Job Application

🔍 Before writing your application

Before you start writing your application, read the job advertisement carefully. It provides information about what the employer is looking for and what you should address in your application.

If something in the job posting is unclear, you can gather additional information by calling. The information you receive can help you tailor your application.

Prepare for any phone conversation in advance. Familiarise yourself with the organisation, for example via its website, and think about what you really want to know. Be ready to talk about yourself and your skills.

If you don’t have any meaningful questions, calling just to leave an impression is not recommended.

💡 Explain your motivation

The purpose of a job application is to convince the reader of your motivation and suitability for the role. Make sure to explain why you are interested in this particular position.

Your interest may relate to the tasks themselves or the employer organisation. Always provide reasoning. Simply saying “the role is interesting” is not enough. Explain why this job appeals to you.

You can also try to consider the application from the employer’s perspective: what would convince you that an applicant is genuinely interested in the role?

Motivation is also demonstrated by tailoring your CV and application to the role. Avoid generic templates. Focus on aspects relevant to this position and omit irrelevant information.

🔧 Use examples to demonstrate your skills

Instead of just listing your chronological work history, describe your experience through your skill areas or by overall themes. You can convince the reader of your abilities by providing concrete examples: in what situations have your skills been visible? What feedback have you received? How could your skills be useful in the role you are applying for?

💡 For example, for communication and mentoring skills:

“I worked as a tutor for first-year students and learned to plan clear instructions and provide guidance tailored to each individual. I received feedback that I am able to listen and explain things clearly.”

Also describe yourself and your strengths as a person. Avoid generic adjectives such as cheerful, diligent, or hardworking, or at least explain how these traits manifest in your work.

💡 For example, “diligent” can be made more concrete:

“I consider it important that tasks are completed on time. In group work, I am often the one who manages schedules and ensures everyone knows their role.”

✂️ Keep it concise

Aim to fit your application on a single A4 page. Pay attention to readability. A good application is easy to read, so avoid complex sentence structures and difficult phrasing. Finally, check for spelling errors.

📝 Open applications

Open applications are used to access so-called “hidden job markets.” These positions are not advertised openly online or in newspapers, but can be approached through networks, direct contacts, and open applications. In addition to general advice for cover letters, an open application should present an idea of the potential role you could perform for the employer.

Explain to the employer what problem or situation your skills could help solve. Consider also what other media you could include as part of your application. For example, links to work samples or a job application video can give concrete insight into your personality and skills.

⭐ How to make your application stand out

Often, no special tricks are needed. A carefully prepared, well-targeted application for the specific position can be exceptional on its own.

Focus on knowing your strengths and describing your skills clearly and concretely. A recruiter will notice when an application is thoughtfully crafted for their specific role.

🤖 Using AI in job applications

Do not let AI write your entire application for you. Employers receive many impersonal or formulaic AI-generated applications. A self-written application demonstrates your motivation for the role and usually stands out positively.

Good ways to use AI when writing your application include:

• Ask AI to analyse the job advertisement: what skills or aspects should you emphasise in your application?
• Ask AI to generate questions that help you articulate your motivation for the position.
• Remove identifiable information from your application and ask AI for feedback or language checks.

Read more about responsible use of AI in job searching.