Your application represents your first contact with a company. That is why you are well advised to invest time and money in your application. Your documents are your business card; they give the HR manager an initial impression of you. And that is crucial!

Regardless of whether yours is a spontaneous application or a response to an advertised post – always do the research to find out the exact name of the company, its address and the person to contact. A complete application is made up of a covering letter, a CV and references. Do not use Internet-style abbreviations; a polite form of address and correct spelling and punctuation are de rigueur.

The most important part of any application is the personal letter – the objective is to introduce yourself briefly on no more than one page. In the letter, you explain:

why you want to work with that company in particular,
why you are the right person for the company and the advertised post,
why employing you could be an advantage for the company.

Present yourself in a positive and optimistic way and be natural. Anyone who exaggerates or hides their light under a bushel is stacking the cards against themselves.

The CV is a tabular list of your professional career, education and training. Pay attention to the following points:

• Your CV must be complete and without gaps, and provide meaningful information. Lengthy periods of time that are unaccounted for make potential employers wary.
• List your job references and academic education in chronological order, supplying the dates – starting with the most recent job and closing with your last academic qualification.
• Describe your activities so that the reader can build a detailed picture of you.
• Provide precise information, e.g. about your computer or language skills
• A current photo is a must. Professional portraits taken by a photographer are suitable material – snapshots from your last vacation are out.
• A CV should also contain some personal information. Add your hobbies or voluntary activities.
• Men should state whether they have completed their military or civilian service
• Other skills, such as a possession of a driving licence

Further Information!

You should also enclose:

• Your highest academic diploma (e.g., school-leaving certificate, university degree)
• Testimonials from previous employees
• Certificates testifying to attendance at training courses and any additional qualifications

In recent years, electronic applications have become the norm, but they are scarcely any different from postal applications. Attachments should not exceed 3MB altogether. Larger data volumes are often blocked. Save your covering letter, CV and documents separately – best of all in pdf format. In your e-mail, write just a short accompanying text. The principal information should figure in your covering letter.

When you are invited to an interview, the job is within reach! Besides arriving punctually for the interview and being well-groomed, there are a few more points to pay attention to.

Being well-prepared is half the battle
Find out everything you can about your potential new employer. On the Internet, you can find information about any company to help prepare yourself for any questions
Apply some thought as to what your capabilities and skills are. Only someone who is aware of their strengths and weaknesses will be able to come across as self-confident without seeming arrogant.

Your big moment

• The HR manager’s first impression is formed within seconds. A groomed appearance – in other words, clean, smart clothes, neat hair and discreet styling and make-up – will ensure that you put across a pleasant image.
• Punctuality is the icing on the cake! Better to give yourself an extra ten minutes to check your hair and clothes, switch your mobile phone off, get rid of your chewing gum and recall the name of your interviewer. And if you are running late, it’s imperative to call your interviewer and inform him or her of the fact.
• Bring your complete application with you.
• Be natural and polite. Introduce yourself with an appropriate shake of the hand and your full name. Make regular eye contact with your interviewer, listen carefully and think carefully about your answers. Emphasize the fact that you are interested in the post and ask questions – that shows proof of genuine interest.
• Talk about what you are good at and what experience you have – after all, the company wants to get to know you. Show that you are motivated and willing, and also put your personality across.
• Lastly, thank the interviewer for the interview and politely inquire as to when you might be hearing more.