USA & Co .: Application abroad
More and more women are taking advantage of the attractive job offers abroad as a career opportunity or gaining important benefits for their CV in internships abroad. The most important thing when looking for a job: a professional application! There are quite different rules for cover letter and resume abroad. Also in the job interview, employers pay attention to other things. For example, in the US, much emphasis is placed on the personality of an applicant, while courtesy plays a key role in France. We have put together the most important tips for applying to the USA, the United Kingdom, France, Spain and Italy together with the translation network tolingo.
Application abroad: USA
Before applying
Compared to Germany, apart from the professional qualification, the personality of the applicant plays a bigger role in the USA. It is customary to establish telephone contact with the potential employer or to speak to him in person before sending the application. Unsolicited applications are welcome.
The written application consists of the cover letter and the CV (résumé), which are usually sent by e-mail to the potential employer. Only if the employer expressly requests the "complete dossier" will certificates, letters of recommendation, work samples, etc. be submitted. A list of university courses you have taken (including grades), also called transcript, is an important part of the "complete dossier" in the US. You should always translate German documents.
Cover letter
The letterhead for the cover letter is basically similar to the German letter. After its own name and contact details, the date is right-justified. Please note the American date format MM / DD / YYYY. The address of the employer follows it left justified. The contact person should be researched in advance to address the application correctly. You can do without the subject line.
In the cover letter, it is important to answer a self-confident, competent, committed, concise and targeted question: Why am I the right person for this job?
In the introduction, you name the job you are applying to, the location of the ad or any existing relationships with the employer. The introduction should not be longer than a sentence. The main section will explain in 2-3 sections why the CV is worth reading and what you have to offer the company. Your own skills and professional experience always have to relate to the ad and the required skills. In the closing section, thank you for your attention and make it clear that you are looking forward to a response.
The most important vocabulary in the covering letter
Welcome with contact: Dear Mr./Mrs./Ms./Dr .:
Welcome without contact: To whom it may concern:
Example of an introduction: I am writing in response to your vacancy for a Key Account Manager listed in the Hamburg Daily. I am confident that I will meet your requirements for this position and I hope that you will consider my application.
Examples of the main part: I am a native German speaker and I speak English and Spanish fluently. I am sure that these language skills will prove to be an asset to tolingo. I believe that with my natural diplomacy and interpersonal skills, my business expertise and practical experience in the field of Account Management, I am the perfect candidate for your opening.
Examples for the conclusion: I thank you for taking the time to consider my application. I would like to attend a personal interview with you.
Farewell: Sincerely, / sincerely yours,
CV (résumé)
In contrast to the German CV, the résumé in reverse chronological built up. The last activity is the most important and is therefore at the beginning. Qualifications that match the requirements in the job description can be highlighted in bold or underlined. In American CVs, personal data such as age, date of birth, nationality or ethnicity, marital status, religious affiliation, and number of children is an absolute taboo due to strict anti-discrimination laws. The CV will not be accompanied by a photo for the same reason. At the end of the curriculum vitae reference should be made to existing references, which can be submitted on request.
The American curriculum vitae includes the following elements:
- personal details: first name, last name, address, telephone number - work experience or employment history: position, activity, duration, employer - professional achievements / accomplishments: area of responsibility, performance with numbers - Education, training and qualifications: Highest school diploma, detailed Vocational training and university degree - Other knowledge and skills (skills or additional skills): Language skills, IT skills and driving license class - Personal interests, Hobbies (hobbies / interests) - References (references): Contact with former employers, telephone numbers
After the application
Unlike in Germany, it is customary in the USA not to wait for an answer after sending the documents.Certainly, but politely, we will ask for the receipt of the documents in order to leave a personal impression with the responsible person. Likewise, after an interview, a thank-you e-mail should be made.
Great Britain
Before applying
Short and succinct applications are welcomed by British employers. The written application consists of the covering letter and CV (curriculum vitae), which are usually sent by e-mail to the potential employer. Certificates and references will not be sent with the application.
