Applying for a Position in Germany: How to Write a German Résumé

Transcription

Applying for a Position
in Germany:
How to Write a German
Résumé and Letter
of Application
A Handbook
by
Jutta Ulrich
Thunderbird, The American Graduate
School of International Management
APPLYING FOR A POSITION IN GERMANY
PREFACE
This handbook is intended for students receiving their university degree in the United States,
wanting to apply for a position in Germany, be it an internship, a permanent position, or a summer
job--not as a language exercise, but the real thing: getting a job. It is a practical guide to preparing
these important documents. Because you need to prepare your résumé and application with great
care, the explanatory text is in English. The German equivalents are provided where useful,
primarily to introduce the appropriate vocabulary. The book presumes at least a basic knowledge
of German.
Language teachers, who wish to incorporate exercises on writing résumés and letters of application into their classes, can use the examples, sample phrases, or vocabulary lists for their classes
and then provide additional explanations orally.
Numerous sources were consulted to compile the information contained in this handbook: personal conversations with personnel departments of various German firms; conversations with
employees of the German department of economic security, the Arbeitsamt; publications of
universities and the Arbeitsamt; as well as books on the subject published in German and resources available via the Internet. Some of these are listed in the bibliography at the end of this
handbook.
There are many excellent books in German available on this subject matter; however, they are
usually long and contain much information on self-assessment and the decision process involved
in choosing a career. This handbook presents in a concise and easy-to-use format the most important information needed to prepare the documents for a job application.
Many people have helped in the writing of this book. Michael Wehrlein provided input into the
initial concept; Doris Niedrich supplied source material; several teaching assistants helped with
typing and proofreading, among them Grace Newman, Erika Wolfgram, Nucharaporn Nakornsri,
and Craig Kronhart, who composed sample documents. My thanks also to all the T-birds who
used this book and provided feedback.
We would like to hear your comments about this workbook:
Which information was useful? What should be elaborated?
Which information was superfluous? What could be deleted?
Mit den besten Wünschen für Ihren Erfolg
Jutta Ulrich—Thunderbird,
The American Graduate School
of International Management
Glendale, Arizona 85306
USA
Revised
August 2009
ISBN: 978-0-942017-33-5
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
I.
User’s Guide ............................................................................................................................ 1
II.
Some Definitions ..................................................................................................................... 1
III. Playing by the Rules ................................................................................................................ 2
THE RÉSUMÉ
I.
General Considerations ............................................................................................................ 5
II.
The Individual Components of the German Résumé............................................................... 7
A Schematic Example ........................................................................................................... 8
Sample Résumés ................................................................................................................. 10
III. The Résumé in Detail ............................................................................................................ 12
THE LETTER OF APPLICATION
I.
General Considerations .......................................................................................................... 21
II.
The Individual Components of the Letter .............................................................................. 27
A Schematic Example ......................................................................................................... 28
Sample Letters .................................................................................................................... 29
III. The Letter in Detail ............................................................................................................... 31
THE COMPLETE APPLICATION PACKET
I.
The Required Documents ...................................................................................................... 39
II.
The Cover Sheet .................................................................................................................... 41
A Schematic Example ......................................................................................................... 42
III. A Complete Example ............................................................................................................. 43
IV. Final Checklist ....................................................................................................................... 56
THE INTERVIEW
I.
Acknowledging the Appointment .......................................................................................... 59
II.
Expenses ................................................................................................................................ 59
III. Preparation ............................................................................................................................. 60
IV. Helpful Hints ......................................................................................................................... 64
APPENDIX
I.
Producing German Characters with the Word Processor ...................................................... 68
II.
Vocabulary List: Areas of Study ............................................................................................ 69
III. Vocabulary List: Hobbies ...................................................................................................... 71
IV. Examples of Extracurricular Activities.................................................................................. 72
V.
German–English Glossary ..................................................................................................... 73
VI. English–German Glossary ..................................................................................................... 79
VII. Addresses ............................................................................................................................... 86
VIII. Internet Sites .......................................................................................................................... 89
BIBLIOGRAPHY ............................................................................................................... 91
INTRODUCTION
I.
USER’S GUIDE
The two most important documents—the résumé and the letter of
application—are discussed at length in chapters two and three. Both
chapters are organized the same way: the general considerations are
reminiscent of things you know about writing an application for U.S.
employers, with some emphasis on style and external appearance. A
schematic example gives you an initial idea of the general format of the
document, followed by two examples, which reflect the suggestions
made in this book. The second part of the chapter then addresses each
individual component in more detail. It also provides numerous examples for alternate phrases.
The chapter on the application packet puts all the individual documents
together in a complete application packet, which is usually required
when you respond to an advertisement of a position in Germany.
All sample letters and résumés are in German; additional sample sentences or phrases allow for numerous variations. A glossary of many
terms (German to English, English to German) is provided in the appendix. While the sample documents are good and usable, they should not
be copied in their entirety. Each application should be tailored to the
specific position and company.
