Create a cover letter & resume - Tips & Examples (Help articles)
Do you need help with creating a perfect application or resume? Then you've come to the right place! We show you everything you need to know: from the correct structure to professional application photos, from convincing formulations to ready-made templates. In our articles, you will find practical tips, step-by-step instructions, and real-world examples. Whether you are writing a German application for the first time or want to improve your existing documents - we help you to successfully stand out from other applicants.
With our help, you will create a job application and resume that will get you the job.
Don't forget to thank us for the perfect application after you have got the job
Application & CV: What is the difference?
A job application is a comprehensive set of documents for your job search. It consists of four main parts: a cover letter, a resume, and attachments with certificates and references.
The resume is just one part of the application in which you present your professional career path: your education, work experience, skills, and achievements.
The standards for these documents vary from country to country. In Germany, the application has a clear structure with all four components. Each document must be perfectly formatted, and a professional application photo is a must in the resume. The German resume is always created in reverse chronological order - starting with the most recent job.
In the UK, the requirements are more flexible. A photo is not required, and the CV (as the resume is called there) can be created in either chronological or reverse chronological order. British employers often prefer a functional format, where experience is grouped by skills rather than date.
In the CIS countries, an application often consists of just two pages - a resume and a short cover letter. This minimalistic approach is explained by the fact that employers place more value on the interview, where candidates can personally present their skills and experiences. Traditionally, these countries used the chronological order - from the first to the last job. However, more and more companies are now adopting the international standard with reverse chronology.
Is a good job application and resume really this important?
The quality of your job application directly affects your chances of getting an interview. When dozens or even hundreds of candidates apply for a position, your application is the first impression of you as a professional.
The requirements for documents vary by country and position. Germany stands out for its particular strictness - a professional job application is required for every job. For many immigrants, this comes as a surprise - even for a position as a waiter or cleaner, a complete application package must be prepared before the interview. HR managers pay attention to every detail: from the quality of the photo to the text formatting.
For highly qualified positions, the standards are even higher. Imagine: a company is looking for a specialist for a position with an annual salary of 60,000 euros. Normally, at least 50-100 applications are received for such a position. The HR manager usually spends 2-3 minutes on the initial review of each application. In that time, he must decide: Does he invite you for an interview or set your application aside.
Even for entry-level positions with lower salaries, a high-quality application provides an advantage. It shows your attention to detail, your organizational skills, and your serious approach to job searching. The employer sees that you are willing to invest time and effort in your professional development.
How do you create a great job application?
On our portal, you will find materials to help you create a professional job application. We have structured the information so that you can easily find everything you need.
Start with the section "My first job application." Here you will find basic information and the key principles of document creation. This section provides you with the basics and helps you avoid common mistakes.
After familiarizing yourself with the basics, you can delve deeper into each component. We have detailed articles on:
- structuring the job application
- properly formatting the job application photo
- selecting templates and design
- professional wording for various industries
- special considerations for resume creation
We have dedicated special attention to the technical aspects. You will learn how to:
- correctly save documents in PDF format
- properly name files before sending
- correctly group documents in the email
- compose the accompanying text for the email
Each section contains practical examples and pre-made solutions that you can tailor to your needs.
Download ready template or create application yourself?
Let's be honest: I don't know your skills in document creation, but in most cases a ready-made template is the better choice. Whether paid or free - decide for yourself, but here is the reason for it.
Imagine: You are a highly qualified dairy technologist with 15 years of experience. Experts like you are few and far between in the country. But do you know what the HR manager thinks when they receive your unprofessionally designed application? "If someone can't even create a simple document properly, what can they do at all?"
Yes, that's unfair. You are an expert in cheese making, not in document creation. The application was the last thing you paid attention to in your career. But HR receives dozens of applications, and the first impression of you is based exactly on the quality of your documents.
Therefore:
- Choose a template that fits the company's style
- Ensure your photo meets the requirements
- Understand the structure of an application and resume
- Make sure HR sees exactly what is being sought
- Save everything as PDF
- Organize the attachments properly
- Send everything with a thoughtful cover letter
Until you are hired, you play by their rules. And yes, it's best to use a ready-made professional template - free or paid. This is an investment in your future.
Conclusion on Application Creation
Creating an application is the first step towards your dream job. You already know that in Germany, this set of documents is required for every position, from kitchen assistant to department manager.
Your application is more than just a collection of documents. It is your business card, showcasing your professional level even before the personal meeting. The HR manager decides on inviting you to an interview based on the quality of your application.
On our platform, you will find all the necessary materials: from the basic rules of document creation to professional templates. Use the ready-made solutions - they save your time and help you create a flawless application.
Remember: Every detail matters - from the quality of the photo to the text formatting. Invest time in creating a high-quality package of documents. This significantly increases your chances of getting an interview invitation and ultimately, your dream job.
Application Photo - the detail that determines your acceptance
The professional photo for your application is much more than just an image. In Germany, it is a mandatory component that can significantly influence the employer's decision. Even the most impressive professional experience can lose significance due to an inappropriate photo. In our article "How the Photo Affects Application Success," we show you real examples where an unfavorable photo undermines all the candidate's professional achievements.
On our platform, you will find detailed guides on all aspects of creating the perfect application photo. We have analyzed all the details: from clothing selection to image editing.
Want to save on a professional photographer? We have a step-by-step guide on how to take an excellent photo with your smartphone. You will learn:
- which background to choose
- how to adjust the lighting correctly
- which poses are suitable for a business photo
- how to find the right angle for the image
For those who want to edit the photo themselves, we have created a guide on basic editing in Photoshop and free online editors. You can:
- adjust brightness and contrast
- remove minor imperfections
- crop the photo properly
- prepare the image in the required size
In separate articles, we explain the dress code for various professions - from warehouse worker to bank employee. The properly chosen attire in the photo demonstrates your understanding of the company culture and respect for the potential employer.