Cover letter
The letterhead for the covering letter is basically the same as the German letter. After its own name and contact details, the date is right-justified. The date format corresponds to the German: DD / MM / YYYY. The address of the employer then follows left-aligned. The subject of the British application is unusual: it is placed between the salutation and the first line of the letter.
The structure of the covering letter corresponds to the German letter and consists of three parts: introduction, main part and conclusion. The cover letter serves to briefly and succinctly show one's own motivation in order to convey interest in one's own person. Through the skills and competences shown, the cover letter of the personal qualification for the desired position should be convinced.
The most important vocabulary in the covering letter
Welcome address: Dear Mr / Mrs / Ms / Dr
Welcome without contact: Dear Sir or Madam
Introduction Subject line (between speech and introduction, boldface): Re:
Example for the introduction: I am writing in response to your vacancy for a Key Account Manager listed in the Hamburg Daily. I am confident that I will meet your requirements for this position and I hope that you will consider my application.
Example of the main part: I am a native German speaker and I speak English and Spanish fluently and I am sure that these language skills will prove to be an asset to tolingo. I believe that with my natural diplomacy and interpersonal skills, my business expertise and practical experience in the field of Account Management, I am the perfect candidate for your opening.
Example for the conclusion: I thank you for taking the time to consider my application and I would like to attend a personal interview with you.
Farewell: Sincerely / yours sincerely
CV (curriculum vitae)
In contrast to the German CV, the British curriculum vitae is constructed antichronologically. In terms of content, the British is similar to the German CV, but it is not standardized and can certainly be designed more freely and creatively. Marital status and religious affiliation can be waived. A special feature of the British CV is the naming of the desired position.
- Personal details (personal details): First and last name, address, telephone numbers, date of birth and nationality - Job Objectives / Job Objectives: two to three sentences summarizing the main qualifications and benefits of the curriculum vitae - Graduation , Education, Qualification (education and qualifications): highest school diploma, vocational training and university degree - professional experience (career history, career development, work experience): position, job, duration, employer, area of responsibility, performance with numbers - other knowledge and skills (skills / additional skills): language skills, computer literacy and driving license class - personal interests, hobbies (hobbies / interests)
After the application
Once the application documents have been received, it is common in the UK for the employer to send an application form to the applicant. This includes questions about education, professional experience, career goals as well as weaknesses and strengths. Certificates and references will not be sent with the application. These are taken to the job interview.
France
Before applying
In France, things are a little more elitist. For example, the reputation of a university is highly valued. Academic education is important and should be highlighted. For the French application, the more polite, the better.
The written application consists of the cover letter (lettre de motivation) and the CV (curriculum vitae), which are usually sent by e-mail to the new employer. References and certificates are not attached.
Cover letter (lettre de motivation)
The French letter is similar to the German and is never longer than one page. After the right-aligned address, the company address also follows right-justified. If the contact person is known, the sentence follows with a line spacing and right-justified: à mention de Monsieur / à l? Attention de Madame xyz - that corresponds to the German "At the hands of".
The structure also consists of three parts: introduction, main part and conclusion. It shows motivation, professional competencies and abilities to convince HR managers of personal qualifications for the desired position.The salary expectations are only discussed in the lettre de motivation if it is expressly desired.
The most important vocabulary for the cover letter
Introduction subject line (before addressing, in bold): Objet
Welcome with and without contact: Messierus / Madame, Monsieur
Example of an introduction: Je vous écris en réponse à votre offre d'emploi pour un responsable grands comptes publiée dans le Hamburg Daily. Je suis convaincu de remplir vos exigences pour ce poste et j'espère que vous prendrez ma candidature en considération.
Example of the main part: Je suis de langue maternelle anglaise et par par couramment l'allemand et l'espagnol. Je suis sûr que ces compétences linguistiques s'avéreront un atout pour Tolingo. The considere que mon sens naturel de la diplomatie et des relations interpersonnelles, mon expertise dans le milieu des affaires ainsi que mon expérience pratique dans le domaine de la gestion des comptes font de moi le candidat idéal pour le poste que vous proposez.
