Designing successful applications

The perfect application is more than just a collection of documents - your personal business card makes a first impression and opens doors. From high-quality presentation folders, individually designed applications, to impressive business cards. Every detail counts when it comes to making a lasting impression. Whether it's customised cover letters that inspire or CVS that impress with their clarity and structure, your application is the key to your dream job. In this blog post, you'll learn how to incorporate your personality authentically, avoid typical mistakes, and master industry-specific requirements. From creative designs to digital strategies - get inspired to create personalised applications that make an impression and stand out!

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1. The importance of a personalised application

Emphasising that each application should be tailored to the specific job and company to attract interest.

The importance of a personalised application cannot be overemphasised, as it is crucial to standing out positively from the mass of applications. A generic, impersonal application often signals a lack of interest or commitment to the potential employer. A customised application, however, shows that you have put a lot of thought into the company and the advertised position.

Why is a personalised application so important?

• First signal of interest: You demonstrate that you have familiarised yourself with the position's company culture, values and specific requirements.
• Present strengths in a targeted manner: By customising your content, you can highlight the relevant skills and experience for the position in question.
• Better chances with automated pre-selection: Many companies use software (ATS—applicant Tracking Systems) to filter applications. Tailored applications often contain suitable keywords that are recognised by such systems.

• Create a personal connection: A personalised application connects the reader to the company and makes them feel they can be a real asset to the team.

How do you customise your application?

• Research is key: Gather information about the company and the specific position. What challenges does the company want to overcome? What values does it emphasise?

• Optimise your cover letter: by linking your qualifications directly to the job requirements and showing why your skills and experience are a perfect fit.
• Adapt your CV: Prioritise the most relevant experiences to this position and cut irrelevant details.
• Personalised introduction: Start your cover letter with a catchy sentence that relates directly to the company or position, rather than a generic phrase.

This approach will make your application perceived as professional and leave a lasting impression.

2. Structure and organisation of the application

• Cover letter: What should be included, and how should it be worded?
• Curriculum vitae: Clarity, relevant content and optimal structure.
• Other attachments are certificates, references, and a portfolio (depending on the industry).

Cover letter: What should be included and how should it be worded?

The cover letter is your personal business card and an opportunity to communicate directly with the potential employer. It should be personalised, clear and convincing:

Introduction: Start with a concise and interesting introduction that clearly emphasises your motivation for the position and interest in the company.

Main section: Present your qualifications and experience directly relevant to the position's requirements. Link your skills to specific examples to support your statement.

Conclusion: Express your enthusiasm for becoming part of the team and politely ask for the opportunity for a personal interview. End with a professional closing sentence.

Tone and style: Use friendly, professional and positive language. Avoid clichés and empty phrases.

CV: Clarity, relevant content and optimal structure

The CV is a structured overview of your professional career and qualifications. Make it clear, precise and tailored to the requirements of the job:

• Layout: keep the design clear and easy to read, with clear sections. Use a consistent font and font size.
• Structure: Start with contact details, followed by professional experience, education, skills and any other relevant information such as language skills or IT skills.
• Relevance: Present your experience and qualifications that are directly relevant to the position. Prioritise important content and cut irrelevant details.
• Chronological order: Use reverse chronology, prioritising the most recent experience first.
• Special features: If necessary, add your achievements, such as completed projects or results achieved, which emphasise your qualifications.

Other attachments: Certificates, references, portfolio (depending on the industry)

The attachments support your application and provide additional information about your qualifications and achievements:

• Certificates: Add relevant work references, diplomas or certificates that prove your competencies.
• References: If requested or useful, you can add references from previous employers or project partners to emphasise your reliability and skills.
• Portfolio: A portfolio can present your work visually in creative or project-based professions. Make sure it is well structured and shows your best work.

A well-thought-out structure and targeted organisation of your application will increase your chances of making a positive and professional impression.

3. layout and design

Tips for the visual design of the application - modern layout, reader-friendly fonts and colours that radiate professionalism

A successful visual design of the application contributes significantly to making a professional and positive first impression. Here are some aspects you should pay attention to:

Layout and structure:

• Clarity over creativity: Although creative design can be appealing, the layout should always be clear and easy to read. Don't overload the pages with information.
• Consistency: Use a consistent design for the cover letter, CV and, if applicable, portfolio. This creates a professional overall impression.
• Spacing and alignment: Use sufficient white space and clean spacing between the elements so the content does not appear overwhelming. Maintain a clear alignment (usually left-aligned).
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Fonts and typography:

• Weighty fonts: Use easy-to-read and professional fonts such as Arial, Calibri or Times New Roman. Experimental fonts often look unprofessional.
• Font size: A size between 10 and 12 points is ideal for continuous text, while headings can be slightly larger (e.g. 14 to 16 points).
• Use emphasis selectively: Use bold or italics sparingly to emphasise important content without disrupting the reading flow.

