How to Write a CV for Austria in 2026
Austria shares much of Germany's CV culture but has its own expectations — especially in Vienna's growing international job market.
Austria vs Germany: the differences
Austria and Germany share a language and many professional conventions, but Austrian workplace culture is generally slightly less formal and more personal. Viennese recruiters tend to appreciate a warmer tone than their German counterparts, while still expecting structure, precision, and professionalism. The fundamentals are the same — but the edges are softer.
Photo and personal details
Including a professional photo is standard. Personal details — name, address, date of birth, nationality, phone, email — are all expected at the top of the document. This is more similar to Germany than to the Netherlands or Sweden.
Structure and format
- Length: Two pages is standard. One page for very junior roles, three only for very senior or academic positions.
- Layout: Clean and professional. No graphics or heavy design. Clear section headers.
- Work experience: Reverse chronological. Include exact dates (month and year), company name, job title, and responsibilities. No unexplained gaps.
- Education: Include all formal qualifications. Austrian employers respect academic credentials — particularly university degrees and apprenticeships (Lehre).
- Languages: German fluency is essential for most roles. English is widely spoken in Vienna's tech and international sectors. Specify levels using CEFR.
The cover letter (Bewerbungsschreiben)
A cover letter is expected in Austria, similar to Germany. It should be one page, formally addressed, and explain your motivation for the specific role and company — not just a summary of your CV. Austrian employers appreciate genuine interest in the organisation. Do some research before you write.
Vienna's international job market
Vienna hosts a number of international organisations including UN agencies, OPEC, and the OSCE, making it more internationally accessible than most Austrian cities. The tech startup scene is growing. For international companies, English CVs are often accepted and sometimes preferred. Always check the language of the job posting.
Common mistakes
- Treating Austria exactly like Germany — the cultural differences are subtle but real
- Omitting a photo
- Leaving unexplained employment gaps
- Sending a CV without a cover letter
- Not specifying German language level if applying to Austrian companies
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