Example for the conclusion: Je vous remercie de prendre le temps d 'examiner ma candidature, et je serais ravi d'effectuer un entretien individuel avec vous.
Adoption: Je vous prie d'agréer, Monsieur / Madame, l'expression de mes salutations distinguées. or Madame, Monsieur, with salutations respectueuses.
curriculum vitae
The French CV is a maximum of two pages long and is not subject to any standards. Personal accents and creativity are welcome, with essential elements not to be missed. A reverse chronological structure is an advantage to show the current situation right at the beginning. Important details can be highlighted. Unlike the German, the French CV does not contain a headline. An application photo is expected in passport size.
The following elements may not be missing despite the free design in the French CV:
Personal data (Fiche d'identité): First name, last name in capital letters, address, telephone number, date of birth, marital status, children Experience (Expérience): position, activity, duration, employer, area of responsibility, performance with numbers, education, study, training (formation ): Education, Vocational training, Internships, Higher education each with degree, Year of completion Language skills (Langues): Reading, writing, speaking assessed by elementary, good, fluent, native / business / professional Objectives (Objectifs de carrière) Personal interests, Other (Divers): Hobbies, longer trips, extracurricular activities
After the application
Unlike in Germany, it is customary in France not to wait for an answer after sending the documents. Applicants often call the company to ask for their application.
Italy
Before applying
Who applies in Italy, requires above all perseverance and tenacity. Frequent phone calls with the contacts are extremely important to get known. These phone calls should always be well prepared. The most important facts of the company and the location you should know as an applicant. Likewise, you should give references to your personal qualifications to make the company curious. The written application consists of the cover letter (lettera di presentazione) and the CV (curriculum vitae), which are usually sent by e-mail to the potential employer. References and certificates are not attached.
Cover letter (lettera di accompagnamento al curriculum)
The Italian letter is in contrast to the German very short. It is important to highlight your own qualification for the job. The cover letter is short and never longer than one page.
In the letterhead, the address of the employer is written right-aligned below the date. If the name of the contact person is known, the address of the company is followed by the line: Alla cortese attenzione del ... and the name of the contact person.
The most important vocabulary for the cover letter
Welcome address: Egregio Signor xyz / Gentile Signora xyz,
Welcome without contact: Egregio Signore, Gentile Signora,
Introduction Subject line (between address and introduction, boldface) Ogetto:
Example for the introduction: Scrivo la presente in risposta al Vs. Annuncio relativo alla posizione di Key Account Manager presente sull'Hamburg Daily. Sono certo di poter soddisfare quanto da voi richiesto per tale posizione e spero prendiate in considerationazione la mia candidatura.
Example of the main part: Sono madrelingua inglese e parlo correttamente tedesco e spagnolo and sono certo che queste mie capacità linguistiche costituiranno senz'altro un vantaggio per tolingo. Credo che il mio naturale atteggiamento votato alla diplomazia e all relazioni interpersonali, la mia esperienza sul campo quale Account Manager e la mia esperienza in ambito commerciale facciano di me il candidato perfetto per la posizione in oggetto.
Conclusion: In the form of a dedicato del tempo per prendere, in the discussion of la mia candidatura and sarei grato di poterVi incontrare di persona per un colloquio.
Farewell: Cordialmente or Porgo cordiali saluti
curriculum vitae
The Italian curriculum vitae is particularly detailed and, in addition to some basic elements, is more freely conceivable than the German one. Like the German curriculum vitae, the Italian is chronologically structured. An application photo is usually not attached. The CV will be finished with the date and the signature. Personal interests and hobbies are not listed.
