Top Application Tips

Tip 1: The preparation – it's all about making that all important start

Remember: The wording in the advert is the first source of information about your potential employer. Read the text carefully and pay attention to the words selected: What qualifications and personal qualities are required; what does the potential employer attach a great deal of importance to in the advert? Adjust the style of your application accordingly - this could mean writing a more traditional type of application or taking a more creative approach. Whatever way, it should be adjusted to suit the wording and the contents of the advert.

Tip 2: The application documents – it's all about presentation!

There’s no second chance to make a first impression – and that’s your application form on your potential employer’s desk. Your “calling card” is your portfolio, which comprises a cover letter, CV with photo and copies of your certificates. Be careful when compiling your portfolio, avoid making careless mistakes, make sure your spelling is correct and the document is clear and inviting to read. Explain your motivation for applying for the job and why you want to work for the company.

Tip 3: The portfolio – it’s all about quality and not quantity
The motto is as short and as detailed as possible Mountains of documents and countless certificates will only cause the recipient to groan and complain. As a rule of thumb the cover letter is written on one page, as is the CV. No more than 6 certificates should be added to the application. Put the portfolio into a correctly addressed envelope that has not been folded.

Tip 4: The cover letter – it's all about making contact
Your contact details in the letterhead are therefore crucial. Don’t only state your name and your address, but also the telephone number where you can be most easily reached. Address your application to a specific person, i.e. the contact partner concerned, and avoid writing generalising set phrases like “Dear Ladies and Gentlemen”. Quote the subject line in the advert you are referring to and then start mentioning your motivations for answering.

Tip 5: No empty phrases – it’s all about keeping things clear and to the point
Refer to the qualifications and qualities required for the job in your cover letter. Bring forward arguments suggesting which knowledge and skills you would employ to solve the tasks set. It's all about creativity. Don't repeat the words in the advert, avoid empty phrases and leave out conjunctives - after all, you want to appear convincing.

Tip 6: Be self-confident – it’s all about feeling self-assured, but don't sing your own praises too much

Make sure it doesn't turn into self-adulation. Write down clearly why you want the job; describe what you like about your potential employer and why you want to work for the company. Highlight how both parties would benefit from the situation.

Tip 7: No essays – it's all about being concise
A cover letter shouldn’t turn into a novel. One page is definitely enough; just make sure you say what you want to say clearly.

Tip 8: No handwriting and no different colours or fonts either - it’s all about formatting
Using pen and ink is definitely a thing of the past. You no longer actually write CVs by hand, but on the PC. But remember: too many different fonts, bright colours and graphic elements are counterproductive and make your letter just look confused and unstructured. Make sure you don’t use too much formatting. Two fonts are definitely sufficient.

Tip 9: The CV – it’s all about a timeline without interruptions
Make sure to provide a full and complete list of your professional career in your CV - so you leave no room for speculation. Personal details such as full name, address, date of birth and place of birth as well as marital status (parents are only mentioned with regard to apprenticeship positions and children are only mentioned with regard to their sex and age) are followed by relevant professional experience listed according to company, location, position and area of operations (do not forget to mention military service or alternative civilian service). Then state any further education / training you have successfully completed and list your overall school education (type of schools and institutes including qualifications). Enter the month and year for any individual jobs you have done. Finish off your CV by adding additional qualifications and hobbies relevant to the position.

Tip 10: The application photo – it’s all about selling yourself
Make sure to choose a serious, yet likeable photo. Never choose a holiday snap. The clothing selected should be similar to something you would wear at a job interview. A 4 x 6 cm picture should be fixed to the upper right corner of your CV.

Tip 11: Copies of your certificates – it’s all about being honest
You must have certificates or affirmations for all activities listed in your CV. After all, any white lies you have told will be found out when you start the job at the latest – if not before – and misstatements or independent corrections to certificates are liable to prosecution.