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1. TO-DO LIST FOR THE APPLICATION

Take enough time for thorough preparation and pay particular attention to the following points:

a) CHECK YOUR CV & REFERENCES

HR personnel place particular emphasis on whether the resume and the content of references are consistent. Gaps or weaknesses in the resume require a reasonable explanation and should be answered honestly.

b) COMPANY RESEARCH

The industry, product environment, and company culture should be a good fit for the applicant. Identifying with the company’s products and services forms the basis for a long-term collaboration. Information about the company should be gathered before the interview (size, business purpose, culture, structures, innovations, international presence, etc.). Use various sources such as company websites, press reports, and network information. The question, “What do you know about our company?” is part of almost every job interview.

c) APPLICATION OUTFIT

Appropriate clothing, a neat appearance, and confident demeanor are your personal business card. Choose an outfit in which you feel comfortable and that reflects your personality.

d) SALARY NEGOTIATION

The salary is usually based on your previous income. Also consider company benefits such as company cars for private use, pension schemes, further education budgets, meal and travel allowances, supplementary health insurance, bonuses, paid overtime, etc. Collective agreements and salary tables by industry can serve as guidance. Be willing to negotiate.

2. APPLICATION DOCUMENTS

a) THE RESUME

The photo is an important element of the application documents. It often unconsciously influences decision-makers to invite someone to an interview or not. The size of the image should be chosen so that it fits well into the application documents visually. Professional photos are preferable to passport photos or snapshots. By the way: In the Anglo-American world, application photos are not common. For international applications, it is advisable to find out about the usual form of application in the respective country beforehand.

b) PERSONAL INFORMATION

Personal information includes first and last name, home address, phone number (where you can be reached), and your email address. The listing of the data should already be in tabular form.

c) EDUCATION/SCHOOLING/PROFESSIONAL TRAINING

List your education in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent. Highlight awards and above-average achievements. Pay attention to form, as quality takes precedence over quantity! Always ensure clarity.

d) PROFESSIONAL CAREER/PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE

Start with your most recent or current employment. Provide the names of companies, work location, and job or position title of your previous employment. Briefly describe your tasks and responsibilities in bullet points. Dates should be formatted as MM/YYYY – this applies to all date entries in the resume, where appropriate. If you have frequently changed jobs, group similar activities together.

e) FURTHER TRAINING/ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

For work-related training activities such as seminars, courses, and workshops, it is sufficient to state the year. For longer training courses, it is recommended to specify the number of hours per week.

f) PROFESSIONAL SKILLS/SPECIAL ABILITIES

List all relevant skills and abilities you have acquired, including language and computer skills (including level), driving licenses, etc. Special hobbies or voluntary activities can also be mentioned here.

g) THE MOTIVATION LETTER

The cover letter should spark curiosity. It must make clear that you are the right person for the advertised position and that you want it.

In the subject line, state the position you are applying for. In the introduction of the motivation letter, use the opening sentence to capture interest and curiosity. In the main body, briefly describe your qualifications and experiences (achievements and successes) that relate to the target position’s requirements. In the closing part, express your confidence and eagerness for a personal interview, ending with a polite closing formula.

Provide your contact details and follow the usual politeness rules. Observe proper spelling, grammar, and capitalization.

h) REFERENCES AND THEIR SIGNIFICANCE

You have a legal right to a work reference. However, you must explicitly request the issuance of the reference. A qualified work reference includes, in addition to personal information and the type and duration of employment (simple reference), detailed information about all essential tasks in the correct order (the most important first). The reason for termination should not be included in the reference, except in the case of a “business-related termination.” Keep in mind that vague or poor evaluations can hinder your professional advancement. Therefore, check the wording in your work reference carefully, and you may request corrections if necessary. The following points should not be mentioned directly in the reference: salary, criminal records, illness, absenteeism, disabilities, or private commitments (union, party, or religious affiliation).

3. THE JOB INTERVIEW

a) GREETING AND INTRODUCTION

First impressions matter: Arrive on time and well-prepared for your appointment. Introduce yourself with your first and last name and speak clearly at an appropriate volume. Maintain eye contact, especially when being spoken to. You may, of course, accept any offered beverages.

b) COMPANY INTRODUCTION

Afterward, the company usually introduces itself, and you receive important information. Listen attentively and take notes if necessary. If you have questions, ask them – HR personnel appreciate your interest in the company.

c) SELF-PRESENTATION

Present your career in an organized manner. Simply listing your jobs is not enough. The company should get a detailed overview of your tasks and qualifications, and your presentation should be tailored to the job description. Mention particularly relevant experiences for the position. Keep the following points in mind:

  • Stay on track and make your presentation interesting; illustrate points with examples.
  • Describe your activities, don’t evaluate them.
  • Be realistic, don’t exaggerate.
  • Avoid negative phrasing.

Ask questions about the position and the company during the interview.

Asking qualified questions signals both interest in the position and your preparation and serious consideration of the company. It also helps you better assess if the position and company are the right choice for you.

Some examples of possible questions:

  • Why is the position vacant?
  • Are there development opportunities within the company?
  • How are reporting lines organized in the company?
  • Where is the role positioned within the organization?

Examples of questions about the role:

  • What are the main tasks?
  • What goals should be achieved?
  • What working time models are offered (core hours, flexible working hours)?
  • How would you describe the company culture?

d) BODY LANGUAGE

A certain body language, confident walk, open eye contact, and a firm handshake are usually well received by the other party and can sometimes increase likability.

However, it is even more important to be authentic during the conversation and remain true to yourself.

e) THE TELEPHONE PRE-INTERVIEW

HR personnel often conduct a phone interview before arranging an in-person meeting. Details (salary, desired qualifications, work location, start date) are discussed in advance to make the application process more efficient for both parties. In this context, having a professionally recorded voicemail message is recommended.