How to make your application a success

You now know how to structure your application portfolio. Now let's move on to the individual points of your application, starting with the cover letter.


The cover letter is probably the most difficult part of the application. This is why companies have started to offer an application without a cover letter.
However, it is worth investing time and effort in a cover letter, as applications with a cover letter are usually more successful. It helps you to stand out from the crowd and at the same time emphasise and explain important points on your CV. Especially Career changers benefit from a cover letter.


What should you bear in mind when designing and formulating your cover letter?

A professional cover letter should be not longer than one DIN A4 page.

Describe your motivation for the position you are applying for, emphasise relevant strengths and soft skills and put yourself in the spotlight.

You should never repeat your CV in your cover letter!


The structure of a cover letter is clearly defined.

Regardless of whether you are applying in analogue or digital form, always use a letterhead. This contains your contact details, the recipient's details (company, department, contact person, with or without address), place and date as well as a subject line.

The cover letter itself should begin with a personal salutation. If no contact person is specified, try to find the right person to whom you would like to address your cover letter.

This is followed by the be-all and end-all of every cover letter: an unique, inspiring introductory sentence. Start with a quote or a sentence that describes you perfectly.
Please do not start your cover letter with: ‘I am hereby applying as...’.


In the main part, create a link between your skills and soft skills and the position you are applying for. Don't just list them, but back them up with concrete examples.

According to Google HR manager Laszlo Bock, there is a formula for the perfect application. Formulate previous successes according to this formula: ‘I have achieved X, relative to Y, by doing Z.’

The more specific, the better!


In the final sentence, you are confidently looking forward to an invitation to an interview - so the subjunctive is unnecessary here!

Even if a signature in the digital cover letter is old school, it looks more personal and professional.

Don't forget to list the attachments so that your interviewer knows immediately what information will follow.


Proofread the cover letter carefully, preferably by a third party, so that no spelling or grammatical errors creep in.

Did you know that Microsoft Word offers many different designs for your application in the templates? Just give it a try.


And always remember: practice makes perfect!


You will find many interesting offers on our job page.


Our next article is all about the cover page for your application and the application photo.

Interested in finding out more? Then stay tuned!