Online applications or applications per email

• Definition, Explanation
• Tips, Checklist

Online applications are have become increasingly popular in the past few years. Presumably, this kind of application will pass the ranking of written applications in the near future.

In most job advertisements, one can find an email address in addition to the postal address, which indicates that such an application is desired or at least not unwelcome. Many large companies have already completely curbed the incoming flood of paper that was involved in past application processes and invite one to only make use of the cost-saving possibility. Quite often the applicant finds company-own application forms next to it or instead of that, which should definitely be made use of. If such an application form is not available, then an application per email is called for. Make sure you apply the same strict standards of carefulness and precision as in a conventional application on paper. The most common mistake according to those responsible for personnel is te poor form of the incoming email: as a rule this leads immediate singling out.

In the case of an email application, one differentiates between the short application in which case only a scanned photo is attached to the cover letter. In the case of a "normal" application, it includes certificates and possible specimens of work at differing extents. With regard to the size of the amount of data to be sent, it is not always necessary to send all certificates available unless one was expressly requested to. Meanwhile, when structuring the application, it has become popular to orientate the form of the application towards previous cover letters both in form and content. The actual cover letter is formulated as a normal email text (mail text format). The CV and certificates are added in the so-called attachment. Make sure in total is not too extensive. This could lead to long sending and loading periods, which on the other hand could annoy the recipient.

• Compose an email application with the same amount of care as you would a conventional application. Draw up the cover letter just like a "normal" cover letter on paper. Do not be tempted to use too loose language or forget good manners
• State in the subject line that it is about an application
• Please do not use smileys! It is the first specimen of your work that you present to the company. Be aware of the fact that it will be scrutinised
• Do not use any exotic file formats. To be on the safe side, send your attachments as PDF files. Usually the "Acrobat Reader" is installed on all company PCs – and not only in Germany. Should it not be – against all PDF files are very popular with companies because they provide many advantages. They are usually not prone to viruses in contrast to Word or Excel files. They scanned documents can be scrolled and looked at like a film roll. In addition, the conversion to the PDF format means a great reduction in the file size to the compression.
• Unfortunately, the free basic version only lets you read but not create documents. To be able to do this, you require a more extensive version of the programme or you can download one of the free conversion programmes. Most modern scanners also provide the possibility of saving the documents you are scanning in PDF format
• Pay attention to the size of your application. A total size of 3-4 MB should not be exceeded because of the long loading times. The company's Firewall sometimes blocks a volume much larger. More than two, maximum 3 attachments make it confusing. One attachment containing the CV and one presenting the certificates in chronological order. That should be sufficient
• Make sure the scanned documents are of good quality. Do not place them crooked on the glass! Not the wrong way up! No kinks in the source material! A setting of 300dpi is a compromise that creates sufficiently sharp copies that can be easily read after possibly being printed off
• Choose a common font like Arial, Courier or Times New Roman, for example. Not every font is installed on every computer, which could lead to reproduction problems
• Use your own respectable email address
• Name.firstname@provider.de makes a much better impression than carrotface@cloudnumber9.org
• Very important! Send the completed application to yourself or a friend first. In doing so, you can see how it will appear on the personal manager's screen. In doing so, you can experience some unpleasant surprises that can be ironed out this way
• Do not send mass emails even if the uncomplicated form of electronic applications can tempt you to do so. Make each cover letter to measure. Remember that you may want to apply to this company a second time. So, do not spoil the first valuable impression through not so seriously meant mass mails
• If you would like to send an unsolicited application per email, then first find out whether the company accepts email applications and secondly, the exact address to send it to. There is no point in sending an application to a general company address like info@company.de because it will probably not reach the eyes of the personnel manager
• Do without a disposition notification from the recipient. According to a survey, many personnel managers find it annoying
• If you do not hear anything, ask by phone or email