CV conventions in Germany, Austria & Switzerland

These 4 countries follow broadly the same CV conventions: a photo is common, date of birth is usually included, 2 pages, and referees are left off. The table below shows where individual countries differ.

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At a glance

CV conventions in Germany, Austria & Switzerland
What it is called	Lebenslauf (usually written in German or English)
Length	2 pages (tabular)
Paper size	A4
Layout	Tabular, dates in a left column
Order	Most recent first
Dates	Numeric (MM/YYYY)
Photo	Usually included
Date of birth	Usually included
Nationality	Usually included
Marital status	Optional
Right to work / visa status	Optional
References	Leave referees off the CV; have a list ready
Explain gaps longer than	3 months
At the end	Place, date and signature

Tips

A tabular CV with dates on the left (MM/YYYY) and the newest first is standard.
A professional photo is still common, but no law requires one, and under the General Equal Treatment Act (AGG) employers may not discriminate on grounds a photo or birth date can reveal; CVs without them are widely accepted.
End with place, date and signature.
Instead of referees, attach references from past employers (Arbeitszeugnisse) and certificates.
Gaps of more than 2–3 months are usually explained.

Countries in this group

Country	Called	Usual language	Paper	Local differences
Austria	Lebenslauf	German	A4
Germany	Lebenslauf	German	A4
Liechtenstein	Lebenslauf	German	A4
Switzerland	Lebenslauf	German	A4	Switzerland: state your permit (L, B, C or G) if you are not Swiss; CVs may be in German, French or Italian depending on the region.

Other regions

Guidance checked October 2026. General information for most employers, not legal or immigration advice. A job advert’s own instructions always come first. CV Atlas is not affiliated with any regulator or professional body named.