Application tips for students

• Submit your documents in one pdf file, unless otherwise requested.
• Make sure that the file(s) are named in a meaningful, serious and uniform way.
• Ensure that your documents are clear and uniform .
• Uniform designs of CV and cover letter look professional and show your eye for detail (e.g. uniformly used color accents).

• 1 to a maximum of 2 pages
• Two-column format
• Tabular structure
• A-chronological structure: New information is given first
• Consistent time specifications, e.g. mm/yyyy - mm/yyyy
• Consistent indication of activity, institution and location
• Provide 2-3 bullet points on tasks and activities or additional relevant information under each experience
• Date and signature at the end of the CV

Make sure that the document is a text file, not an image file. Export the document as a pdf file.

• Heading: "Curriculum vitae" or your full name
• Personal details: Surname, first name, contact details (address, e-mail address, telephone number), optional: pronouns. Make sure you enter a serious and personal e-mail address!, link to your LinkedIn-profile
• Optional: Application photo. The photo should be professional and appropriate to the position. Choose a monochrome background and avoid selfies or passport photos. Make sure you look friendly and likeable.

• Academic career
  • Period
  • Degree program
  • Planned degree (e.g. Bachelor of Science, Master of Arts)
  • University (make sure you use the correct spelling!)
  • Place of study
  • Optional: Minor subjects, specializations, projects, thesis titles

• Practical experience
  • Period
  • Internships, working student positions, part-time jobs, full-time positions, etc.
  • Position title
  • Employer
  • Place of work
  • 2-3 key points each on tasks and activities

• Voluntary commitment
  • Period
  • Position title
  • Organization
  • Place of work
  • 2-3 key points on tasks and activities

• Optional
  • Projects (if more than two projects relevant to the position, these can be listed as a separate bullet point)
  • Publications (if relevant for the position, if there are more than five relevant publications, only an excerpt is given)

• Knowledge and skills: Always indicating the level of knowledge (e.g. basic knowledge, good knowledge)
  • Language skills
  • IT skills
  • Soft skills

• Optional: Hobbies or interests: Avoid "standard hobbies" such as reading and traveling

Here you can download a sample CV (PDF, 209 KB).

• Important: Read the job advertisement carefully. What are the requirements? What are the tasks and responsibilities?
• The motivation letter should not be a retelling of your CV. It should provide real added value. Important: Make the necessary transfer here (reference to your own experience - job)
• Find out more about the company: On the homepages there are usually the sections “About us”, “News”, or similar. Which values of the company convince you? What are current developments that you like? What do you think makes the institution special? etc.
• Length: approx. one page
• Ensure a uniform layout (font, font size)
• Pay attention to a clear structure
• Avoid the "Konjunktiv" (similar to conditional I and II)
• Make sure it is easy to understand , even for non-specialists (e.g. in the HR department)
• Avoid abbreviations and acronyms
• Avoid describing problems (e.g. with your last employer)
• Avoid standard motivation letters. Always refer to the company and the specific job advertisement
• Have your motivation letter proofread: Check the grammar, spelling and formatting

• Header
  • Own contact details: Address, cell phone number, e-mail address (preferably with real name)
  • Company contact details : full company name with legal form, department (as stated in the advertisement), contact person, address
  • Current date and location (the dates should match the CV)
  • Subject, stating the position title. If available, state the reference number
  • Salutation of the contact person

• Introduction
  • Spark interest: possibly via an interesting anecdote, current research, a central idea, your values, etc.
  • If you have previously been in contact with the company, the contact person can be mentioned by name
  • Reference can also be made to career fairs, events, etc. if contact has been made here

• Main part
  • Brief presentation of your own career. Important: no retelling of your CV! The focus should be on the most relevant stages. Make a selection of the experiences that best suit the vacant position. Bundle related subject areas meaningfully.
  • Apply your experience directly to the advertised position and its requirements and tasks. Use concrete examples, projects, research work, etc. that illustrate your expertise and interest. What added value can you provide? This is where the actual transfer from you to the position takes place.
  • Provide evidence of your most important skills, hard skills and soft skills with relevant examples, details and experience
  • Possible questions: Why this job? Why are you a perfect fit for this position? Why this company?
  • Show your motivation and enthusiasm for the company and the position
  • Go into detail about the potential employer! Why is this exciting for you? Which areas of the corporate culture appeal to you? Which of the company's values are particularly important to you and why?

• Conclusion
  • Express your anticipation of a job interview
  • If applicable, include notice periods, earliest starting date, salary expectations etc.
  • Add your signature at the end (also possible digitally; no typed repetition of the name under the signature)

You can download a sample motivation letter (PDF, 96 KB) here.

• In English, a "Lebenslauf" is referred to as a “CV” or “curriculum vitae,” and in the US, it is also called a “resume.”
• Submit your documents in a PDF file, unless otherwise requested.
• Make sure to use meaningful, professional, and consistent file names.
• Ensure that your documents are clear and consistent.
• Consistent designs for your resume and cover letter look professional and show your attention to detail (e.g., consistent use of color accents).
• Choice of language: We advise you to apply in English for English-language job advertisements and in German for German-language job advertisements.

• Heading: “Curriculum Vitae” or your full name
• Personal details: Last name, first name, contact details (address, email address, phone number), optional: pronouns. Be sure to provide a professional and personal email address!

For legal reasons, the following information should NOT be included in your CV: gender, date of birth, marital status, religion, nationality. Also, NO photo.

• Personal profile / Summary
• Approximately 2 to 4 sentences
• A short section about yourself. Briefly summarize your experience and knowledge in a way that is specific to the position.
• Example: Enthusiastic business student with internship experience in marketing and project management. Strong communication and analytical skills, eager to contribute to a fast-paced international team environment.

• Academic background (education)
  • Period
  • Course of study
  • Planned degree (e.g., Bachelor of Science, Master of Arts)
  • University (please ensure the spelling is correct!)
  • Place of study (city, country)
  • Optional: Minor subjects, specializations, projects, titles of theses
  • For German degrees/grades, it may be useful to convert them to the 4.0 system
    • Example: GPA: 1.5 (converted to 3.8/4.0 scale)

• Work experience
  • Period
  • Internships, working student positions, part-time jobs, full-time positions, etc.
  • Job title
  • Employer
  • Place of work
  • 2-3 bullet points each on tasks and activities
  • Tip: Quantify your achievements! Numbers make successes tangible.
    • Examples: “Increased social media engagement by 40%” / “Managed a budget of $5,000”

• Knowledge and skills: Always indicate your level of knowledge (e.g., basic knowledge, good knowledge)
  • Language skills (CEFR level)
  • IT skills
  • Soft skills

• Volunteering or projects
  • Period
  • Position title
  • Organization
  • Place of work
  • 2-3 key points about tasks and activities

• Certificates / Awards / Publications / References (optional)
  • if relevant
  • stating the year

Here you can download a sample CV (PDF, 186 KB).