An application reveals a lot about you.
And not just about your talents.
[p]Be it a job, internship or trainee position – nothing’s possible in most companies without an application. Whether you apply for a specific job or send in an unsolicited application, these documents are always your first point of contact with a company. They have to represent you perfectly, to make sure you’ll be invited to an interview. Which, after all, is your initial goal.[br][br]Find out what you should pay close attention to in your application and which mistakes you should avoid at all costs.[br][/p]
You never get a second chance to make a first impression.
This phrase is just as relevant today as it has ever been. First impressions really do count. And that’s particularly true with applications. Your application documents should be as close to perfect as possible, so as to make a positive impression. That is why you should take your time, putting your application folder and documents together carefully.
The following documents should always be included:
- Cover letter – as unique as possible
- A CV in table format – without any gaps if possible
- A copy of your last school certificates – never the originals
- Proof of special knowledge and skills (computer, languages, internships, etc.)
The type of application folder that holds all the documents is also important: dog-eared covers, grease spots or previously used, dirty folders are absolutely out of the question!
The devil is in the detail. And in the customised cover letter.
Unfortunately, there is no simple rule for writing a successful cover letter. Except one, perhaps: ready-made letters do not make a very good impression. Every letter should be individual in that it addresses the potential employer and the training position. Most important is to include why you would like to participate in the training programme at that particular company. If you provide a plausible and reasonable answer to this question, you have already won. You might even be invited to an interview.
A checklist of the 10 most important points for a successful German cover letter:
- The cover letter should be no longer than an A4 page.
- Short, concise sentences – avoid lengthy sentences.
- Try to write as normally and factually as possible – avoid set phrases and stilted formulations.
- Divide your letter into three or four paragraphs – that keeps it tidy and reader-friendly.
- Pay special attention to spelling and punctuation – it would be a good idea to let a friend or family member read it.
- Make sure the address is correct.
- Pay special attention to the correct spelling of titles and names (Dear Mr Sample Name).
- Don’t forget the location and date (Hamburg, 25/11/2007).
- Signature
- Enclosure
[p]A good CV is well structured.[br]And only one page long.[/p]
Your CV should provide human resources with a brief summary of your experience, skills and talents. It should be in a table format no longer than one A4 page. It is also important here to pay attention to spelling and punctuation – it would be a good idea to let a friend or family member read it.
The checklist for a clearly organised German CV:
- Name
- Address
- Date of birth
- City/town of birth
- Parents
- Schooling
- School-leaving qualification
- Special skills
- Hobbies (optional)
- Location, date
- Signature
Good preparation is important. [br]And it’ll help you to relax.
Congratulations! You’ve been invited to an interview. You’ve overcome the first hurdle. Now it’s time to keep cool if you want to make a good impression – but how?
A helpful tip: good preparation is half the battle. It will help you relax, increase your confidence level and give you the feeling that you’re ready for anything.
You should find out as much as possible about the company you’re applying to. The easiest way to do that is on the Internet. Company websites generally tell you everything about the industry, the size, the number of employees and the philosophy of your dream company.
Another element of good preparation: think about some questions you could work into the conversation during the interview. Asking your own questions always signals interest and will earn you points.
Speaking of questions: during the interview, you will be asked lots of questions. You should have some good answers prepared.
So that you’re not caught unawares, here are a couple of typical questions they might ask you:
- What made you choose this training position in particular?
- What made you choose this company in particular?
- What do you know about our company?
- How did you find out about the training position and the company?
- What do you want to do after the training programme?
- How do you picture your workday?
- What do your parents think about your decision?
- What were your favourite subjects at school?
- What subjects did you dislike, and why?
- What do you do in your free time?