Colours and design elements:

• Restrained colour palette: Choose subtle colours such as blue, grey, or beige for accents that radiate seriousness and professionalism. Avoid bright colours or use them sparingly.
• Set accents: Coloured lines, headers or icons can give your application a modern touch, but should not dominate.
• Maintain legibility: Ensure that text is always easy to read. A high contrast between text and background colour is essential.

Consider creative industries:

• In creative professions such as design or marketing, you can be more experimental. Personal logos, innovative layouts, or illustrations can be used here if they do not obscure the content.

Technical realisation:

• File format: Save your application in PDF format to ensure the layout is displayed correctly on any device.
• File quality: Use high-resolution graphics and keep the file small (ideally under 5 MB).

A professionally designed application should give your content room to shine in the best light.

4. dos and don'ts in terms of content

• Precise language, clear statements and avoidance of empty phrases.
• Correct spelling and grammar.
• Individuality instead of standard formulations.

5. digital vs. print

Advantages and disadvantages of both variants

Nowadays, Digital applications are the most common, especially for larger companies. They offer you the following advantages and have specific requirements:

Advantages:

• Speed: You can send applications in a matter of seconds, which speeds up the application process.
• Cost efficiency: No printing or postage required, saving you money and resources.
• Ease of forwarding: Recruiters can easily share your application documents with other decision-makers.
• Interactivity: PDFs can contain interactive elements such as links (e.g. to your portfolio or LinkedIn profile)

Disadvantages:

• Technical hurdles: Insufficiently optimised files (e.g. large file sizes or unreadable formats) can cause problems.
• Anonymity: Sometimes, digital applications appear less personal than a printed portfolio.

Requirements for digital applications:

• File format: PDF is the standard as it preserves layout and design and is universally readable.
• File size: Keep the size under 5 MB so that the files can be sent by email or uploaded without any problems.
• File name: Use a precise and professional name, e.g. "Bewerbung_Max_Mustermann.pdf".
• Links: Include working links (if relevant) to your portfolio, online profile or references.

Print applications. Although they are becoming less common, print applications are still popular in specific industries or with traditional companies.

Advantages:

• Feel and impression: A high-quality printed application leaves a lasting impression due to its physical presence.
• Personality: Handwritten additions or a personalised submission can reinforce the impression.
• Independence from technology: No risk of your application getting lost in a flood of emails.

Disadvantages:

• Costs: Printing, high-quality materials and postage can add up.
• Time required: Print applications require longer preparation time.
• Environmental aspect: Printing large quantities of applications can be resource-intensive.

Requirements for print applications:

• Materials: Use high-quality paper (e.g. 100-120 g/m²) and a professional application folder.
• Print quality: Make sure the print quality is clear and clean, without smudges or blurred text.
• Personalisation: Handwritten details, such as a short greeting note, can add a personal touch.
• Shipping: Choose robust shipping materials so your application reaches the recipient undamaged.

Conclusion and recommendations. The choice between digital and print depends on the target industry, the company and your preferences. A digital application is the standard for most modern companies, especially if it is explicitly requested. However, print applications can be helpful in traditional industries or for a particularly personal touch.

6. Show your personality

How to skillfully incorporate soft skills and personal strengths

Soft skills are abilities such as the ability to work in a team, communication, flexibility and problem-solving skills. They show how you work with people and tackle challenges.

This allows you to incorporate them skillfully:

• Use concrete examples: Instead of just saying "team player," describe a situation in which your ability to work in a team was crucial.
• Make a connection to the job: Show how your strengths match the position's requirements, e.g., "My strong organisational skills help me structure complex projects efficiently."
• Stay natural: Soft skills should appear authentic and match your personality.

This makes it clear how you are an asset to the company professionally and personally.

Here is a sample text that shows how soft skills and personal strengths can be skillfully integrated into an application:

"Besides my professional qualifications, I bring strong interpersonal skills that have always supported me in my professional career. In my previous work as a project manager, I demonstrated my ability to work in a team by successfully coordinating an interdisciplinary team to realise complex projects. My strong communication and problem-solving skills have helped me to overcome challenges effectively and create a harmonious working environment. My flexibility and organisational skills enable me to work in a structured and goal-oriented manner even under time pressure, which is reflected in the successful implementation of projects with tight deadlines."

This text authentically conveys soft skills and personal strengths and shows how they are used in specific professional situations.

7. Interview preparation as a supplement

Strategies to support your application in the interview and present it authentically

A job interview allows you to supplement your application with personal insights and details. You can use the following strategies to make the best impression:

• Preparation: Learn about the company, its values, and the job requirements in detail. Be prepared to answer typical questions and provide examples from your experience to support your suitability.
• Self-presentation: Practice a short, convincing presentation emphasising your qualifications and motivation.
• Supporting documents: Bring a copy of your application and any relevant references or portfolios.
• Ask questions: Consider your own questions about the company or the position to show interest and encourage dialogue.