The chapter on the interview is a logical addition to the application
materials. The interview does not require additional documents, except
for an acknowledgment and other incidental correspondence. But it does
provide some closure to the whole application process.
II.
SOME DEFINITIONS
The documents (Bewerbungsunterlagen) sent to potential employers
vary, depending on the process.
A.
The Kurzbewerbung consists of a letter of application
(Anschreiben) and the résumé (Lebenslauf). These can be folded
and mailed in a regular business envelope. The Kurzbewerbung is
occasionally requested in job advertisements; otherwise it is used
INTRODUCTION
1
for the Blindbewerbung, or Initiativbewerbung, for a full-time
position or an internship.
B.
Blindbewerbung, or Initiativbewerbung, means that you are applying even though no position was advertised. If you are sending a
letter of application without knowing that a position is open, you
should send a Kurzbewerbung.
For many students, who are looking for their first position following graduation or for an internship, the Blindbewerbung will be the
norm. Since you are not even certain that there is the possibility of
a job, you want to save yourself the expense of sending a complete
set of documents.
C.
Bewerbung mit den üblichen Unterlagen refers to an application
packet with the documents usually contained in a German application: cover sheet, letter, résumé, copies of important diplomas and/
or transcripts. This set of documents is the standard application for
positions that are advertised. Look for the phrase übliche
Unterlagen in the ad.
When a job advertisement calls for a Vollständige or
Aussagekräftige Bewerbung, the writer of the ad is trying to tell
applicants that top notch quality is expected: You should include all
documents that may put you ahead of possibly tough competition:
writing samples, descriptions of projects, licenses or patents, and so
forth.
III.
PLAYING BY THE RULES
Some German employers specifically look for candidates from abroad,
perhaps because of language skills or educational background. When
preparing documents, applicants should, however, follow the German
system as closely as possible unless the advertisement specifies other
criteria. The fact that the United States has strict guidelines regarding
such issues as gender or age does not free the applicant from having to
include his or her age on a German job application. Experience has
shown that foreign applicants fare best when their job applications abide
by German conventions as much as possible.
The suggestions in this handbook are based on current practice but are
not carved in stone. Pick and choose from all the examples, and tailor
your application to the specific position for which you are applying.
2
Remember that the “rules” for the writing of letters and résumés are
constantly changing. On one hand, these documents reflect German
culture; on the other hand, there is a noticeable trend toward greater
similarity across borders.
Access to and sharing of information has become easier due to the
Internet, and this revised handbook includes references to useful
websites (see Appendix). Please keep in mind that some material freely
available does not necessarily reflect authoritative or mainstream usage.
A steady stream of student exchanges and a certain preference for
business terminology and practices borrowed from the United States has
added to the Amerikanisierung of the German business environment.
Still, many employers expect to receive applications conforming to the
current norm and may react simply to the external appearance of your
application. When in doubt, apply somewhat conservative standards in
regard to style and content of your German application.
INTRODUCTION
3
4
THE RÉSUMÉ
I.
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
Type your German résumé, the Lebenslauf, with the same care you use
for your American résumé. Use a word processor to facilitate corrections
and changes. YOUR RÉSUMÉ SHOULD BE FLAWLESS.
Format. You want your résumé to be easy to read and visually pleasing.
Use good quality paper, white or off-white. Avoid unusual colors or
textures. The standard U.S. size (8.5 x 11) is just fine; you do not have to
acquire German paper. If you do, be sure to use the larger German
envelope, too.
Leave margins of approximately one inch all around. To facilitate easy
reading, you also want to leave ample white space between the different
segments of the résumé. Do not clutter the whole page with lots of tiny
print. A font size of 10 to 12 is fine. Do, however, use capital letters or
bold print to highlight the names of schools and employers, for example.
☞
According to some estimates, the initial screening of a résumé
takes 15-30 seconds. Be sure that your résumé is easy to read.
Be sure to use the German ä, ü, ö, ß. Do not type “ae, ue, oe, ss” instead
of these, and do not add the Umlaut by hand or by using the quotation
mark on a typewriter. See the Appendix for help on producing German
characters in Word™ and WordPerfect™.
Content. Rather than include everything you have ever done, keep the
résumé short: if you are just getting your degree, one page with plenty of
free space is appropriate. Older applicants with much work experience
may want to use two pages.
☞
Be selective: You probably will list fewer details than in a résumé
that you would send to an American company.
Keep in mind that your high school, clubs, or part-time jobs in small
local businesses may not be very meaningful to German employers,
because they will not recognize proper names or clubs. Difficult to
THE RÉSUMÉ
5
incorporate are also the following: honors and awards, scholarships, and
reasons or explanations of any kind because the average German applicant does not have these. You should still try to include this information;
the detailed instructions on the following pages provide suggestions.
German employers are looking for applicants who show Eigeninitiative
(initiative) and Belastungsfähigkeit (ability to cope with stress), which
you can document with club activities, working while attending university, working on projects, or earning honors and awards. You should list
anything relevant to the job application, especially since it may help put
you ahead of the competition. You can put explanations in the letter of
application.
