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Curriculum Vitae

What is a Curriculum Vitae? Definition and meaning

A curriculum vitae is part of the application documents. Alongside personal data, it provides information about a person’s qualifications and professional career history. With the help of a curriculum vitae, the HR or personnel department can form a first impression of the applicant. This helps to fill an open, advertised position optimally.

Structure of a Curriculum Vitae

The most common format is the tabular curriculum vitae. In this format, individual professional positions are listed according to chronological aspects. In Germany, it is customary to list the most recent position at the top.

Contents of a Curriculum Vitae

As standard, a curriculum vitae should contain the following:

  • personal data
  • professional career history
  • educational background
  • training / further education
  • qualifications
  • skills
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Frequently asked questions

What belongs in a curriculum vitae?
As standard, a curriculum vitae contains personal data, professional and educational background, training and further education, as well as qualifications and skills.
What form does a curriculum vitae take?
The most common form is the tabular curriculum vitae. Here the career positions are listed in chronological order, in Germany usually with the most recent role at the top.
What purpose does a curriculum vitae serve in the application process?
The curriculum vitae gives the HR department a first impression of the applicant and helps to fill an open position optimally. In personnel management you bring applicant data and career histories together in one place.