Authenticity: Be yourself! Authenticity and honesty are just as important as your professional skills.

8. Industry-specific tips

Different requirements depending on the professional field

The requirements for applications can vary greatly depending on the professional field. Here are industry-specific tips to help you adapt to the respective industry:

Creative field (e.g. design, marketing, art):

• Creative design: Your application should reflect your design skills. A customised layout or your own design elements can make a positive impression here.
• A portfolio is crucial. Show your best work in a clearly structured portfolio. Choose high-quality projects that showcase your versatility and creativity.
• Originality in the cover letter: Use the space to present your personal vision and passion for creative work. A memorable introduction helps to attract attention.
• Visual harmony: Ensure that the colours, typography, and design of your application match your style or brand.

Technical field (e.g. engineering, IT, research):

• Emphasise technical skills: Accurately list your specific skills, certifications and experience in technologies, programming languages or systems.
• Projects and results: Describe previous projects or work, including specific results (e.g. "By optimising a process, efficiency was increased by 25%").
• Structured presentation: A clear and functional CV with a clear structure and factual focus is preferred.
• References to expertise: Explain how your expertise aligns with the job and provide technical details if necessary.

Management (e.g. leadership, strategy, organisation):

• Emphasise leadership skills: Show your experience leading teams, projects or departments and your successes, e.g. goals achieved or increased efficiency.
• Soft skills: Strong communication, decision-making and strategic thinking should take centre stage.
• Quantify successes: Provide numbers and data to support your achievement (e.g. "Increased sales by 15% by optimising sales strategy").
• Vision and values: Use the cover letter to convey your leadership philosophy and understanding of company culture.

Medical field (e.g. nursing, doctors, therapy):

• Empathy and teamwork: Personal strengths such as compassion and the ability to work collaboratively are essential in this field.
• Specialist qualifications: List specific education, training and certifications.
• Practical experience: Report on relevant practical activities, e.g. experience in clinics, practices or research.
• Stress management: Emphasise how you deal with challenging situations, such as emergencies.

Administration and office work:

• Organisational skills: showcase your skills in time management, structured work and administrative processes.
• IT skills: Knowledge of office software, data management, and other digital tools is important.
• Attention to detail: Your precise and meticulous work style will be evident, for example, in error-free and clearly organised documents.

Conclusion: Every industry has its own expectations and requirements. Tailoring your application to the specific role and professional field can significantly increase your chances.

9. Avoid common mistakes: A section on typical pitfalls and how you can avoid them

There are some common mistakes that applicants can make when applying for a job. Avoiding these pitfalls is crucial to making a positive impression. Here is an overview of the most common mistakes and how you can avoid them:

Standardised and impersonal application

• Mistake: Using a template without customising it to the job or company.
• Solution: Every application should be customised to the position's requirements and the company culture.

Spelling and grammatical errors

• Mistake: Typing or grammatical errors leave an unprofessional impression.
• Solution: Have your application proofread by a second person or use text checking tools.

Unclear structure

• Mistake: Unclear structure, missing sections or illogical order of content.
• Solution: Use a clear and neat structure with easily recognisable headings.

Lack of relevance

• Mistake: Inclusion of irrelevant information that does not fit the job.
• Solution: Focus on experience and skills directly related to the position you are applying for.

Incorrect or missing contact details

• Mistake: Typo in email address or phone number.
• Solution: Check your contact details carefully before submitting your application.

Applications that are too long or too short

• Mistake: An excessively long application is overwhelming, while an application that is too short looks incomplete.
• Solution: Be concise and stick to the essentials. Your CV and cover letter should not exceed three pages.

Unprofessional design

• Mistake: Design that is too colourful or difficult to read, unsuitable fonts or a cluttered layout.
• Solution: Keep the design simple, professional and easy to read.

Ignoring the specifications

• Mistake: Ignoring specific requirements, e.g. desired file format or requested documents.
• Solution: Read the job advert carefully and adhere to the specifications.

No clear message

• Mistake: Unclear or vague wording that conveys no real added value.
• Solution: Be precise and emphasise the strengths and experience relevant to the position.

No preparation for the interview

• Mistake: Successful applications often don't end with sending the documents; lack of preparation for the interview can detract from the overall impression.
• Solution: Find out about the company and practice potential questions in advance.

By avoiding these mistakes and carefully planning and adapting your application, you increase your chances of being favourably received.

Personalised applications are the key to your success! With carefully tailored cover letters, precisely structured CVS and a well-thought-out design, you can stand out from other applicants and leave a lasting impression. Show your personality authentically and focus on your strengths while avoiding typical mistakes and mastering the requirements of your target industry. Whether through interactive digital applications or a creative presentation of your skills, a well-planned and personalised application will bring you one step closer to your dream job. Take the opportunity to present yourself in your best light!