In Germany, many companies utilize online application portals where applicants can upload their documents digitally. If no specific portal or instructions are provided, it's advisable to prepare your application materials as follows:

• Resume (CV) 
• Cover Letter
• Certificates such as university degrees, internship confirmations, work references, language certificates, participation certificates

Ensure the combined PDF file is under 5 MB and named professionally, e.g., "Application_Firstname_Lastname.pdf". This facilitates easy access and review by employers.

A professional first impression is achieved through consistent and polished application documents:

• Use a clear, readable font
• Apply color accents strategically - classic colors like black or dark blue for fields like administration or business; more vibrant combinations for creative sectors like design or marketing
• Maintain uniform formatting (font sizes, margins, layout)
• Have your application proofread to catch any errors
• Always save your application as a PDF file
• Test the document's appearance on various devices (laptop, tablet, smartphone)

A concise, well-structured resume typically spans one to two pages and is organized in reverse chronological order - most recent experiences first.

Structure your resume into sections such as:

• Personal Information 
• Education 
• Work Experience 
• Language Skills 
• IT Skills

The order of these sections may vary depending on the position: for student part-time jobs or internships, education is often prioritized; for full-time roles post-graduation, work experience becomes more significant.

Focus on experiences and skills relevant to the job posting and highlight them accordingly:

• Which abilities and qualifications align with the job requirements? 
• Which tasks and responsibilities should be described in detail? 
• Less pertinent experiences can be listed briefly to maintain a complete yet streamlined resume.

Important: Tailor your resume for each application. Generic resumes may appear impersonal and are often overlooked.

The cover letter offers an opportunity to showcase your personality and motivation beyond the resume. To support this effect, address the following questions in document:

• Why are you interested in this specific position? 
• What qualifies you for it? Provide concrete examples of your competencies from your studies, part-time jobs, or internships. 
• What valuable skills and experiences do you bring? 
• What do you know about the company? What excites you about its projects, values, or products?

Also, conduct thorough research on the company beforehand: explore its website, social media channels, and press articles, and reference these insights in your cover letter.

Including a photo in your application is not mandatory in Germany but remains common, especially in traditional industries.

If you choose to add a photo:

• Have it professionally taken (e.g., at a photo studio)
• Avoid using vacation or casual pictures
• Opt for a neutral, friendly portrait (smiling is acceptable)

In some sectors, the use of photos is declining. Make an individual decision if the company doesn't provide specific guidelines.

Tip: Select a photo that aligns with the desired industry. Review photos on company websites, LinkedIn profiles of employees, or press articles to gauge the appropriate style - e.g. more formal for finance, more creative for media or startups.

For further guidance and examples of suitable application photos (GER) for the German job market, refer to this guide.

Indicate your language proficiency using the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), ranging from A1 to C2.

Even if your German skills aren't perfect, submitting your application in German demonstrates commitment, willingness to learn, and motivation - qualities highly valued by many employers.

In certain situations, applying in English may still be appropriate. For insights on when to submit applications in English despite a German job posting, watch this brief (4-minute) video by an application coach (EN).

Carefully review the job posting to determine which documents and certificates are required. Typically, these include:

• University degree certificates
• Internship and work references
• Language certificates (if requested)

If certain documents are unavailable - perhaps due to international experiences - you may:

• Include a letter of recommendation from a professor
• Request a reference or brief description of your role from former employers

Tip: Save all your application documents and job postings, even after submission. This ensures you're well-prepared for interviews, even if the original job listing is no longer accessible online.

For additional interview preparation tips, visit our website.