☞
Very important: Do not leave unexplained gaps in your chronology: if necessary explain periods of travel, illness, unemployment,
military service, and so forth in the letter.
List only information you can substantiate with documents, actual
performance or knowledge. This applies to work, activities, and your
hobbies. It will be taken for granted that the qualifications on the résumé
are accurate; personal interviews will then focus on other issues, such as
your goals and expectations. If during the course of the interview it
becomes apparent that you exaggerated in your documents (perhaps you
are not really as fluent in Chinese as you claimed to be), you will lose
credibility.
Style. Since you are not using complete sentences in your résumé, a few
comments on style will suffice here. One notable difference to your
American résumé is that you do not have to—and perhaps should not—
use so-called “action words,” such as “generated,” “increased,” or
“initiated.”
The tone of the German résumé (and of the letter of application) is
somewhat low-key. Instead of verbs and job titles, Germans often refer
simply to type of work performed, such as “sales” or “customer relations.”
6
II.
THE INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS OF THE GERMAN
RÉSUMÉ
Most of the time, the typed data sheet (tabellarischer Lebenslauf) is
appropriate for your application. A handwritten narrative is hardly ever
required any more.
The following list comprises the typical items included in a German
résumé. Each item is explained in detail in the section following the
schematic and the examples on the next pages. The complete example of
an application in the chapter on the application packet also contains a
résumé.
1. personal data with photo
2. education (high school and university)
3. military service (if applicable)
4. work experience
5. internships
6. continuing education
7. other, including:
languages
special skills
hobbies
extracurricular activities
date and signature (often not included any more)
☞
Do not include information about the following:
parents, brothers, sisters
health
religion or politics
financial status
State your “objective” or the desired position only if the résumé is
intended for a résumé book; in that case, it is placed at the very bottom
of the résumé. Otherwise, the accompanying letter should state your
objective.
The schematic example of a résumé on the next two pages is followed
by two samples and detailed explanations.
THE RÉSUMÉ
7
THE GERMAN RÉSUMÉ - a schematic example:
YOUR NAME
Temporary Address:
Permanent Address:
Telephone/Fax/E-Mail:
Photo
Date of Birth:
Place of Birth:
Nationality:
Marital Status:
________________________________________________________________________________
Personal Data:
Education:
Date
High School name and city
Diploma
Date
College/University name and city
Major(s)/Specialization
Degree
Date
Graduate School name and city
Major
Specialization
Date
Study abroad Institution and city
Topics
Date
Degree
Date
Company name and location
-Department and/or area of responsibility
Date
-Department
-Projects
Internship:
Date
-Department and responsibilities
Languages:
list languages and skill level
Computers:
list skills and/or software
Other Skills:
(e.g., Certified Public Accountant)
Extracurricular
Activities:
list 1-3 activities
Work Experience:
Date, signature
8
DER DEUTSCHE LEBENSLAUF - ein schematisches Beispiel:
IHR NAME
Studienadresse:
Telefon/Fax/E-Mail:
Heimatadresse:
Photo
Persönliche Daten:
Geburtsdatum:
Geburtsort:
Staatsangehörigkeit:
Familienstand:
Ausbildung:
Datum
Oberschule und Ort
Hochschulreife
Datum
Hochschule und Ort
Studienfach/Schwerpunkt(e):
Abschluss:
Datum
Hochschule und Ort
Studienfach:
Schwerpunkt(e):
Datum
Auslandsstudium Hochschule und Ort
Studienfach:
Datum
Abschluss:
Datum
Firmenname und Ort
-Abteilung und/oder Aufgabenbereich
Datum
Firmenname und Ort
-Abteilung
-Besondere Aufgaben
Praktikum:
Datum
Firmenname und Ort
-Aufgabenbereich
Sprachkenntnisse:
Sprachen und Fähigkeit
EDV-Kenntnisse:
Fähigkeiten
Berufserfahrung:
Besondere Kenntnisse/
Fähigkeiten:
Lizenzen usw.
Außercurriculare
Aktivitäten:
1-3 wichtige Aktivitäten und/oder Hobbies
Datum, Unterschrift
THE RÉSUMÉ
9
Russell Ziskey
Photo
Studienadresse:
3429 S. Ulster Court
Commerce City, Colorado 80214, U.S.A.
Telefon: +801/456 4321; E-Mail: Rziskey@college.edu
Heimatadresse:
14257 North St.
Elizabeth, Ohio 65714, U.S.A.
Persönliche Daten:
Geburtsdatum:
23. Juli 1978
Geburtsort:
DeCaturville, Louisiana, U.S.A.
amerikanisch
Familienstand:
ledig
_______________________________________________________________________________
Ausbildung:
Arbeitserfahrung:
8/90-5/96
Oberschule
Elizabeth, Ohio, U.S.A.
