Properly advertise in English

Working in an English-speaking country - sounds world-wide, exciting, enticing. Just: how do you actually apply for a job abroad? There are content and formal differences between an application in Germany and an English-language application, and you should note that. Here are the key points:

The cover letter

The cover letter conveys the first impression. It must immediately arouse interest in the employer. Therefore, you should describe exactly what qualifies you for the desired job.

Time Form: For general information you use the simple present in the cover letter and the present perfect or the simple past for collected experiences.

formal: The cover letter should not be longer than one page. Place your address on the right (American) or on the top left. In American letters, the subject line is also left-justified between the recipient's address and the salutation. In England, on the other hand, it is between the salutation and the text of the letter.

curriculum vitae

Employers abroad attach great importance to a carefully prepared curriculum vitae. Your CV must be as individual as possible to the desired position. This means that the more accurate your statements are, the more opportunities you have. As in this country, the tabular form is the clearest.

This is part of the CV:

Personal Data (Personal Details): Data such as first and last name, address, telephone number, e-mail address must not be missing in any case. In the US, no information is given on birthplace, date of birth, religion, race, nationality and marital status. Also in England information about race and denomination are taboo. This is how discrimination is to be prevented.

Job Objective: Here you formulate your desired position. The job title can be found in the job advertisement. Even more important is this point for unsolicited applications. So the HR department can assign you to a department more quickly.

Work Experience / Practical Experience: At this point, you will list your professional experience, even if it is just an internship or part-time job. This is proof of your professional and social competence (During my internship I assisted in all aspects of production / As a secretary I arranged all staff meetings). Especially US bosses appreciate self-confident appearance. Some companies scan resumes and search for keywords. So make sure that such keywords appear in your application. It is best to highlight the points that match the requirements (bold or italics).

Education and Studies (Education): Information about vocational and school education is important. You should call the degrees in German and translate them into English in brackets: high school, A-level, course of study in GB or academic program (USA), university (college).

Other knowledge, skills and interests (Special Skills / Interests): You are with the Red Cross, work as a volunteer in your community or speak three languages fluently? Whether language skills, experience abroad, computer skills but also hobbies - in English-speaking countries special attention is paid to soft skills.

Photo and certificates: In contrast to the German application, you do not have to send a photo or certificates in England or America. As a rule, you should only provide references and contact persons on request, as they will only become important if your application has attracted interest. But if you think it necessary, you can give two to three names plus contact details of former / current employers or past professors.

Chronology: The curriculum vitae is not chronologically listed, as in our case, but in chronological order. Name the most recent job or training place first.

Shape: The CV may be longer than the cover letter, but should not exceed two to three pages. Since you do not send copies of certificates, you do not need to put the application in a folder. A DIN A4 envelope is sufficient. You will take the original certificates for the job interview.

Be honest

You should write the cover letter and the CV yourself - otherwise you will raise expectations with your potential employer, which you may not be able to fulfill later. Formulate simple and short sentences and have the cover letter read by friends or parents. As with a German-speaking application applies: No spelling mistakes, good expression, high-quality paper, appealing layout and contact addresses not forgotten.

Do not wait, but get started

Once the application is submitted, you are expected to become active yourself. So call after about a week and ask if your documents have arrived. Also, offers to provide more information at any time.

Application forms as an answer

It may be that you receive an application form in response to your application. With that you are already a bit further. Your application has met with interest. Fill in this form carefully and it is best to read it again. The arc contains questions about education, work experience, career goals, strengths and weaknesses.

say thank you

It's done. You have completed the job interview. Do not lean back, but show initiative. Thank you in a short cover letter (Thank-you-Letter) for the nice conversation. If you have the promise already in your pocket, you should also answer with a polite acceptance or refusal letter.

Small translation aids

Are you missing the right vocabulary and phrasing for an English application letter and resume? Help available here:

www.ego4u.de

dict.leo.org

dict.tu-chemnitz.de

www.pons.de

You can find templates for CV and application letter here: www.pons.de

book tips

Jackie Pocklington, Patrik Schulz, Erich Zettl: Applying for English: Tips, Templates and Exercises. With CD-ROM, Cornelsen, 2004, 176 pages, 19.95 euros

Klaus Schürmann, Suzanne Mullins: Applying Worldwide in English, Eichborn Verlag, Edition: 1, 2007, 15,95 Euro

Karsta Neuhaus, Dirk Neuhaus: The Application Guide English, Ilt-Europe; Edition: 2nd, 2007, 279 pages, 12,90 Euro