The following elements should not be missing in the Italian curriculum vitae: Personal data (Dati personali / Informazioni personali): First name and surname in capital letters, date and place of birth, nationality, marital status and children, address, phone number School and education (Studi e formazione / Curriculum scolastico): Education, training, internships and other knowledge each with period, name and location of the institution and name of the degree in German and Italian Studies (Studi universitari): Name and location of the institution and completion of the degree in German and Italian Experience ( Esperienza professional / Curriculum professional): Date of employment, name and domicile of the company with facts such as turnover, number of employees, position, area of responsibility and area of responsibility Languages (Ulterior conoscenze / Lingue straniere): Reading, writing, speaking judged by native speakers, very good, good, pretty good d school knowledge
After the application
Good preparation for your own strengths and weaknesses is extremely important for the Italian job interview. In Italy, it is customary to be invited to several job interviews with different interlocutors.
Spain
Before applying
In Spain, persistence and emphasis on application is extremely important. Before you submit the application, you should contact the responsible person by phone and then address your documents to him personally.
The written application consists of the cover letter (carta de solicitud) and the CV (curriculum vitae), which are usually sent by e-mail to the new employer. Certificates are not included, letters of recommendation are even more important.
Cover letter (carta de solicitud)
The Spanish cover letter is very similar to the German cover letter. At the beginning it will name the address of the recipient and the date, followed by the subject. The own address will be listed at the end of the letter in front of the signature.
The Spanish cover letter consists of three parts: introduction, main part and conclusion. At the beginning you explain why you are interested in the company and the job. The main part is followed by the qualifications, knowledge and priorities of the previous professional life. It is particularly important to present yourself in a self-confident and goal-oriented manner. In the Spanish application, relationships play an important role. References and possibly telephone numbers of former superiors should definitely be mentioned. With the request for a job interview, the Spanish letter, as well as in German, terminated.
The most important vocabulary for the cover letter
Welcome with contact person: Muy señores míos:
Welcome without contact: Estimados señores
Introduction Subject line (between speech and introduction, boldface): Asunto:
Example of the introduction: Les escribo en respuesta a su puesto vacante de Gestor de Cuenta's Clave anunciado en el Hamburg Daily. Estoy convencido de cumplir con toos sus requisitos para este puesto y espero que mi solicitud se tenga en cuenta.
Example of the main body: Mi lengua materna es el inglés, y también hablo alemán y español con fluidez, y estoy seguro de que estas habilidades linguisticas resultarán de gran valía para Tolingo. Creo que con mi diplomática innata y mis aptitudes comunicativas, mi conocimiento de negocios y mi experiencia práctica en el área de Gestión de Cuentas, soy el candidato perfecto para su puesto vacante.
Conclusion: Agradezco que se hayan tomado el tiempo para considerar mi solicitud y sería un plaçer para mi el poder entrevistarme con ustedes.
Adoption of Les saludata atentamente: or Un cordinal saludo de
CV (curriculum vitae)
The Spanish CV is a maximum of two pages long. In addition to some basic elements, however, this is more freely designed than the German. An antichronological structure makes sense to list the most recent stations right at the beginning. An application photo is advisable, but not mandatory. Professional experience and training are important in the Spanish application. By specifying the hobbies and the private leisure activities, the potential employer wants above all to make an overall picture of the applicant.
The following elements are important in the Spanish CV:
Personal data (Datos personal): First name, surname, address, telephone number, identity card number, date and place of birth, nationality, marital status, children and sometimes even body weight and size School Education and Studies (Estudios, Formación): Highest school diploma, study, education, Further training with period, name and location of the institution and name of the degree Experience (Experienca): Date of employment, name and domicile of the company with facts such as turnover, number of employees, position, area of responsibility and responsibilities, reason for leaving Language skills (idiomas): Reading, understanding, writing, speaking, translating judged to be very good, good, moderate
After the application
After sending an unsolicited application, it is important to check the phone and find out if there is a job vacancy for which you are eligible. This will show your language skills and may give you the chance to be invited for projects or short term engagements.
In Spain, it is customary to be invited to several job interviews. A good working atmosphere and teamwork are extremely important to Spanish employers, so recruitment tests for personality and intelligence in Spain are the rule.
If you still need help translating your application: The translation network tolingo.de is an expert with its 2500 translators - and even helps you in real time if necessary.