Hochschulreife
8/96-5/00
Front Range College, Denver, Colorado
Betriebswirtschaftslehre
Schwerpunkt: Rechnungswesen
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
6/96-9/97
Bulow and Cairns, Denver, Colorado
Verkäufer in der Herrenmodenabteilung
Teilzeitbeschäftigung zur Finanzierung des Studiums
5/99-8/99
Datamax, Denver, Colorado
5/00 bis heute Sachbearbeiter in der EDV-Abteilung
Erfassung und Organisation von Kundendaten
Sprachkenntnisse:
Englisch (Muttersprache) und Deutsch (gut)
EDV-Kenntnisse:
Html, MSWord 3.0, Powerpoint, Excel, DOS 6.1
Außercurriculare
Aktivitäten:
Skilaufen, Kanusport, Computer
10
Leslie McGowan
Photo
Anschrift:
9426 Mayville Road
Acworth, Georgia 35302, U.S.A.
Telefon: +333 – 717 5525; Fax: +333 – 717 2225
E-Mail: LMCG@Firma.com
Persönliche Daten:
Geburtsdatum:
Geburtsort:
Familienstand:
9. Oktober 1974
Acworth, Georgia, U.S.A.
amerikanisch
verheiratet
Ausbildung:
08.1988 bis 05.1992
Stones River High School
Acworth, Georgia, U.S.A.
Hochschulreife
08.1992 bis 05.1996
Lassiter University, Atlanta, Georgia
Schwerpunkt: Marketing
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
Berufserfahrung:
10.1992 bis 01.1995
Future Development Group Inc., Atlanta, Georgia
Zeitplanung und Organisation von verschiedenen Projekten
Teilzeitarbeit während des Studiums
10.1996 bis heute
World Connect Telecom Inc., Atlanta, Georgia
Assistentin zum Leiter der Marketing Abteilung. Verantwortlich für
die Entwicklung neuer Marketingpläne und die Einführung neuer
Produkte
Praktikum:
05.1950 bis 08.1995
Firma Seidel GmbH, München
Praktikantin im Verkauf
Mitwirkung bei der Planung und Durchführung von
Verkaufsförderungen
Sprachkenntnisse:
Englisch (Muttersprache), Deutsch (sehr gut), Spanisch
(Grundkenntnisse)
EDV-Kenntnisse:
Textverarbeitung und Tabellenkalkulation
Interessen:
Golf, Reisen, Photographie
THE RÉSUMÉ
11
III.
THE RÉSUMÉ IN DETAIL
Each component of the Lebenslauf introduced on page 7 in the schematic overview is described below in detail.
1.
Personal Data
Name. Use first name and last name. Maiden name is not required.
Date and Place of Birth. This information is always on a German
résumé; it is not illegal for an employer to ask about your age. The
official explanation: The information is needed for taxes and insurance.
Some potential employers may be very blunt and simply tell you that
you are too young or too old for the position. Job applications at times
specify a range: 30-40 Jahre alt.
Use proper German format for dates: the first number is always the day.
2. 7. 2001 (day) (month) (year)
2. Juli 2001
If you were born outside of Germany, state the country. If it is a small
town, give the state (or district) or the next biggest city.
Independence, Missouri, USA
Marital Status. Most employers expect this information on a German
résumé, because it will be required later for taxes and insurance. One
could easily argue that it is not necessary for an initial interview. But
since everyone expects the information on the résumé, its absence would
only raise questions and doubts. Some sources today encourage the use
only of verheiratet and ledig / unverheiratet.
Choose from the following:
ledig (or unverheiratet)
verheiratet
geschieden
verwitwet
Nationality. Indicate your nationality if you are not a German citizen or
if you are a German citizen but have a foreign sounding name. You may
use an adjective or the name of your country. Choose one:
12
Nationalität:
amerikanisch
USA
Amerika
The words Staatsangehörigkeit, Nationalität, Staatsbürgerschaft can be
used synonymously.
☞
Most Germans associate the name Amerika and its derivatives
automatically with the United States of America, not the continent.
Address. Indicate your complete mailing address; avoid abbreviations
that may be unclear to a German reader: write Nebraska, not NE.
You may want to distinguish Heimatanschrift and Studienanschrift (or
Ständiger Wohnsitz and Gegenwärtiger or Derzeitiger Wohnsitz). If you
submit a complete folder of documents with a cover sheet, you do not
have to repeat the addresses here. It is common practice, however, to
include the address anyway.
Photo. Your application should include a recent photo of yourself, a
professional head-and-shoulders shot. If you send a Kurzbewerbung
(only letter and résumé), the photo is placed in the top right corner of the
résumé. If you send a complete application packet with supporting
documents, the photo is usually placed on the cover sheet instead (see
page 41 “The Cover Sheet”).
Note: Look at the date of any other handbooks on résumés you might be
using before following their advice. Practices change frequently.
For example, names and occupations of parents used to be
supplied on the résumé so that potential employers could form an
opinion about the applicant’s background and upbringing. Today
this is usually left off, especially as the applicant gets older.
Recent high school graduates may put down their parents’ names
and professions to take up space on an otherwise empty résumé
page.
