Job Application - What Belongs Where?

Even though applying for a job has become a lot easier in the digital age, the application letter should still adhere to certain formal specifications. In order for you to make a good first impression in the HR department, your digital application should be comprehensive and well-structured.

Our article points out you what belongs where in an application as well as in which format the application is best submitted.

Paper Format or Digital Format?

In the past, printed applications was the standard form. While some employers still expect this in order to get a proper first impression of the applicant, younger companies with a greater connection to the digital world are usually satisfied with an online application. In this case, submitting all of your documents in a single file or a sorted digital folder is sufficient.
 

The job posting usually tells you which of these formats is preferred by the company. If you would like to send an unsolicited application, you should visit the company's job or career page in advance. You can use the contact options to see whether the documents should be sent by post or digitally.

HOW EXACTLY SHOULD THE APPLICATION BE STRUCTURED?

Use the following order to leave a good impression with your application - whether printed or digital:
 

1. COVER SHEET

Even if it is not an official part of the application, a cover sheet gives a professional impression. The word “application” as well as the contact details can also appear on the cover sheet in a slightly smaller font.
 

2. COVER LETTER

With the cover letter you clarify your intention. The cover letter should be formal, structured like a regular letter and refer to the other documents on the following pages. It is also possible to briefly mention important qualifications and references in the cover letter. It is the central part of the application and should offer a compact and meaningful overview of all other content.
 

3. CV

After reading your cover letter, the HR manager initially wants to find out who exactly he/she is dealing with. A detailed CV of educational and professional experience as well as other skills and knowledge should be listed here. Language skills and voluntary work should also be mentioned in the application.
 

4. CERTIFICATES

The career path mentioned in the CV should then be supported by certificates and references. Start with the qualifications that are most closely related to the advertised position. If these are put in front, the rest can be sorted chronologically.
 

5. REFERENCES

References can be important depending on the job opening, but they do not have the same value as official certificates. The attached references should be well-founded and well-known, as you will otherwise leave a negative impression in the cover letter.

FINAL ADVICE FOR BUILDING YOUR APPLICATION

•    In some sectors, a photo is required and should only be included with the application in this case. It is placed behind the CV and before the references.

•    Whether it's a folder or a digital file, a subtle choice of colors, fonts and layouts is always preferable.

•    Repeat your contact details from the cover sheet in the cover letter in order to minimize search times, in case HR is interested.