The application documents are the door opener to the job – as long as they are convincing, error-free and complete. Absolventa explains which information and documents belong in the application documents, how to prepare the documents optimally and how to leave a convincing impression with your application.
BLITZ-UMFRAGE
Complete application documents vs. short application.
If employers require applicants* to submit complete application documents, the application portfolio includes not only a cover letter and resume, but also certificates (school, university) and work references (internship, student jobs, permanent position), as well as other documents relevant to the application, such as awards or certificates proving IT or language skills.
Sometimes job advertisements only ask for a brief application. In this case, a letter of application and a curriculum vitae in tabular form are sufficient, as well as any additional information. nor the most important certificate (z. B. the certificate of vocational training or university studies). An unusual and creative form of short application is the application autograph card. This is particularly suitable for job fairs.
You can find even more tips on the subject of applications, salary prospects or information on the profession here:
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Tips for the job search
Meaningful application documents.
Sometimes you will find in the job offers the explicit addition "we ask for meaningful application documents". The wording does not mean that you should send as thick an application folder as possible, but that you should only enclose documents that are actually relevant to the position in question.
For example, if you are applying for a job as an IT product manager, you do not need to include a reference from your internship in human resources development, which took place four years ago. Accordingly, the report cards from elementary school or the honorary certificate from the 7. class should not be included in the application documents. Less is more. In any case, you should include the reference from your last internship or. last/current job must be included.
Your application could look like this.
Here you can find free application samples to download and use as a template.
The cover letter.
The cover letter introduces the application, so to speak. It gives a personal touch to the application documents. The cover letter must be completely error-free (spelling, grammar, formalities), otherwise the first impression will be negative. The cover letter is always a first small sample of the applicant’s work, which gives insight into the applicant’s professionalism.
Refer to the requirements in the job advertisement and highlight your knowledge, skills and positive qualities. Key words are important in the cover letter z.B. Ability to work in a team or willingness to perform. These are the key qualifications you should pick up on and immediately demonstrate with concrete examples. But beware of empty phrases in the cover letter!
If you would like to emphasize your achievements to a special degree, it is also advisable to write a performance review. These should be enclosed separately with the application documents.
The resume.
Whether a tabular resume or a detailed curriculum vitae – the resume gives the employer an insight into the applicant’s life and career to date.
The design of the resume should be appealing and not distract from the content. It is important to have a clear overview. Recruiters need to be able to quickly grasp the information they are looking for.
Resumes are always written on the computer. A handwritten resume is only considered if it is specifically requested in the job ad. The CV should also – like the cover letter – be as focused as possible on the requirements and fields of activity of the advertised position. You can do this by z. B. When stating that you have completed an internship, explicitly list the activities you have learned that are also important in the desired job – even if these tasks were not the main part of the internship. So here it is allowed to stretch the truth a bit. However, you should not and must not deliberately provide false information!
The Third Page.
If you add to your application a letter of motivation or. a sog. Third page at, this must also be tailored exactly to the desired position. The third page is rather unusual, but can be useful in individual cases, z. B. at a social institution.
The attachments in the application documents.
The attachments (references, certificates etc.) belong at the end of the application. After the cover letter and resume, first come the references. These should be arranged as they appear on the resume, d.h. the latest proofs first. If you’re currently still in an employment relationship, you can also have your current employer issue an interim report. After the work certificates comes the last education certificate (university, apprenticeship, school). Certificates of further education or other qualifications follow at the very end.
Where do you want to work?
Application documents for an online application.
The application by mail has largely had its day. The absolute majority of applications are now sent by email. Saves time and money. An alternative to e-mail applications is the application management system. Large corporations in particular use the software to better manage applicants.
Whether by e-mail or application management system: when applying online, you should bundle the documents and keep the file size as small as possible (max. 3-5 MB). If the file is too big, it can happen that the email ends up in the spam filter at the companies. Even regardless of this, it is inconvenient for recruiters if it takes longer to open the file because of its size.
You should also have the elements of the application documents ready one by one, just in case the company asks for them. In most cases, however, it makes sense to submit the documents to one or max. combine two files. It is more practical for recruiters than opening each file individually. Part one form cover letter and resume (incl. application photo), part two then all other documents.