Application tips

Before you write your application, you should inform yourself thoroughly about the company you want to apply to. Take a look at the company's website, read the latest news and find out about the apprenticeships on offer. This will show your interest and help you to formulate your application in a targeted way. A good tip is also to take a look at the company's social media channels to get a feel for the corporate culture.

Avoid standard cover letters that you simply copy and paste. Your cover letter should be tailored to the respective company and the advertised position. Mention why you are interested in this particular apprenticeship and what fascinates you about the professional field. Show your motivation and enthusiasm for the apprenticeship. A personal connection to the company or industry can score particularly well here.

Your CV should be clearly structured and complete. Make sure that you include all important information such as personal details, educational background, internships and special skills. A professional application photo rounds off the CV. Use an easy-to-read font and make sure that the CV does not look overloaded. A clear and well-structured CV makes a positive impression.

Include copies of your most recent school reports and, if applicable, internship certificates or attestations with your application. These documents prove your qualifications and experience. If you have taken part in extracurricular activities that could be relevant, such as youth groups, sports clubs or volunteering, mention these too. They show that you are committed and have a wide range of interests.

Prepare yourself well for the interview. Think about answers to typical questions such as "Why do you want to learn this profession?" or "What are your strengths and weaknesses?". Find out about the interview process and practise the interview with friends or family to become more confident. It can also be helpful to find out about current topics in the industry so that you can score points in the interview.

Attend the interview on time and make sure you look well-groomed. Your clothing should suit the company - find out about the dress code in advance. In many cases, neat but not too formal clothing is appropriate. It is important that you feel comfortable and can appear confident.

Be self-confident in the interview, but not arrogant. Show interest in the apprenticeship and ask questions about the company and the content of the apprenticeship yourself. This shows that you are well prepared and genuinely interested. Questions such as "What does a typical working day in this apprenticeship look like?" or "What further training opportunities are there?" can make a good impression.

After the interview, thank them for the opportunity and the time they took for you. A short thank you letter by email leaves a positive impression. You can also emphasize once again how much you enjoyed the interview and how much you would look forward to a possible collaboration.

In this day and age, it is important that your online presence makes a good impression. Check your social media profiles and make sure they look professional. Remove inappropriate content and make sure your privacy settings are correct. A professional LinkedIn profile can also be helpful

In addition to professional qualifications, soft skills such as the ability to work in a team, strong communication skills and reliability are also important. Think about examples from your life that demonstrate these skills and mention them in your cover letter or interview. Practical experience from group projects, clubs or part-time jobs can be very helpful here.

If you receive a rejection after an application or interview, take the opportunity to ask for feedback. Ask politely what you can do better in the future. This shows that you are willing to learn and want to develop further.