tips for dealing with “CV parsing ”* (automatic, text-based reading of CVs): • Save your CV in PDF or DOCX format (not as a scan or jpeg) • Do not include important details such as name/e-mail address in an image/ graphic • Do not base it on a ready-made template • Do not include important information in the document header or footer exclusively • Choose a font size larger than 8 pt • Do not use unusual font types (no extended spacing or small caps) • Do not use graphics/icons, e.g. company or university logos • No graphic representation of competencies or headings, e.g. with bar charts | | = Work experience
= depicting language proficiency | | --- | --- | Components in the CV: The sequence is variable. • Personal details: Name, date and place of birth (optional), address, e-mail, phone number • Practical experience: jobs and internships 1. Name of employer, place 2. name of function/position 3. keyword-like (max. 3-4 indents) description of special features/personal performance/positive work results • Education: Study, school 1. Name of the university, place 2. name of the course of study, degree 3. Focus or title of thesis (optional) 4. average/final grade (optional) • Language skills with self-assessment: e.g. native language / Fluent in spoken and written / Fluent / Very good knowledge in spoken and written / Good knowledge in spoken and written / Basic knowledge • IT skills with self-assessment: e.g. beginner / advanced / expert • Interests / hobbies: 2-3 specific interests Optional: • Ot

FAQs

What documents are required for a complete job application in Germany?

A complete application package typically includes a cover letter, a CV, and supplements such as diplomas/grade sheets, training certificates, language test results, scholarships, reference letters, or official work references.

What formatting rules should be followed for the cover letter and CV?

Use consistent formatting with one font type and size, preferably a non-serif font like Arial, and no smaller than size 11. Create one clearly labeled PDF when possible and proofread for typos and grammar mistakes.

How should CVs be prepared for automated CV parsing systems?

Save the CV as PDF or DOCX (not a scan), avoid putting key details like name/email in images or graphics, do not rely on ready-made templates, and keep fonts readable and standard without unusual styling or charts/icons.

Sep 13, 2026

Uploaded by Lucas Vance