What belongs in the application?
Applications in Germany commonly include a CV, cover letter and certificates. Check the list in the vacancy or application portal: some employers omit the letter, while others ask for work samples or an additional motivation letter. Prepare the files requested for that application.
Bundesagentur für Arbeit – BewerbungsunterlagenYour documents for Germany
Prepare the requested files
Keep your CV, cover letter and relevant certificates as separate files, then check the upload fields in the portal. A cover sheet or extra motivation page is not automatically needed; follow the instructions for the vacancy.
Explain your experience and qualifications
Give the dates, job title, employer and location for each role. Add a short description if the company may be unfamiliar to a German reader. For qualifications from abroad, keep the original title, institution and country, with a brief explanation of the subject.
Use the letter to explain a relevant project
In the linked example, Aisha applies for a senior product role and describes introducing an onboarding process with engineering and design. Choose a project of your own that shows how you would approach one of the advertised tasks.
Applying with international experience
Describe experience abroad with its location, country and tasks. Distinguish application language from your actual proficiency. Explain a qualification clearly without claiming an unconfirmed equivalence.
Guide for expats and international professionalsReview the vacancy before writing
Put the vacancy next to your CV. Mark tasks you have already done and requirements you have not met. This helps you choose the projects to describe in more detail.
Start with your vacancy
No account needed: start with a vacancy and a cover-letter draft.
DraftApply · Editorially updated . Examples are fictional. Employer instructions take priority over general guidance.
