German CV & Application Guide

Standard sections (in order):

1. Personal Information + Photo

   • Full name, address, phone, email
   • Date of birth, nationality
   • Professional photo (top right)

2. Work Experience

   • Most recent first
   • Company name, position, dates
   • Key responsibilities and achievements

3. Education

   • University, degree, dates
   • Relevant coursework or thesis topic
   • High school (Abitur equivalent)

4. Skills

   • Technical skills relevant to the job
   • Software, tools, methodologies

5. Languages

   • Level for each (A1-C2 or native)
   • Arabic, French, English, German

6. Hobbies/Interests (optional)

   • Keep professional and relevant

Format tips:

• Use a clean, modern template
• Consistent fonts and spacing
• File name: 'Lebenslauf_YourName.pdf'
• Black text on white background

Photo requirements:

• Recent, high-quality professional headshot
• Business casual or formal attire
• Neutral, light background
• Friendly but professional expression
• Face takes up 60-70% of the frame
• Good lighting, well-groomed appearance

Where to get one:

• DM or Rossmann photo booths (€8-15)
• Professional photographers (€50-150)
• University photography services

💡 Important: While photo requirements are changing in Germany due to anti-discrimination laws, most employers still expect them. Including a professional photo is recommended for Moroccan students applying in Munich.

German cover letter essentials:

Structure:

• Your address (top right)
• Company address (left)
• Date
• Subject line: 'Bewerbung als [Position]'
• 'Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren' or specific name
• 3-4 paragraphs
• 'Mit freundlichen Grüßen' + signature

Content:

1. Why you're interested in this specific company
2. Why you're qualified (skills, experience)
3. What you can contribute
4. Availability and salary expectations (if asked)

Tips:

• Keep it to 1 page
• Be specific, not generic
• Show you researched the company
• Highlight relevant skills for Moroccan students (multilingual, international perspective)

Prepare a German-style application: ✅ Use university resources:

• TUM/LMU career centers offer free CV reviews
• They help with German-style formatting
• Practice interviews available

✅ Start early:

• Apply 2-3 months before you need the job
• Especially for internships and Werkstudent positions

✅ Tailor each application:

• Customize CV and cover letter for each role
• Use keywords from the job description
• Show genuine interest in the company

✅ Use your strengths:

• Highlight multilingual abilities (Arabic, French, English, German)
• Emphasize international perspective
• Many Moroccan students excel in engineering, IT, business

✅ Follow up:

• Send a polite follow-up email after 1-2 weeks
• Shows initiative and genuine interest

Attend networking events:

• Join LMU/TUM career fairs
• Connect with Moroccan student associations in Munich
• Attend local startup meetups and tech events
• Munich has a vibrant North African community

Career fair tips:

• Bring multiple copies of your CV
• Dress professionally
• Prepare a 30-second introduction in German and English
• Research companies beforehand
• Collect business cards and follow up