Relevance of School Grades
School grades provide employers with an idea of the applicant’s academic performance and can be crucial when selecting candidates for a training position (Ausbildung). Especially in applications for apprenticeships (Ausbildung) with high competition or for professions that require specific academic knowledge (e.g., mathematics for commercial roles), employers pay attention to strong grades in relevant subjects. Grades thus serve as a kind of performance certificate that reflects the applicant’s abilities.
Which Grades Should Be Listed
In the resume, you should generally include the grades of the most important subjects relevant to the desired vocational training (Ausbildung). These include:
- Final grade of your school diploma (e.g., Abitur, Realschulabschluss)
- Grades in core subjects like German, Mathematics, and English
- Grades in relevant subjects that relate to the training (Ausbildung) (e.g., Physics for technical professions, Economics for commercial roles)
The grades should be presented clearly and concisely in the “Educational Background” or “Education” section. It’s sufficient to place the grade of each subject in parentheses after the subject name.
When to Omit Grades
It’s not necessary to list every grade in your resume. If certain grades are below average and not directly relevant to the training position (Ausbildung), it may be wise to leave them out. For example, a poor grade in Art or Music is irrelevant when applying for positions like industrial clerk or mechatronics technician. Applicants should focus on highlighting their strengths and presenting their academic achievements in a way that aligns with the desired profession.
Final Grade and Interim Reports
When applying for a training opportunity (Ausbildung), it’s customary to include the final grade from the last school attended. If you haven’t received your graduation certificate yet (e.g., when applying during your final school year), you can provide the grades from your current interim report. In this case, you should also mention the expected graduation date, such as adding “Expected graduation: [Date].”
Grades in Relation to the Training Position (Ausbildung)
The grades you provide should always be logically connected to the apprenticeship (Ausbildung) you’re applying for. For technical professions like electronics technician or industrial mechanic, good performance in Mathematics, Physics, and Technology is beneficial. In commercial roles like industrial clerk or office administrator, strong grades in Mathematics and Economics are often expected. Those applying for a training position (Ausbildung) in the creative field can highlight good grades in Art or design subjects.
Alternative Options with Weaker Grades
If your school grades aren’t particularly strong, there are alternative ways to enhance your resume. Practical experiences like relevant internships or part-time jobs that are significant for the vocational training (Ausbildung) can be just as important as academic marks. In such cases, it may be sensible to focus more on practical experience and personal strengths in your resume and only mention the most relevant grades.
School Grades in Combination with Soft Skills
Grades alone often don’t provide a complete picture of an applicant’s abilities. Therefore, you should also address soft skills in your resume that you’ve acquired through school or extracurricular activities. For example, involvement in school projects, student councils, or volunteer work can be mentioned to underscore teamwork, initiative, or a sense of responsibility. These skills can be particularly helpful when your grades aren’t consistently excellent.
Listing Grades in the Tabular Resume
In your resume, grades are usually listed in tabular form under the “Educational Background” section. A typical entry might look like this:
- 2020 – 2023: Realschule Musterstadt, Graduation: Intermediate Certificate (Average Grade 2.0)
- Subjects: Mathematics (2), German (3), English (1), Physics (2)
The grades of the most important subjects can be listed in parentheses directly after the subject, providing the employer with a quick overview of your academic performance.
Importance of School Grades in Different Industries
In some industries, school grades play a larger role than in others. In technical professions, particular attention is paid to good grades in science subjects. In commercial roles, solid mathematics skills and good German and English language abilities are important. For creative training positions (Ausbildung), such as in the media industry, practical experiences and creative work may be more important than academic results. Applicants should research the requirements of the training position (Ausbildung) in advance and present their grades accordingly.
Certificates as Attachments to the Application
You can also document your exact grades by attaching school certificates to your application. Usually, the graduation certificate or current school report is included as an attachment. This is especially important for online applications, as it provides the employer with a comprehensive overview of your academic performance. Ensure that your certificates are current and complete to avoid omitting any important information.