Our advice for your application
CONusio would like to provide you with some essential guidelines which you should consider when compiling an application. The importance of a well presented and structured application cannot be overstated as this could be the key to open many doors of opportunity for you. The following points are to give you suggestions on how to create an application that reflects your personality and will help you to overcome the first obstacles on your way to a successful future career. Good luck!
The first impression: Execution and Presentation
- How does the recruiting company prefer to receive applications - via regular post or by e-mail? You should always adhere to their requirements. Should this not be clear in the proposal, you are presented with an excellent chance to clear the issue up with a first telephone enquiry
- Always use a brand-new folder for posting your CV
- Make sure it is manageable and easy to leaf through
- Don't use sheet protectors
- Always choose white virgin envelope
- On this, employ clean handwriting or a printed address sticker
- Never use a stamping machine
- For a complete application, include covering letter, CV, and references of all mentioned previous employments
The key: The form of the covering letter
- Should include all elements of a business letter
- Always mention reference number or job title in the subject heading
- Use the personal address of the contact person - avoid "Dear Sir/Madam"
- Give regard to the right spelling of the contact person, company name, form of organisation and department
- No more than one page; avoid unnecessary information
- Use high-quality, appealing paper
Your chance: The content of your covering letter
- Try to be aware of the essential journalistic rule that applies when working on the introductory sentence:
- Does it have the potential to captivate the reader to read on?
- Your statements should be self assured, structured, clear, comprehensible, realistic and coherent.
- Your motives for applying for the job should be plausible, pointing out very clearly that the aspired position is the expedient next step for you.
- The letter gives the reader a first impression, all further details can be obtained from the CV; try to avoid repeating information from your CV.
- The contents of your covering letter should be well-formulated, creating an appetite for more
- A comprehensive reflection of your personality should be felt between the lines
- The company knows what itself is all about, so therefore avoid all comments on this subject and do not praise them
- Be aware that those responsible for recruitment are familiar with typical wordings used by applicants, so never include any textbook phrases.
- Finally: misspellings, typos and punctuation errors are unforgiveable; always have your final application letter cross-checked
Your visual business card: The application photo
- Preferably look professional
- Appealing at first glance
- Should be a reflection of your personality
- Never use instant photo booth pictures
- Holiday or wedding photos are no good ideas, either
- Preferred format is a half portrait
- Appropriate attire required
- Always use a separate sheet of paper as a cover page with the photo and address or as the first page of the CV
- Avoid using paper clips or staples to attach the picture
The bare facts: Your CV
- Title your CV with "Curriculum Vitae "
- Arrange all personal data place in a single block at the beginning, including address and phone number
- State contact options and also remember to give one where you can be reached during the day.
- Possibly include a short summary
- List professional and work experience in backwards in chronological order
- State the business of the former employers, their size and internet websites if possible (especially if any company is not well known)
- Provide a brief description of your job occupation
- Give the complete job title
- Use the whole page
- Employ keywords and headlines
- Incorporate certificates of higher education and good grades
- Include only your last school graduation certificate
- Language skills: Comprehensive statements such as basic skills, general correspondence capability, solid business language knowledge, as well as language skills obtained through periods abroad
- Mention trainings and seminars attended, and include detailed descriptions regarding contents and length
- You may elaborate on personal interests and hobbies (not dangerous sports etc.)
- "Reference upon request" - which means that you will gladly provide references if the company asks for them; but only give references addresses when the person in case has been informed beforehand, ensuring that you retain control on who and how references are obtained
- Use a reasonable font, i.e. good print legibility, not too small or too big, and bold-print important information
- The CV should correspond 100% to the enclosed references without any gaps; adhere to the same chronological order when compiling the CV and references.
- Always sign CV
CONusio has developed a sample CV according to these guidelines. You are welcome to download the following PDF-document.
Simply click on the Acrobat-Symbol.