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A lot depends on the application, not infrequently the dream job. So what does it look like - the perfect application? You've probably asked yourself that at some point. In the following article, we have outlined what really matters and give you some valuable tips.
A well thought-out and complete application includes comprehensive research about the company. This is not only helpful for writing the application, but also provides additional security during the interview and leaves a positive impression on the personnel managers. In addition the application should be adapted also optically the enterprise, because depending upon whether you apply with a start-up or a respectable Kanzlei, the documents should be arranged more creatively or even more formally.
The first impression in job applications is very important. In order to do as well as possible here, the layout and form play a major role, because they offer the recruiter a first overview of the applicant's motivation. Applications often attract less attention if they do not meet the usual formal criteria at first glance or are inserted via copy-and-paste into common templates. It is therefore advisable to attach great importance to an error-free, complete and specially prepared application.
When submitting applications by e-mail, make sure that all documents are summarized in one PDF file. Tools for reading PDF documents include PDF Exchange Viewer and Adobe Reader. To merge and print PDF documents, I recommend free programs such as PDF Creator and PDF24 Creator.
When reading the application, personnel managers quickly notice whether the cover letter in question is "mass-produced", because these cover letters quickly bore the personnel manager. Words like "Hereby I apply as ..." should be replaced by personal and creative sentences. The subject line should clearly indicate which position you are applying for. In addition to the job title, also state the reference number or applicant ID, if one was specified in the job posting. Write in the first sentence where you found the job advertisement and always try to find a direct contact person instead of using the standard wording "Dear Ladies and Gentlemen ...". If no addressee is mentioned in the job advertisement, feel free to call the company and ask for the right contact person. Prepare yourself for this, however, and try to find out as much as possible about the company structure in order not to end up in the accounts department when it comes to application questions.
Text modules such as greetings, introductions and farewells can be very similar for several applications. In the main part, however, care must be taken to establish a link between the previous career and the new company with regard to the industry, the requirements and the activities. For online applications, larger companies often use so-called scan software to search for keywords in the application. Pay close attention to which position you are applying for and what information the employer has already decoded for you in the job posting. These requirements and qualifications should be reflected in your cover letter.
Simple, well-formulated main sentences are part of a good application. Be convinced of your abilities when formulating your application! Which qualities and knowledge are required in the job advertisement, which of them do you fulfil and why? It is important to always prove qualities and experiences with personal examples and not to leave them as empty words. HR managers want to know why they think they are best suited for this particular position. Nevertheless, inflated adjectives should be avoided. By the way, a good cover letter fits on one A4 page.
Some companies already do without the cover letter in their application documents. However, there are differences of opinion as to whether this makes sense or not. In general, you should inform yourself about the company and the application modalities. For an applicant with 10 years of professional experience, a letter of motivation in which he explains his career in more detail certainly makes more sense than with a freshly graduated university graduate.
Your curriculum vitae is another important part of your application, in which you will be able to convince with your objective knowledge. Do not write novels here, but rather short but meaningful notes on your practical experience and qualifications. Usual are a clear and tabular format as well as an antichronological structure. This means that the last or current activity is right at the beginning.
For every practical position, be it a job, an internship or a working student position, it is advisable to provide a brief description of the activities carried out and the projects carried out.
For computer and language skills it is advisable to give a short self-assessment: For example "English: business fluent".
In addition to the cover letter and the resume, references and certificates typically belong in a good application. It is important to focus only on the most relevant degree certificates, but on as many job references as possible. Note, however, that official supporting documents such as certificates and references are only sent as copies when applying by mail. For an online application, well-scanned and straightened copies are mandatory. They can be sorted either by time or content.
According to the German anti-discrimination law of 2006, it is not compulsory to enclose a photograph. However, it is recommended because it gives the application personality. If you would like to attach an application photo, it should be included either on the CV or on the cover sheet.
It is advisable to have the picture taken by a professional photographer. He brings both his experience and expertise to the job and will provide you with a high quality application photo.
A cover sheet is not mandatory in an application. It offers the applicant the opportunity to stand out even more. The purpose of a cover sheet is to provide the personnel officer with a quick overview of the application and to attract his or her attention. The cover sheet should contain the following information:
Title: "Application", "Application folder" or "Application documents".
Position to be filled: Which position does the application apply to and when does the new job start?
Name, first name and contact data of the applicant: This includes address, telephone number and e-mail address. It is important that you can be reached quickly and easily. A little tip: Choose an e-mail with your name.
Application photo: Again, a small hint: Select the position of the photo on the page so that you look to the middle of the page.
Overview of strengths and goals: Which soft skills make up your person and which professional experiences have you already gained? It is important to stay short and concise. A more detailed presentation of your own strengths will follow in your application.
Attachments: The table of contents of the application. All documents that follow the cover sheet and the cover letter can be listed here. As a rule, this includes: Curriculum vitae, certificates and, if applicable, a letter of motivation, if expressly requested by the employer.
Before sending the application it is advisable to check for the last time whether the company name and the contact person are correctly named and whether the spelling in all texts is correct. The last look ensures that the application with all attachments in the application folder is really complete and is displayed correctly in the attachment when the application is sent by e-mail!
For a successful application, it is always worth investing a little more time, because with comprehensive research about the new company, you can also score points in the interview. A well structured, honest and meaningful application leaves a good impression on your new employer. Take a look at the career opportunities at ARTS on our website.
What experience have you already had with writing and sending applications? I am looking forward to your insights and our exchange of experiences.
Due to demographic change and the resulting shortage of skilled workers, we are experiencing a changed situation today. In recent years, the labor market has developed away from an employer's market to an employee's market. This means that there are more vacancies than qualified employees.
Against this background, social media is playing an increasingly important role today. If you are actively looking for a job, then you should also actively use social media. On the one hand, you can get an insight into the companies you want to apply to on popular portals such as Linkedin and Xing. On the other hand, around 70% of companies in Germany write to job seekers on business networks. So having a profile is no longer enough today, it also needs to be updated regularly. After all, your profile can be found by recruiters and headhunters at any time. So sometimes the first inquiry comes without an application at all.
Sources: WELT | balosisejobs | bewerbung.net | stellenanzeigen | sueddeutsche