Mastering the German CV Format for Indian Students Seeking Part-Time Jobs

25 July 2025

As part of studies in Germany, Indian students can take up part-time employment to acquire extra income, exposure, and competency in the German language. However, your CV will need to be formatted to meet the standards of the country prior to applying. The German employer demands a very particular format and look other than the Indian student habit. A presentation of the resume that does not live up to these standards may cut short your invitation for an interview.

It is easy to create a German CV, but you need to be precise. From your photo to language and layout, everything should be clean and professional. Precision is valued in Germany, and your CV is your first opportunity to demonstrate that. Whether your job application at a neighborhood café, a store, or your university research office, a well-organized CV can help you stand out.

At BCES Admissions Abroad, we support Indian students in these crucial steps when they are in university. The following is a straightforward guide that will assist you in making a German-standard CV so that you can increase your possibilities for getting a part-time job while studying.

What’s Special About a German CV

A German CV, or a Lebenslauf, is more formal, shorter, and detail-oriented compared to a typical Indian resume. A German CV typically contains:

• A passport photo top right
• Personal details such as your name, address, telephone number, email address, nationality, and date of birth
• Education and work history in reverse chronological order (newest first, oldest last)
• Signature and date bottom

Step-by-Step Guide to German-Style CV

1. Begin with Personal Details

This section is compulsory and must be placed in the top left-hand corner of your CV. Type in:

• Full Name
• Address in Germany
• Mobile number
• Email address
• Date of birth
• Nationality

Sample

Name: Riya Sharma

Address: Berliner Straße 10, 10115 Berlin

Phone: +49 152 12345678

Email: riyasharma@student.uni-berlin.de

Date of Birth: 14 March 2002

Nationality: Indian

2. Include a Professional Photo

It is standard and normal in Germany to include a recent passport-standard photo having a plain background. Dress formally, and be high resolution. This photo should be in the top right corner.

3. Profile or Career Summary (Optional)

For part-time job applicants, this section can be used to highlight your strongest points. Keep it short (2–3 lines) and to the point.

Example:

Hardworking business student at the University of Munich with effective communication skills, applying for part-time customer service position. Fluent in English and conversational German (A2 level).

4. Education Background

List your qualifications one-to-one – most recent first. Include:

• Degree title
• Institution
• Duration
• Grade (A/C pass/fail if applicable)

Example:

Bachelor of Business Administration

University of Munich – Germany

October 2023 – Present

Higher Secondary Certificate (Class 12)

CBSE Board, India

April 2021 – March 2023

Percentage: 85%

5. Work Experience

Mention any previous work, internship, or volunteer experience. Give:

• Job title
• Company/Organization
• Duration
• Major responsibilities

If you have no previous experience, include internships or college projects in India.

Example:

Marketing Intern

ABC Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi, India

June 2022 – August 2022

6. Skills

Give only skills related to the job. Example:

• MS Office
• Customer service
• Cash handling
• Multitasking
• Languages: English (Proficient), Hindi (Mother tongue), German (A2 level)

7. Certificates and Courses

Do not forget to include any short-term certificates, particularly the German language certificate or the student worker safety training course.

Example:

• German Language Certificate A2, Goethe-Institut, 2024
• Basic Food Safety Training, Online, 2023

8. Hobbies and Interests

Make this section brief. Mention hobbies that reflect you as an active and social person.

Example:

Reading, Playing badminton, Volunteering at community events

9. Signature and Date

At the bottom, write the place, current date, and add your signature. This adds a formal touch that German employers appreciate.

Example:

Berlin, 11 July 2025

Riya Sharma (Signature)

Tips to Make Your CV Stand Out

• Always send your CV as a PDF file.
• Use a clean and professional font like Arial or Calibri.
• Stick to one or two pages maximum.
• Use the German language if you’re applying to a German-speaking employer.
• Use consistent formatting throughout (font size, bolding, line spacing).
• Include a cover letter (Anschreiben) unless instructed otherwise.

Creating a German-style CV is weird at the beginning, but when you understand the format, it’s simple. It is not just a paper document but it’s your opening to new doors as you study in Germany. For more student life tips on how to apply for part-time work and CV writing tips, reach out to BCES Admissions Abroad today at +91 9319996328 We are here to assist you step by step.