How German Job Applications Differ from Australian Ones
Australians applying for jobs in Germany for the first time are often surprised by how formal and document-intensive the German application process is. Where Australian job applications tend to be relatively brief — a CV and a short cover letter, maybe a few references — German applications follow strict conventions that have changed little in decades and are taken very seriously by German employers.
Getting the format right is not optional. A German hiring manager who receives an Australian-style CV will likely set it aside — not because the candidate is unqualified, but because the unfamiliar format signals unfamiliarity with German professional norms. This guide gives you the exact format, content and conventions that German employers expect, so your application stands out for the right reasons.
The German Application Package — What to Include
A complete German job application (Bewerbungsunterlagen) typically consists of:
- Cover letter (Anschreiben) — A formal one-page letter addressed to a specific person
- CV (Lebenslauf) — A detailed, chronological resume with a professional photo
- Certificates and references (Zeugnisse) — Certified copies of degree certificates, transcripts, previous employer references
- Professional photo (Bewerbungsfoto) — A formal headshot attached to the CV (not optional in Germany)
Online applications (via company websites, LinkedIn, StepStone or Indeed) increasingly accept PDF applications. A single PDF combining all documents in the order above is the standard format.
The German CV (Lebenslauf) — Complete Format Guide
The German Lebenslauf follows specific conventions that differ significantly from Australian CVs.
Key Differences from an Australian CV
| Feature | Australian CV | German Lebenslauf |
|---|---|---|
| Photo | Not included (discrimination concerns) | Required — professional headshot, top right corner |
| Date of birth | Not included | Included — standard personal information |
| Nationality | Not typically included | Included — especially important for non-EU applicants |
| Marital status | Not included | Traditionally included — increasingly optional |
| Chronological order | Most recent first (reverse chronological) | Most recent first — same as Australian |
| Education listed | University and higher only (usually) | All levels including secondary school (Abitur equivalent) |
| Length | 1–2 pages recommended | 2 pages maximum — concise is valued |
| Signature | Not typically included | Required — handwritten signature and date at the bottom |
| Profile summary | Common at the top | Not traditional — personal statements belong in the Anschreiben |
German CV Structure
- Personal details (Persönliche Daten): Full name, address, phone, email, date of birth, place of birth, nationality. Photo top right.
- Work experience (Berufserfahrung): Most recent position first. Include: dates (month/year), employer name and city, job title, and 3–5 bullet points of key responsibilities and achievements.
- Education (Ausbildung / Studium): Most recent first. Include all qualifications — university degrees, vocational training, secondary school certificate (your Australian Year 12 certificate equivalent). Specify grades where strong.
- Additional qualifications (Zusatzqualifikationen): Internships, further training, certificates, seminars.
- Language skills (Sprachkenntnisse): List all languages with CEFR level — e.g. English: native, German: B2 (Goethe-Zertifikat B2). Always include your German certificate here.
- IT and technical skills (EDV-Kenntnisse): Software, programming languages, tools.
- Interests (Interessen / Hobbys): Brief — 3–5 genuine interests. Germans expect this section.
- Date and signature: At the bottom — Ort, Datum (City, Date) + Signature
The German Cover Letter (Anschreiben)
The German Anschreiben is more formal than an Australian cover letter and follows a strict structure. It must be addressed to a specific named person wherever possible — Sehr geehrte Frau Müller or Sehr geehrter Herr Schmidt — never To Whom It May Concern if you can identify the hiring manager.
German Cover Letter Structure
Your name and address (top left)
Company name and address
Date (right-aligned, written out in full: 7. Juni 2025)
Subject line (Betreff): Bewerbung als [Job Title] — Referenznummer [if applicable]
Sehr geehrte Frau [Name] / Sehr geehrter Herr [Name],
Opening paragraph: How you learned of the position and your primary reason for applying.
Main paragraph(s): Specific qualifications, experience and achievements directly relevant to the role. Be concrete — reference specific achievements with measurable outcomes.
Closing paragraph: Express enthusiasm, state your availability for interview, and indicate your notice period and earliest possible start date (frühestmöglicher Eintrittstermin).
Mit freundlichen GrĂĽĂźen,
[Signature] [Printed Name]
Length: One A4 page maximum. German hiring managers do not read long cover letters. Be concise, specific and direct — avoid flowery language and self-deprecation.
Professional Photo (Bewerbungsfoto) — German Requirements
A professional application photo is expected on a German CV. This surprises many Australians who are accustomed to a system where photos are excluded to prevent discrimination. In Germany, the photo is a professional convention — not including one may actually raise questions about why it was omitted.
- Size: 4x5cm or 4x6cm — attached to the top right corner of the CV
- Style: Professional — neutral background (white or light grey), business attire, clean and well-groomed
- Quality: Professional photographer or high-quality digital photo — not a passport photo or selfie
- Expression: Neutral to slightly smiling — Germans do not expect a broad smile but an unfriendly expression is off-putting
- Recent: Taken within the last 12 months
In Germany, companies like Rossmann and Saturn offer photo printing services. Many photographers offer Bewerbungsfotos as a specific service.
German Job Interviews — What Australians Need to Know
Interview Format
German interviews are typically more formal and structured than Australian ones. Expect: a formal greeting with handshake, a structured question-and-answer format, limited small talk, direct questions about your qualifications and specific experience, and a formal close with a timeline for decision-making.
Common German Interview Questions
- Erzählen Sie mir von sich. — Tell me about yourself. (Keep to professional background — 2–3 minutes)
- Warum bewerben Sie sich bei uns? — Why are you applying to our company?
- Was sind Ihre Stärken und Schwächen? — What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- Wo sehen Sie sich in fünf Jahren? — Where do you see yourself in five years?
- Was waren Ihre Aufgaben in Ihrer letzten Stelle? — What were your responsibilities in your last position?
- Welche Gehaltsvorstellungen haben Sie? — What are your salary expectations?
Salary Negotiation in Germany
Salary negotiation is expected in Germany — do not accept the first offer without discussion. Research the market rate for your role and level (glassdoor.de, Gehaltsvergleich.com, Stepstone salary reports). State a range rather than a single figure, with your target at the lower end of your range. Germans respect directness in salary discussion — do not be coy about your expectations.
German Job Application FAQs for Australians
Should I apply in German or English?
This depends on the company and role. For international companies in Germany and roles where English is specified, an English application is acceptable and sometimes preferred. For German companies or roles requiring German language skills, apply in German — an English application to a German-language role signals that your German may not be strong enough. When in doubt, apply in German with an English version available on request.
Do I need German qualifications or can I use my Australian ones?
For unregulated professions (most business, IT, marketing, management roles), your Australian qualifications are used as-is — German employers assess them directly. For regulated professions (medicine, nursing, teaching, certain engineering roles), formal recognition through the relevant German authority is required before you can practise. → Working in Germany Guide
How long does the German hiring process take?
German hiring processes are generally slower than Australian ones. Allow 4–8 weeks from application to offer for most corporate roles. The process typically involves: initial screening, one or two interviews (sometimes a technical assessment), reference checks, and a formal written offer. Some large German companies have very structured processes that can take 3 months from application to start date.
What is the notice period in Germany?
German employment law requires a minimum 4-week notice period for employees during probation and 4 weeks to the 15th or end of a calendar month after probation. Many positions specify longer notice periods — 1, 2 or 3 months is common for professional roles. Always state your current notice period (Kündigungsfrist) and earliest possible start date (frühestmöglicher Eintrittstermin) in your cover letter and at interview.