Job application is a formal affair and usually follows a set course. We help you with the most important steps – from the application to the interview:
Preparation
To begin with, you should read the job advertisement carefully. In it you will find information about the company, a description of the tasks, requirements for applicants, the application deadline and information on sending the application.
When preparing your application documents, it is important that you note the application deadline for the vacancy. Applications received outside the specified deadline are generally not included in the selection process. You should also note the form of application requested by the employer. It is possible that you should submit your application online, via an application form, by e-mail or by post.
Application Documents
Your application should convince the employer that you are the right person for the advertised position. It should give a professional, competent and authentic impression. Please ensure that all documents submitted as part of your application are spelled and punctuated correctly.
Unless otherwise stated, your application should include the following:
• Cover letter (German: Motivationsschreiben or Anschreiben)
• Curriculum vitae or résumé (German: Lebenslauf)
Attachments:
• As proof of your qualifications: Copies of diplomas degrees or certificates (school-leaving certificate, training certificates, technical college or university degree, further training, etc.)
• References or testimonials (German: Arbeitszeugnisse)
Cover Letter
In your cover letter, you should outline the skills and experience that you can bring to the job. You should also explain why you want to work for the company and in this position. You will find a template for creating your cover letter on the europass website to help you with the design.
Key Questions
• What is your motivation to work for the company and in the position in question?
• What qualifies you to perform the job described in the job advertisement?
Tips
• If possible, the cover letter should be no longer than one DIN A4 page.
• Check whether the cover letter must contain certain information, such as your earliest starting date or the salary you are seeking.
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Your CV should provide an overview of your personal and professional career. As companies often receive a high volume of applications, it is particularly important to ensure that your CV is clear and easy to understand. In Germany, it has become common practice to use a tabular overview divided into sections such as professional experience, school and vocational training, and academic education.
It is customary to arrange the information in CVs in chronological order, starting with the most recent information, as this is the most important for your future employer. The europass website provides templates and an online tool to help you present your qualifications and skills in a clear and organised way.
Tips
• Always keep your CV up to date.
• Check your CV carefully to ensure that it matches the required profile. Make sure that the qualifications particularly relevant to the job stand out. Do not hesitate to remove irrelevant or outdated information from your CV.
• Only list experience, qualifications or skills that you can prove.
Attachments
Any experience and skills relevant to the job that you list in your CV should be supported by evidence. Enclose a copy of this evidence with your application documents.
Diplomas, Degrees or Certificates
As evidence of your qualifications, you should attach copies or scans of your vocational training certificates, school certificates or university diplomas to your application.
To make your foreign qualifications comprehensible to German employers, it is best to have them translated into German by a sworn translator. If your qualifications acquired abroad have already been assessed as part of the recognition procedure, you should inform the company of the outcome and submit the relevant certificates if necessary.
Job References
If you have references from previous employers, you should include them with your application to provide proof of your professional experience.
In Germany, it is customary for employers to provide an official reference after every job, apprenticeship or internship. If you have any such reference, you should attach them to your application. If not, explain this in your cover letter, as this may not be customary in your country. However, you should still try to obtain references from past employers to use for applications.
The documents listed above are a selection of the most frequently requested application documents. The documents that you should submit with your application are usually listed in the job advertisement.
Selection Procedure
Your application will be reviewed by the employer as part of the pre-selection process. If it meets the basic requirements, you will be considered for the next stage.
The selection process may vary depending on the employer. You may be asked to complete an suitability test and/or participate in an assessment centre (AC) before the interview. These are personnel selection instruments. They use scientific methods to test suitability for the job.
Suitability Test
Suitability tests use standardised tests and exercises to compare your skills and knowledge with those of other applicants and the requirements of the job. You may take the test either online from home or at the company's premises on a PC or in writing. You will be asked to complete tasks from a variety of categories, such as general knowledge, language, mathematics, and logical thinking. The test is tailored to the requirements profile of the desired profession.
Assessment Centre (AC)
The assessment centre is often used to allocate management positions. It consists of a series of tasks to be completed both orally and in writing. Participation in an AC can take up to three days. You can expect the following tasks in an assessment centre: writing an essay, creating a presentation, job-specific tasks, group work and discussions with other participants. Sometimes a critical work situation is simulated (‘critical incident’) to test your performance under pressure.
Job Interview
If your application has been assessed as positive by the company, you will receive an invitation to an interview.
At the interview, the company wants to get a picture of you and get to know you personally. Be prepared to be asked questions about yourself, your motivation, the employer and your skills for the job advertised.
Tips
• Find out about the company in detail in advance.
• When asked about your skills for the job, give specific examples, such as the content of your training or studies, professional experience, further training, etc.
• Make sure you are dressed appropriately
• You will usually also have the opportunity to ask questions at the end of the interview. Make a list before the interview. Many questions will be clarified during the interview, and you can ask additional questions.
After the interview, you will receive a binding acceptance or rejection from the company. If the company has decided in your favour, you will receive an employment contract. In this you can find your future income and read your rights and obligations as an employee of the company. If you agree to the terms and conditions, sign the employment contract and send it back to the company.
Useful Terminology
Support by the Hamburg Welcome Center
If you are looking for a job in Hamburg or want to do an internship for career orientation or as a career entry, the Hamburg Welcome Center (HWC) will support you. It is important that you find something that matches your qualifications and skills in the best way possible.
The HWC also provides you with information on issues relating to the employment relationship, e.g. pay, working conditions, temporary work, dismissal and other rights and obligations as an employee. You can receive advice before or after concluding an employment contract.
Get in touch with the Hamburg Welcome Center!
