Information on Written Applications

"You never get a second chance to make a first impression"

Your written application must be put together very carefully; the first impression you make is crucial. Either your application documents are convincing or you are already out of the running in this round!

If you want to achieve your aim, an invitation for an interview, you should take great care with your written application. Be convincing both in form and content. And remember: an application is marketing. Sell yourself – but in the right way!

It is not that easy to write a good application. Here you will find tips and offers to help.

General Information on Applying - Q & A!

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The Application Folder - what belongs inside?

Your application folder must include the following documents:

For creative professions, work samples are generally required as well.

Organise your documents in order of importance. The cover letter is placed loosely at the very front of the folder. The most important document in your application, your CV, is the first attached document and is therefore easily visible. Your photo is attached here as well.

Alternatively, you could have a well-designed cover page. Then you could place your photo exactly where you want it.

Diplomas and certificates should be organised chronologically: the more current the degree and the higher it is, the more interesting this document is for the recruiter and the further up it should be in your folder. However, you should never send original documents; send clean photocopies instead.

Is there a checklist which helps me with my application?

Yes, there is a checklist! The following points will help you:

For your cover letter and CV, use white paper or paper with a subtle tone.
The printout should be of high quality and from a laser printer if possible.
Spelling, grammar and punctuation must be perfect.
The overall visual impression is important! Ensure that you use proper spacing and adequate margins.
Ensure that your supplementary documents are all good, unbent photocopies. It is not usually necessary to have documents notarised.
Follow these guidelines for the order of your documents: the cover letter, which is placed loosely at the front of the folder, is followed by

	- a cover page, if appropriate
	- CV with photo
	- copies of diplomas and certificates
	- references, if appropriate

Mail your application documents in a special application folder.

Do you have any tips for applying in other languages

Applying – academic work – business correspondence
Standard sentences in many different languages

You know that application documents differ in every country and in every language?
You haven’t ever written a CV in English?
You lack standard application expressions in various languages?

You can find help here. On the website shown below, you can view business letters, set phrases, CV information, emails, etc. in different languages. All you need to do is select the language in which you need the phrases and then you can begin. Have fun!

bab.la Sprachportal