Submitting an application

Application documents

This section provides an overview of the content you may wish to include in your application documents. It goes over the most important parts in detail. For more information about preparing your application, see our information pool, our link collection (via bibsonomy) and attend our seminars and workshops.

These guidelines are just that: guidelines. They are not set in stone. There are many ways of preparing an individual, creative application. Every application you submit should match the company and the career goals connected to the application, but above all, it needs to represent you well.

This means: know in advance how you intend to present yourself. Explore yourself, use your imagination, and research. Ask someone you know to check your application and point out any weaknesses.

Nowadays, it is very rare to send applications in the post, so we will not discuss this option here.

The cover page

Applications do not necessarily need a cover page these days. If you can fit all relevant data (contact details, photograph, application/position) into your résumé concisely, you do not need to design a cover page. It is mostly a matter of space and personal preference. If you do want to include a cover page, it should contain your photograph, your contact details and the reason for your application (e.g.: “Application for the position of XYZ at ABC”). Subtle colors and an individual letterhead with your name and address can attract recruiters’ attention. See also the section about cover letters

The cover letter

Your cover letter should never be longer than one page, and it is better not to cram too much text into it. Formulate approximately 6 brief, concise sentences. Include your own address, the recipient’s address, a subject line (WITHOUT the word “subject” in front of it!) and, at the bottom, a list of annexes. For more details, see the section on cover letters

Your résumé

A better name for a résumé would be “My career path.” The résumé is the central central component of every job application, and you should put a lot of effort into it. A good résumé consists of 7 to 10 points divided into categories. There are many ways of formatting it. For more information, see the section on résumés