2.
Education
Indicate high school, colleges, university, and so forth. List the name and
place of the educational institution, dates of attendance, and the diploma.
You may use appropriate German terms (see the following list), but do
not translate proper names of institutions unless you are sure of the
THE RÉSUMÉ
13
equivalent. It is not customary to translate degrees or use the closest
equivalent degree awarded in German-speaking countries.
The German word Oberschule refers to grades 7-13 or even grades 5-13.
You might, therefore, combine middle school and high school into one
entry. Otherwise, German readers not familiar with the American school
system might wonder how you were able to finish in four years. If you
went to several different high schools or first to middle school and then
high school, you might want to combine them under the heading
Oberschule. If you attended a specialized school or lived in another
country, you may want to indicate that information if you think it will
help you get the position.
8/91 - 8/96
Oberschule
Abschluss: Hochschulreife
Terminology:
high school
HS diploma
university
college
degree
B.A. degree
master’s
M.I.M.
die Oberschule
die Hochschulreife
die Universität, die Hochschule
das Kolleg, College
der Abschluss
Bachelor of Arts
der Magister
Master of International Management (MIM)
ACHTUNG!
There is actually no equivalent of the bachelor degree in Germany. Some
universities have been considering a Bakkalaureus Artium in some
disciplines. However, the standard university degree in Germany is at
the master’s level.
The master’s degree goes by different names in Germany depending on
your field of study. The direct translation of master is Magister; however, it is usually given as Magister artium, i.e., Master of Arts, for
example in the humanities.
In fields related to business and economics (including management,
finance, marketing, etc.), in engineering or computer sciences, for
example, the equivalent for a master’s degree (e.g., MBA or MIM) is
Diplom.
14
The complete title for a graduate with the equivalent of a master’s
degree in business would be Diplom-Betriebswirt, in engineering
Diplom-Ingenieur.
Staatsexamen is another common degree, required in any field leading to
civil service, including law and teaching.
The quality or level of these three titles (i.e., Magister, Diplom, or
Staatsexamen) is essentially the same—that of a master’s degree. The
Fachhochschulen also award the Diplom, but titles or degrees have to
reflect the fact that they were awarded by a Fachhochschule, i.e.,
Ingenieur (FH). These degree programs tend to be less theoretical than
universities.
The German language has words for “major” (Hauptfach) and “minor”
(Nebenfach), but these are not widely used on the résumé. You may
want to use the term Fachrichtung (for “major”), Schwerpunkte (areas of
emphasis or concentration), and Abschluss (degree).
8/92-5/96
University of Texas, Austin, Texas, USA
Fachrichtung: Volkswirtschaft
Abschluss: Bachelor of Science
8/00-12/01
American Graduate School of International
Management, Glendale, Arizona, USA
Schwerpunkte: Finanzwesen, Statistik
Abschluss: Master of International Management
Indicate Sommersemester (SS) or Wintersemester (WS) for your studies
abroad. Insert 1-2 lines either below the Abschluss or between
Fachrichtung and Abschluss.
8/92-5/96
University of Texas, Austin, Texas, USA
Fachrichtung: Volkswirtschaft
Abschluss: Bachelor of Science
WS 1994 Auslandsstudium:
Universität Göttingen
Deutsch und Allgemeine Betriebswirtschaft
Most Germans do not interrupt their studies in order to work (with the
exception of summer jobs or internships). You may want to explain in
THE RÉSUMÉ
15
the letter that in the U.S. it is common practice to work before enrolling
in a master’s program.
☞
Do include any special exams or professional licenses you have,
such as for architecture or accounting.
3.
Military Service
If you were in the military, list dates and service branch. Military service
is obligatory for most men in Germany and is not usually considered
work experience. If military service is an important component of your
career, include all relevant information; otherwise, a brief reference will
suffice.
Wehrdienst:
4.
1994-1997
U.S. Army, Texas, USA
Work Experience
List experience in chronological order: start with the oldest and end with
the newest information. This is different from the standard American
résumé.
☞
Oldest information first: from old to new.
Use the following format:
☞
date
Company name, city
division/function/type of work
Datum
Firmenname, Ort
Verantwortungsbereich
Instead of titles, Germans often supply the department and the
function or project: not Verkäufer, but Verkauf; not Manager/
Leiter, but Leitung.
Many job titles cannot be translated easily into equivalent German terms.
Typical German titles are Sachbearbeiter, Projektleiter, or Assistent.
You can write the job title in English if you think it important to mention
it, or simply do not state it.
8/96 - 7/98
16
Rechtsanwaltskanzlei Middle
Kansas City, Missouri, USA
- Anwältin im Bereich Handelsrecht
☞
1996 - 2000
GREEN-YELLOW CHEMICAL CO.
Detroit, USA
- Labortätigkeit im Bereich Farben und Lacke
- Forschung und Entwicklung
1998 bis heute
Arizona Department of Justice
Phoenix, Arizona USA
-Einsatz im Personalbereich
The date can be written with either a slash or a period here since
the day of the month is not included.
