Application Contents
- The Cover Letter
- The CV
- Certificates and References
- The Cover Page (optional)
- Desgin and Formatting
The Cover Letter
The cover letter is the first part of your application and should be no longer than one page. It gives you the opportunity to present your motivation and qualifications concisely.
Here is a possible structure:
- Subject Line: Clear and precise, e.g. "Application as a toolmaking technician".
- Introduction: Introduce yourself briefly and explain why you are applying. Try to arouse the reader's interest directly.
- Main Part: Here you go into more detail about your qualifications and experience that qualify you for the advertised position. Emphasize how your skills can benefit the company.
- Conclusion: Briefly summarize your motivation and show that you are open to a personal interview. Don't forget to include your contact details.
The CV
The CV is the centerpiece of your application. It should be clear and complete. Make sure that the most important information immediately catches the eye.
The following points belong in every CV:
- Your Details: Name, address, telephone number, e-mail address.
- Work Experience: Start with your current or last position and work your way backwards. List the employer, length of employment and your main duties.
- Education: Similar to work experience, list your educational and professional background in chronological order.
- Additional Qualifications: Foreign language skills, IT skills, further training, etc.
- Hobbies and Interests: This section is optional, but can help to emphasize your personality.
For more insights, take a look at our blog post on how to best design a CV.
Don't forget to sign and date both your CV and cover letter. This gives your application documents the finishing touch and also confirms that all information is up-to-date and correct. If you send your application digitally, you can simply scan your signature and integrate it into the documents as an image.
Certificates and References
Certificates and references support the information you provide in your CV and cover letter. Make sure that you include all relevant documents in your application. These include
- Employment References: From previous employers.
- Graduation Certificates: School and training certificates, certificates from further training courses.
- References: Contacts from former managers or colleagues who are willing to give a positive recommendation.
The Cover Page (optional)
A cover page is not a must, but it can enhance the appearance of your application and provide a better overview.
It usually contains
- Title: "Application"
- Your Name: Clear and concise
- Photo: A professional application photo
- Contact Information: Address, phone number, e-mail
Design and Formatting
First impressions count, even when it comes to the look of your application.
Therefore pay attention to:
- Consistent Design: Use a uniform font and font size.
- Readability: Use enough paragraphs and bullet points.
- Neatness: Avoid spelling mistakes and unnecessary embellishments.
A well-structured and attractively designed application can be the key to your new job. Invest time in creating it and always tailor it to the advertised position and the company. With these tips, you are well equipped to make a lasting impression. Good luck!
More and more applications are being sent by e-mail. It's best to pack your cover letter, CV, certificates and references into a single PDF file. This ensures that the formatting of your documents is retained and everything is clearly laid out.
