Job applications in English: CV, cover letter and templates for the UK and US

How an application in English differs from a German one

An application in English is shorter and contains fewer personal details. The photo, date of birth, marital status, date and signature are left out, as is the attachment with all your certificates. In return, measurable results and referees carry more weight than in Germany.

CV and résumé: structure and templates

The British CV and the American résumé follow the same structure but differ in length. Both are in reverse chronological order: your most recent position comes first. For each position, add two to four bullet points with concrete results, not the job description.

Cover letter: structure, phrases and a sample

The cover letter is one page long and has three or four paragraphs: a reference to the job, relevant experience with evidence, why you want to work for this company and a closing that points to your CV. It doesn’t repeat your CV. It explains why you are right for this job.

Salutation and sign-off

Phrases for your cover letter

Dear Ms Smith,

Re: Application for the position of [job title]

I am writing to apply for the position of [job title] advertised on [platform]. I am currently [current role] at [company], where I [achievement with a number].

Your job description mentions [requirement]. In my current role I [relevant experience], and I have worked with [tools, methods, markets]. I am particularly interested in this role because [reason related to the company].

Please find my CV attached. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my application with you and look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,
[Name]

Naming German qualifications and titles correctly

German qualifications rarely have an exact equivalent in English-speaking countries. So give the original name and add a short explanation in brackets. A loose translation is more likely to mislead, especially with the word “Gymnasium”.

Certificates, diplomas and recognition

For the application itself, you usually don’t need translated certificates, because documents are only provided on request. As soon as a university, an authority or a recognition body is involved, however, a certified translation is almost always required, meaning one that bears the certification statement of a sworn translator.

If you want to work in a regulated profession abroad, such as nursing, medicine or a skilled trade, you also need your qualification to be recognised. Different bodies are responsible depending on the profession and the country, and each has its own requirements for the format and translation of documents. Ask them in advance which format they require before you have anything translated. This is guidance, not legal advice.

Common mistakes in applications in English

Most mistakes come from carrying over German habits: the photo, attaching every certificate, overly polite conditional phrasing and literally translated qualifications.

You will find phrases for the correspondence that follows in our guide to writing emails in English and vocabulary in the Business English glossary.