08.96 - 07.98
Rechtsanwaltskanzlei Middle
Kansas City, Missouri, USA
- Anwältin im Bereich Handelsrecht
If you have relevant full-time work experience, you can put various parttime or summer jobs at the end of your résumé or leave them out altogether, unless they show the following:
a)
you have experience in an area you want to work in now;
b)
you have done something unusual or interesting that was completely outside your field of study. Many companies look for some
indication that you have interests outside your area of professional
expertise.
Freiwillige Sozialarbeit mit einer Kirchengruppe (Bau von
Kinderspielplätzen)
Landwirtschaftliche Tätigkeit auf dem elterlichen Hof
While Germans have a reputation for being concerned with diplomas and
titles, characteristics such as motivation, flexibility, and the ability to
work with people are high on the list of desirable attributes.
☞
Work experience is becoming more and more important.
No Work Experience?
If you have no substantial work experience, you might want to list parttime jobs, especially if they were in a relevant field or if you worked to
pay for your studies. Few German students at graduation have substantial work experience, except perhaps internships or summer jobs.
THE RÉSUMÉ
17
In den Semesterferien Tätigkeit in einer Zweigstelle der First
National Bank in Chicago.
Teilzeitarbeit als Kellner zur Finanzierung des Studiums.
Unemployment?
Do not hide periods of unemployment. Supply a simple explanation if
possible, and include details in the letter of application.
5.
9/98 - 8/99
Arbeitslosigkeit durch Konkurs des
Arbeitgebers.
2/99 - 7/99
Reisen durch Ostasien.
Internships
List your internships in chronological order, using the format described
in the previous section on work experience.
☞ Singular: das Praktikum
Plural: die Praktika
6.
6/1998-12/1998
MONTAG AG, Frankfurt am Main
Public Relations
12/1999
GREEN-YELLOW CHEMICAL CO.
Detroit, USA
- Produktmanagement
Continuing Education
Include seminars, job training, language or computer courses, and so
forth; however, be selective. Include only information relevant to the
position you are seeking. You may well not include this section at all.
Keep in mind: one page only for the typical résumé.
7.
Other Information and Skills
Language Skills
Use the heading Sprachkenntnisse or Fremdsprachen. Simply list the
languages; you may add the qualifiers listed below, but do not exagger-
18
ate. One of the interviewers might speak the language and test you in the
interview.
Sprachkenntnisse: Englisch (Muttersprache), Japanisch
(Grundkenntnisse)
The following are commonly accepted descriptors for language ability.
Grundkenntnisse
gut
gut in Wort und Schrift
sehr gut
sehr gut in Wort und Schrift
fließend
Muttersprache
rudimentary level
good
good spoken and written skills
very good
very good spoken/written skills
fluent
native
☞ Fließend does indicate that you are really fluent in the lan-
guage: you can explain and discuss work related issues and
abstract topics, such as politics, without undue hesitation.
You may want to indicate well-known language exams you have taken
and passed.
Französisch (Diplôme Supérieure de Français des Affaires de la
Chambre de Commerce et Industrie de Paris)
Deutsch (Mittelstufenprüfung Goethe Institut)
Computer Skills
List relevant items without details or explanations.
EDV-Kenntnisse: Textverarbeitung, Tabellenkalkulation;
Lotus 1-2-3, Microsoft Office
Other choices:
Textverarbeitung, Tabellenkalkulation,
Datenbank, Expertensysteme, Apple Macintosh,
MS-DOS
Extracurricular Activities
Stick to a few highlights when you list your Außercurriculare
THE RÉSUMÉ
19
Aktivitäten (1-3 perhaps). DO NOT list all the clubs or club functions
you were at one time involved with, but evidence of involvement in
issues or active participation in organizations is highly desirable.
☞
DO list major projects or long-term activities, and emphasize
especially volunteer work (soziales Engagement). In Germany,
volunteering for social causes is relatively unusual and illustrates
the willingness to go the extra mile.
You may break this section up into two parts if you have enough space
on the résumé page: Hobbies and Aktivitäten.
List 1-3 hobbies to indicate that you are a well-rounded person. Avoid
details or explanations but be prepared to talk about your hobbies in an
interview. A potential employer may be interested to know that you play
a musical instrument, because it shows that you can devote yourself to
learning a difficult skill.
Reading is a vital skill, not a hobby; use a descriptive phrase instead,
such as Moderne Literatur. Jogging or swimming, too, are such ordinary
activities that they would not add substantially to the résumé, unless you
are perhaps a competitive swimmer. However, golf, tennis, or mountain
climbing are not so common and should be listed. One of the interviewers might just have a similar interest. The ability to play a musical
instrument also makes a good impression because it requires discipline
and commitment to master. Also include such useful information as a
pilot’s license.
Hobbies/Interessen:
Außercurriculare
Aktivitäten:
20
Moderne Literatur, Tennis, Klavier
Redakteur der Studentenzeitung an der
Universität
Freiwillige Sozialarbeit mit
Lernbehinderten
Mitarbeit am Studentenjahrbuch
I.
