Common English Mistakes in Resumes by German Speakers

This page focuses on errors typically made by native German speakers from Germany when writing a Resume in English.

Mistake Example #1

Capitalizing all nouns (following German grammar rules)

Experienced Ssoftware Ddeveloper with a strong Bbackground in developing innovative Ssolutions for complex Bbusiness Pproblems. Skilled in Java, Python, and Ddatabase Mmanagement, with a proven Ttrack Rrecord of delivering high-quality Ssoftware on Ttime. Seeking a challenging Pposition in a dynamic Ccompany where I can utilize my Sskills and contribute to the Tteam's Ssuccess.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"This is well-written, but it had some issues with capitalization. Only the proper nouns (such as Java and Python) need to be capitalized in this context."

Experienced software developer with a strong background in developing innovative solutions for complex business problems. Skilled in Java, Python, and database management, with a proven track record of delivering high-quality software on time. Seeking a challenging position in a dynamic company where I can utilize my skills and contribute to the team's success.

Experienced Software Developer with a strong Background in developing innovative Solutions for complex Business Problems. Skilled in Java, Python, and Database Management, with a proven Track Record of delivering high-quality Software on Time. Seeking a challenging Position in a dynamic Company where I can utilize my Skills and contribute to the Team's Success.

Mistake Example #2

Incorrect word order in subordinate clauses

ExperiencedI am a software developer with over five years of experience in the industry, I am. In my previous role, I led a team of developers, whowere responsible were for creating innovative solutions. SI am seeking a challenging position where I can apply my skills and contribute to the success of the company, I am.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I made some changes to the word order. Nice work!"

I am a software developer with over five years of experience in the industry. In my previous role, I led a team of developers who were responsible for creating innovative solutions. I am seeking a challenging position where I can apply my skills and contribute to the success of the company.

Experienced software developer with over five years of experience in the industry, I am. In my previous role, I led a team of developers, who responsible were for creating innovative solutions. Seeking a challenging position where I can apply my skills and contribute to the success of the company, I am.

Mistake Example #3

Overuse of passive voice

As a dedicated professional, I demonstratea strong work ethic is demonstrated by me in all tasks. MI excelled in my previous role at the companywas excelled in by me, where numerous projects wereI successfully completednumerous projects. AI obtained my Bachelor's degree in Business Administrationwas obtained by mefrom the University of Munich, and I possessproficiency in English and Germanis possessed by me.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I changed the passive voice constructions to the active voice to improve the flow of the text."

As a dedicated professional, I demonstrate a strong work ethic in all tasks. I excelled in my previous role at the company, where I successfully completed numerous projects. I obtained my Bachelor's degree in Business Administrationfrom the University of Munich, and I possess proficiency in English and German.

As a dedicated professional, a strong work ethic is demonstrated by me in all tasks. My previous role at the company was excelled in by me, where numerous projects were successfully completed. A Bachelor's degree in Business Administration was obtained by me from the University of Munich, and proficiency in English and German is possessed by me.