Rejected in 2 days?
Nobody read past page one.
Permit. German level. Start date. Page one has to answer them.
Upload yours or start from scratch.
Your CV, page one
- Work permit? — not stated
- German level? — not stated
- Start date? — not stated
Sound familiar?
- They rejected me before the deadline even ended.
- My experience is strong. Did they even read it?
- Should I write my permit on my CV?
- I’m still abroad. Does that kill it?
CV rejected before anyone reads it: short answers
Why was my application rejected so fast?
Early screening often checks the basics first: work permit, location, language level and availability. If page one doesn’t answer them, the application can stop there, whatever your experience.
Should I put my work permit on my CV?
In Germany, Austria and Switzerland, yes, if you are not a citizen there. One line with your status, for example “EU citizen, no permit needed” or “Swiss B permit”, answers a question every recruiter has.
What should page one of a CV for Germany, Austria or Switzerland show?
Contact details with your location, work permit, language levels (CEFR) and when you can start, then your most relevant experience. If the job needs a recognised degree, say whether yours is recognised.
How does DraftApply help?
The CV builder for Germany, Austria and Switzerland has clear lines for work permit, language level and qualification recognition that you confirm. Then check your CV against a job to see what is still missing.
Start free. If it helps, CHF 7.90 a week.
5 fit checks, 3 letters and 2 tailored CVs are on us.
Read next: Job applications for expats and international professionals in DACH