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
The letter of application (das Anschreiben) creates the first impression.
It must hold the reader’s interest: your first enemy is the wastebasket. A
busy personnel director may take only two minutes to glance at your
résumé and letter to make an initial decision.
☞
The term “cover letter” has no equivalent in German; use the
term Anschreiben.
Format. While many formal considerations for German applications are
the same as for the U.S. variety, it should not hurt to list them once
again:
The letter should be clean and neat. It must be easy to read, not confusing to the eye. Avoid the cluttered look; instead, leave white space on the
page. One page is the preferred length: be concise and informative
without listing too many details. While long sentences seem to be the
trademark of much of German literature, you should aim to write clear
sentences of moderate length.
It is not necessary to abide by strict rules of correspondence regarding
the number of free lines between segments. You are trying to put as
much information as possible on one page; so use as many lines as you
can. The list of components for the letter on page 26 suggests the minimum of free lines appropriate.
Use plain white paper, possibly off-white, to match your résumé. All
pages should be the same size. You may, of course, use American paper
(8 1/2 x 11 is close to German paper format). Leave margins all around
of 2.5 to 3 cm (at least 1 inch). If you do use German paper, be sure to
acquire an appropriate envelope.
You should try to use a word processor to facilitate corrections. Do not
correct typos by hand; do not use correction fluid. Definitely type the
letter, and carefully check for errors. On the original you should not
make any corrections: do not add an Umlaut by hand; do not use ae, oe,
21
ue or ss as substitutes for the real thing. Consult your word processing
manual on how to produce the ä, ö, ü, and ß. The appendix in this book
also has instructions for some software.
Almost everyone has adopted the rules of the spelling reform, which
affected many common words. This includes words with –ss or – ß (old:
ich müßte; new: ich müsste), infinitives consisting of two verbs (old:
habe die Firma kennengelernt; new: habe die Firma kennen gelernt),
and spellings with triple consonants (old: die Bestelliste; new: die
Bestellliste or die Bestell-Liste). Be sure to use a current dictionary,
published after 1998. Online dictionaries can help but may be incomplete and not completely authoritative, especially if prepared and maintained by volunteers. Try these: www.leo.org or www.dict.leo.org/
maintained by the Technische Universität München, http://dict.tuchemnitz.de/ by the Sprachenzentrum at the TU Chemnitz (www.tuchemnitz.de/sprachenzentrum/), or www.iee.et.tu-dresden.de by the
Universität Dresden. All the supply the correct article or gender and list
variant translations. For a list of dictionaries and links, try http://
www.leo.org/dict/auskunft/auskunft_de.html.
Content. Most readers can easily spot mass mailings. Be sure to address
issues raised by a particular job announcement. Do not simply copy one
of the examples in this handbook: tailor your application to each individual job opening or (in the case of a Blindbewerbung) to the company.
Before you start writing, try to determine the name of a person to whom
you can address your letter. You might call the personnel department
and ask. If you are responding to an advertisement, also check whether
the position is still open.
Sell yourself, but do not overdo it. Do not pass yourself off as an all
round talent: specialization and expertise are important.
No need to dazzle: instead, persuade the reader that you have mastered
your trade. A good policy to observe:
☞
Kein Eigenlob!
Style. While the language used in business correspondence today is no
longer as stiff as it used to be, it pays to be clear, concise, and somewhat
formal. The content and tone of your letter is quite comparable to any
letter you would send to a prospective employer in the U.S., somewhat
low-key and very polite.
22
The chapter on the résumé already explained that brevity and clarity may
be more important than all-inclusiveness. Try to leave blank space on
every page, creating a visual image that is pleasing to the eye and easy to
read.
Use self-praise sparingly. Earlier in the text we used the German words
Kein Eigenlob. Words like perfekt, profiliert, kreativ, dynamisch, or
kontaktfähig may make a poor impression when applied to oneself. To
begin with, they are vague catchall phrases, and secondly, the reader
may wonder why you feel the need to describe yourself with such strong
labels. Instead, put forward your specific accomplishments.
The following are some do’s and don’ts, mainly in regard to grammar.
1.
Use present tense as much as possible in place of future or past in
order to attain immediacy.
☞
Prägnante Gegenwartsform.
Ich melde mich telefonisch. (Not: Ich werde mich telefonisch
melden.)
Auf diese Aufgabe bin ich gut vorbereitet.
(Not: Auf diese Aufgabe habe ich mich vorbereitet.)
2.
You can use present perfect tense constructions along with simple
past.
Während meines Studiums habe ich mich intensiv mit
Personalmanagement beschäftigt.
Nach meinem Studium habe ich zwei Jahre als
Produktmanager bei Busy Corp. gearbeitet.
3.
An occasional passive construction is considered good style.
Passive is appropriate when the person who performed the action is
not relevant. For example, more important than the fact that your
boss promoted you is the fact that “you were promoted.”
