The Résumé

Think about what the requirements of the intended job are and which of your previous qualifications best match it. These relevant qualifications and skills should be apparent at first glance. In applications outside of a classic academic career, all of the content usually fits on 2 pages.

The résumé is structured using headings. Common categories are, for example:

• Personal data
• Academic career / educational path
• Practical experience
• Languages
• Digital skills

You can of course sort, combine or add to the categories differently so that it suits you better. Supplements for example could be:

• Publications
• Further qualifications
• Volunteering
• Experience abroad
• Interests and hobbies

Clarity, structure and design are important for a good résumé. We have therefore drawn up a checklist on this topic. So much in advance: A résumé is anti-chronological, so it starts with your most recent experiences. Therefore, your most recent experience appears right at the beginning.

Information about parents and siblings, and information about elementary school or salary expectations do not belong in the curriculum vitae. Religious or political views are also superfluous - unless expressly relevant to the position. You only need to mention hobbies if they are extraordinary, particularly interesting or important for the job. Give a little more information about these hobbies than just the title!

Citizenship and marital status no longer have to be stated. Depending on your own attitude towards it, both or one of the two details can be included or omitted.

The Abitur (high-school diploma) is usually given when you are still studying. But if you already have a degree and possibly a few years of professional experience, it no longer has to appear on your résumé.

We still have a few tips:

• When entering the Abitur / last school leaving certificate, the end date is sufficient: month and year of graduation.
• A résumé does not have to say "CV".
• You should also indicate smaller, non-specialist part-time jobs or honorary positions. These are often at least interesting, but sometimes even relevant and meaningful.