Quick check
Guess first, no penalty. How do most German employers expect to get your application?
Your CV is the document that lists your jobs, education and skills. Make it in Germany, the German government's official portal for international workers, covers what goes with it on its page Applying for a job:
- How to send it: documents usually go as a PDF in an email or get uploaded on the company's career site. A paper application folder is rarely needed.
- Photo: applicants are often expected to include one, but this differs a lot between industries. AI can't help here. Check what is normal in your field.
- Certificates: add your most important ones, such as vocational, school and university diplomas, plus any references or recommendation letters from past employers. The company can then see the qualifications behind your CV.
- Translations: the page suggests having certificates translated into German or English, and leaving enough time for that so you don't miss a deadline.
Here is a finished list for an example applicant, a software tester from Pune applying for jobs in Germany:
Application: Software Tester, [Company], [City]
One PDF: my checked CV, then the attachments
- B.Tech in Computer Science degree certificate
- English C1 certificate
- German A2 certificate
- Reference letter from [past employer], if I have one
Not in German or English yet: [any certificate], translation
ordered on [date], ready before the deadline
Photo: [yes or no], after checking job ads in my fieldFill the gaps
Fill the gaps in this application checklist.
Checklist
Send: Attach: Certificates in other languages:
Try it
Your steps, about 2 minutes
- 1.List the certificates and references you'd attach, and mark which still need a German or English translation.1 min
- 2.Open two job ads in your field in Germany, note whether people there seem to include a photo, and decide on yours.1 min