DACH is an acronym that stands for Germany (Deutschland), Austria (Österreich), and Switzerland (Confoederatio Helvetica). This guide aims to help you create an impressive CV for job applications in the DACH region.
When considering relocating to Germany, Austria, or Switzerland for work, your CV (Lebenslauf) is your ticket to stand out. Below, you’ll find some useful tips to create a strong CV that will catch the attention of employers!
Your CV should include
Personal Information:
Optional: date of birth, nationality, marital status.
Professional Photograph:
In Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, it’s common to include a photo in your CV. Make sure it is professional and showcases your best side.
Education and Training:
List your education in reverse chronological order.
Include the name of the institution, dates of attendance, degree obtained, and any distinctions.
Professional Experience:
Also in reverse chronological order.
Include job title, company name, location, and dates of employment.
Describe your responsibilities and achievements in each role.
Skills and Competencies:
Languages (with proficiency levels).
IT skills and other relevant technical skills.
Soft skills that are important for the desired position.
Tips to Stand Out
Customization: Tailor your CV for each job application, highlighting the most relevant experiences and skills.
Brevity: Keep it short and concise, ideally one or two pages.
Accuracy: Be honest and don’t exaggerate your experiences or skills.
Proofreading: Have someone else read your CV to spot errors or areas that need improvement.
Electronic Submission: When sending it electronically, save and send it as a PDF to maintain formatting.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
Overly Long CV: Focus on the most relevant and recent information.
Irrelevant Information: Don’t include personal interests or hobbies unless they are directly relevant to the job.
Poor Formatting: Ensure your CV is easy to read and professional.
Practical Examples
Example 1: If you have worked in a marketing company, describe specific projects and their outcomes:
Negative Example: "Worked on various marketing campaigns."
Positive Example: "Designed and implemented a social media campaign that increased sales by 20% within three months."
Example 2: If you have completed significant education, such as a master's degree, mention your thesis topic and any distinctions:
Negative Example: "Completed a master’s in Business Administration."
Positive Example: "Completed my master’s in Business Administration with distinction, with a thesis on strategic marketing."
Example 3: If there was a period of unemployment, frame it positively:
Negative Example: "I was unemployed for 6 months."
Positive Example: "Dedicated 6 months to professional renewal and learning new skills through online courses and seminars."
AlmaKariera Services:
If you feel you need additional help, AlmaKariera is here to support you! We offer guidance to job candidates to increase their chances and negotiate better working conditions.
Contact us to learn how we can help you achieve your career goals!
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