Letter of application in the German language. General informations
In German, the letter of application is called das Bewerbungsschreiben.
When writing a letter of application for a job in a German speaking country, please take the following into consideration:
o Don't use abbreviations.
o Use short sentences.
Write the letter of application in the same style as a curriculum vitae and on a computer.
If it is an unsolicited letter of application (not responding to an advertisement or an offer), try to get the name of the person to whom you should address the letter by calling the company. In Germany and Austria, names and titles are very important. It is on your advantage to find out who the appropriate person is. If you don't have a particular person, address the letter to "Personalabteilung" and write it under the company's name in the address.
If you know the name of the person you are writing to direct the letter as follows:
"Sehr geehrte(r) Frau/Herr {Last Name},"
If you dont know the name of the person you are writing to use:
"Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren," (after the comma you start with a lower case letter).
Close the letter with :
"Mit freundlichen Grüßen". Leave a few lines and type your name underneath then sign your name in between.
The first paragraph should state the position you are applying for, where you found it advertised, and/or who gave you the information about the placement: "wie ich durch Frau Nora Ernst von der Donau Universität erfahren habe, bietet Ihr Unternehmen Praktiumsplätze im Bereich Maschinenbau an".
If you have knowledge about the company, this is where you can show it in a few lines.
The second paragraph should include the following:
o Your reasons for interest in the job and the company.
o Clarify the position you're interested in or the department.
o If you actually have a particular job you are applying for, you should refer to how you found it in your letter.
o Present the period of time you are available if it is a temporary job or just the date when you can start. "Ich möchte mich hiermit um ein sechsmonatiges Marketingpraktikum bewerben, das ich im September 2008 beginnen könnte".
o Emphasize your qualities that best fit with the position.
o Describe your relevant work experience and mention the former employer's name or the industrial area in which the company operated.
o Explain how the new company can benefit from your employment.
The third paragraph must include:
o The interest in an interview and state when you are available to do so: "Über ein persönliches Gespräch mit Ihnen würde ich mich sehr freuen" or "Ich könnte mich während meiner Semesterferien im April bei Ihnen vorstellen, da ich mich zu dieser Zeit in Österreich aufhalte".
If you cannot afford to go to Austria or Germany, conclude by stating: "Über eine positive Antwort würde ich mich sehr freuen." (Some German companies will offer you a placement without an interview simply because they like your background. They might nevertheless want to speak to you over the telephone to see how well you speak German.)
The fourth paragraph should include the following:
o Documents you are enclosing with the letter: "Bitte entnehmen Sie weitere Informationen zu meiner Person dem beigelegten Lebenslauf, den Zeugnissen sowie der Studiengangbeschreibung".
o The end. Point out you're looking forward to their response.
Finally, remind them how to contact you.
There are some other things to keep in mind: when writing a letter of application for a gErman speaking country:
o Make it personal; don't give the impression that this is a standard letter.
o Do not exaggerate or flatter yourself (This is different from some countries where it is common to go on and on about how wonderful you are).
