Applicant guide
The first impression is the most important. That’s why your application documents should be authentic and carefully prepared to help you gain attention from personnel managers. In this guide Alptekin Personalservice offers you the tips you need for a successful application.
The perfect application
The perfect application in four steps – with our tips for a successful job application!
All application documents at a glance:
1. The cover letter
Your cover letter serves as your initial contact with personnel managers. It also offers a direct opportunity to gain their attention. The format should be standard for a business letter; ensure you use proper spelling and grammar. The letter should consist of an introduction, main section and conclusion – similar to an essay. Refer to the specific job offer in the introduction. Then focus on yourself in the main section: Your personal abilities, qualifications that help you stand out from the crowd and your motivation for applying to the advertised position. Finally, state your suggested start date and requested salary. Close the cover letter by requesting a personal interview.
2. The CV
Your CV provides information about you and your professional career quickly and clearly. That’s why it plays such an important role in assessing applications. Structure your CV as clearly as possible. The content of the CV should be as complete as possible.
The following 6 categories will help you build a perfect CV:
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Personal information Contact information, date of birth, nationality, marital status / children
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Professional experience Indicate all of your previous positions and professional activities (including their duration, company name, position and position description)
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Education and schooling All information on your academic education and schooling
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Weiterbildungen Nennen Sie alle Weiterbildungen/Workshops/Seminare, an denen Sie bisher teilgenommen haben
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Continued training Indicate all of the continued training programs / workshops / seminars you have taken part in. Special qualifications Language skills, IT expertise, etc.
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Private interests/volunteering You can describe your character in more detail here by including information on your hobbies. Many employers will use this information in helping them make their decision.
Note: always place your most recent information and your highest qualifications first
3. References and certificates
Scan and attach all of your references and qualifications to your application documents. These should be complete and chronological. If you are applying via e-mail, only send the most important certificates and references to keep your file small. This helps to ensure that the company will actually receive your e-mail.
4. Qualification profile
In addition, it's a good idea to complete a qualification profile for yourself and attach it to your documents. You can use the qualification profile to address your performance in more detail, explaining why you’re the right choice for the advertised job. Formulate your past goals and successes, as well as the personal strengths they’ve helped you build.
Winning at your interview
You've overcome the first hurdle – now you need to let your personality stand out. We’ve gathered a short summary of tips that will help you successfully prepare for your interview.
You need to stand out with charm and confidence in your interview. We’ve prepared some questions you should think about in advance. Come up with answers to them so you can appear self-confident in your interview.
The following are some questions you might face in a job interview:
- What do you like about the advertised job?
- If we asked your last supervisor what your strengths and weaknesses are, what would they say?
- What do you imagine your duties would be like at our company?
- Why do you want to change companies?
- What do you want to achieve in the next five years?
- What is your impression of our company?
You can start to make your own decision even after the initial interview. The following questions might help you:
- Is this how I envisioned the job and the company?
- Can I see myself at the company in the future?
- What is the company environment like and how do employees treat one another?
By post or e-mail?
There is no general rule for how to submit your application. There may be a standard way to send in applications in a particular industry – technical companies, for instance, will likely prefer to receive applications via e-mail. In some cases, a company may expressly request applications be mailed in or submitted digitally. You should note the company's preferences when you send your application.
If you decide to mail your application, select an attractive folder in good condition. Your documents should also look neat and be presented with a good layout. Employers draw information on applicant information from these kinds of details.
