Relevant Information in the CV
A CV for an application for a vocational training position (Ausbildungsplatz) in Germany should be factual and well-structured. Relevant information includes personal data (name, address, contact details), educational background, professional experiences (like internships or part-time jobs), language skills, IT competencies, and possibly hobbies. Details about parents or siblings are not relevant and are not expected in modern résumés.
Historical Development of Including Family Members
In the past, it was sometimes customary in Germany to include information about parents and their professions in the CV, especially when it came to professional networks or social status. Nowadays, this practice is outdated. Employers are no longer interested in which family the applicant comes from but whether they are suitable for the apprenticeship position (Ausbildungsplatz). The focus lies solely on personal qualifications, not on family background.
Anti-Discrimination Laws and Data Protection
The General Equal Treatment Act (AGG) in Germany protects applicants from discrimination based on personal or family backgrounds. Therefore, information about family members should not be listed in the CV to avoid potential discrimination. Additionally, data protection considerations play a role, as sharing information about third parties, such as parents or siblings, without their consent can be problematic.
What to Include in the CV Instead
Instead of providing details about parents and siblings, applicants should focus on their own qualifications and abilities. This includes:
- Personal data (name, date of birth, address, contact details)
- Educational background (including completed degrees and expected graduation)
- Professional experiences (such as internships, holiday jobs, or volunteer work)
- Special qualifications (e.g., language proficiency, IT skills)
- Hobbies and interests if they are relevant to the desired vocational education (Ausbildung)
This information gives employers a complete picture of the applicant’s competencies and suitability for the training program (Ausbildung).
When Information About Family Members Might Be Relevant
In rare exceptions, details about family members may be relevant if they are directly related to the apprenticeship position (Ausbildungsplatz) or the desired vocational training (Ausbildung). For instance, in a family business, it might be significant if the applicant has already gained practical experience in their parents’ company. In such cases, the connection to professional experience should be clearly presented, but not the family background itself.
Properly Limiting Personal Information
A modern CV focuses exclusively on relevant professional and educational qualifications. Information about the family situation, such as how many siblings someone has or the occupations of the parents, is irrelevant for applicant selection. Applicants should tailor their CV to the requirements of the desired training (Ausbildung) and omit unnecessary personal details.
The Importance of the Applicant’s Independence
Not mentioning parents and siblings in the CV emphasizes the applicant’s independence. Employers value when applicants demonstrate their suitability and motivation for the vocational training opportunity (Ausbildungsplatz) on their own merits. Information about family background could give the impression that the applicant relies on external influences rather than their own qualifications and interests.
Handling Inquiries During the Interview
If questions about family background arise during the interview, the applicant can answer such queries politely and concisely. However, it’s rare for such questions to be asked, as they are often considered unprofessional or inappropriate. If questions head in that direction, the applicant can steer the conversation back to their professional goals and interests to maintain focus.
Avoiding Unnecessary Information
Including details about parents and siblings diverts attention from the truly important information in the CV. The résumé should be as concise and clear as possible to highlight the applicant’s key skills and qualifications. Unnecessary personal details often appear unprofessional and dilute the focus on the professional profile.