Schedule mock interviews on the Meeting Board, join the latest community discussions in our Consulting Q&A and find like-minded Case Partners to connect and practice with!
Back to overview

Is it weird to apply to German-speaking offices with English cover letter and CV?

My native language is German but I‘ve always had my CV and cover letters in English only. Is it ok to apply to German-speaking offices with an English-language CV and cover letter or should I translate it?

My thinking has always been that it shouldn‘t matter since everybody speaks English anyways, but maybe I‘m missing some points to be taken into consideration. Thanks in advance.

5 Answers
3.2k Views
16
Be the first to answer!
Nobody has responded to this question yet.
Top answer
on Aug 31, 2020
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching

Hi, there are no problems in submitting your applications with CV and CL in ENglish

Best,
Antonello

Vlad
Coach
on Aug 15, 2018
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

Since you have to select multiple offices while applying, it's fine to have the CV and CL in English.

Best

on Aug 15, 2018
Thanks. What exactly do you mean by "have to"? Isn't it optional?
Anonymous
on Aug 15, 2018

If you are applying only to the German speaking office, I think it would be better to apply with a German CV/CL. If a German office is your second choice, then English should be fine.

In both cases, however, to be 100% sure you should contact the recruiting team of the firm(s) you are applying to and check with them. This is generally the best practice for any specific recruiting question like this.

Cheers,

Alessandro

1
on Aug 15, 2018
Thank you Alessandro, makes sense.
on Dec 12, 2018
I think that in order to get a job, a scholarship, a grant or something else, you certainly need a good resume or assignment. And in this area I want to recommend https://craftresumes.com/resume-review/ as they have earned confidence in the labor market.
Anonymous
on Aug 23, 2020

Dear A,

If you are applying to different countris than it's ok to have CV and Cover letter in English. If it's only Germany offices, then I would recommend you to make it in German. 

Best,
André

0
Gaurav
Coach
on Nov 16, 2020
#1 MBB Coach(Placed 750+ in MBBs & 1250+ in Tier2)| The Only 360° coach(Ex-McKinsey+Certified Coach+Active recruiter)

Hi there, 

No, it’s totally fine to upload English CV and CL.

Do you need any further help?

All the best, 

GB

Similar Questions
Consulting
How stringent is the initial CV screening? And does everyone get invited to sit McKinsey Solve?
on Apr 08, 2024
Global
6 Answers
2.6k Views
Top answer by
Alessa
Coach
xMcKinsey & Company | xBCG | +200 individual & group coachings | feel free to schedule a 15 min intro call for free
124
6 Answers
2.6k Views
+3
Consulting
Adding experience in Blockchain and Cryptocurrency in CV?
on Mar 20, 2024
Global
8 Answers
2.5k Views
Top answer by
Florian
Coach
1400 5-star reviews across platforms | 500+ offers | Highest-rated case book on Amazon | Uni lecturer in US, Asia, EU
96
8 Answers
2.5k Views
+5
Consulting
Recruitment & Cover Letter
on Mar 31, 2024
Global
8 Answers
1.6k Views
Top answer by
Brad
Coach
Expert coach | Head of recruiting for Bain | 8+ years interviewing | Free intro call
68
8 Answers
1.6k Views
+5
How likely are you to recommend us to a friend or fellow student?
0 = Not likely
10 = Very likely
You are a true consultant! Thank you for consulting us on how to make PrepLounge even better!