Im Jahre 1997 wurde ich als Exportleiter eingestellt.
Anschließend an ein Praktikum in der Exportabteilung wurde ich
für zwei Jahre in Deutschland eingesetzt.
23
4.
When you use general subjunctive (Konjunktiv II), the würdeconstruction is quite appropriate. Do not use würde, however, with
modals, haben, sein, or wissen (instead: müsste, könnte, wäre,
wüsste).
The subjunctive can be used to make a statement more polite.
Ich würde mich sehr freuen, . . .
Nach meinem Examen wäre ich an einer Stelle in Ihrem
Unternehmen interessiert.
In den Bereichen Vertrieb und Marketing könnte ich meine
bisherigen Erfahrungen und Kenntnisse effizient anwenden.
5.
Job titles (including Student) are usually used without definite or
indefinite articles. The same rule applies to nationality and religious
preference.
Bei der Klein AG war ich als Wirtschaftsprüfer tätig.
Seit zwei Jahren arbeite ich als Produktmanager.
Ich bin Amerikanerin, spreche aber fließend Deutsch, da mein
Vater Deutscher ist.
6.
Do not display a sense of urgency. Avoid words like möglichst
bald, umgehend, so schnell wie möglich, unbedingt, auf jeden Fall,
sofort. Germans like efficiency but prefer quality: thorough preparation before a decision is important.
7.
A common rule says not to begin a sentence with the pronoun ich,
even to use it as little as possible. Do not take this rule ad absurdum; an initial ich is probably better than an awkward sentence
avoiding it. However, it should not be the very first word of your
letter.
Adverbs are suitable for sentence beginnings: Im Jahre 1993,
Danach, Bei Firma GGG, and so forth.
24
8.
Use sentences of moderate length: 1 to 2 lines. When in doubt,
break up an extremely long sentence into shorter segments. Paragraphs usually have fewer than eight lines.
9.
Avoid abbreviations; they may not be clear to a German reader.
This includes street and state designations (AZ, SD, Rd., Ave.) as
well as names of companies and organizations.
10. The first word of the text of the letter is not capitalized because the
greeting is followed by a comma. Exceptions are proper names, of
course, and all versions of the formal “you” and “your”: Sie, Ihnen,
Ihr- (+ending).
11. When you use a reflexive verb, be sure to adjust the pronoun. The
infinitive sich bewerben um becomes Ich bewerbe mich um.
The following reflexive verbs could be very useful. The reflexive
pronouns of all the verbs in this list are in the accusative case. The cases
for objects of prepositions and verbs are provided.
☞
Ich bewerbe mich.
Du bewirbst dich.
Er/Sie bewirbt sich
Wir bewerben uns.
Ihr bewerbt euch.
Sie bewerben sich.
sich befassen mit (D)
to occupy oneself with
sich bemühen um (A)
to concern oneself about
sich berufen auf (A)
to refer to
sich beteiligen an (D)
to take part in
sich bewähren in (D)
to prove oneself in
sich bewerben um (A)
to apply for
sich beziehen auf (A)
to relate/refer to
sich eignen für (A)
to qualify for
sich einarbeiten in (A)
to familiarize oneself with
sich einschreiben in (A)
to enroll/register in
sich einsetzen für (A)
to promote/push for
sich einstellen auf (A)
to concentrate on, adapt to
sich entscheiden für (A)
to decide on
sich entwickeln zu (D)
to grow/develop into
sich erkundigen nach (D)
to inquire about
sich interessieren für (A)
to be interested in
sich kümmern um (A)
to take care of
sich richten nach (D)
to go along with, abide by
sich unterziehen (D)
to undergo
sich überzeugen von (D)
to convince oneself of
sich verhalten in (D)
to conduct oneself in
sich verlassen auf (A)
to rely/depend on
sich vertraut machen mit (D)
to familiarize oneself
sich vorstellen (D)
to introduce oneself to someone
(But Ich stelle mir vor, dass: I can imagine, I have in mind)
sich zurechtfinden in (D)
to be familiar (comfortable) with
25
Other Useful Phrases
Ich verfüge über gute Kenntnisse in (D) . . .
Ich habe mir gute Kenntnisse in (D) . . . angeeignet.
Ich habe mich intensiv auf (A) . . . vorbereitet.
Während meines Studiums habe ich mich mit (D) . . . beschäftigt.
Nähere Information entnehmen Sie bitte dem Hochschulzeugnis.
Diese Tätigkeit interessiert mich.
Mein derzeitiger Arbeitsbereich umfasst (A) . . .
Ich lege besonderen Wert auf (A). . .
Ich beziehe mich auf Ihre Anzeige vom (Datum) in (Zeitung).
Meine Qualifikation entspricht Ihren Anforderungen.
Ich gewann einen guten Einblick in (A) . . .
Zurzeit arbeite ich bei (D) . . . als Wirtschaftsprüfer.
In den Semesterferien habe ich ein Praktikum bei (D). . absolviert.
Ich werde mein Examen voraussichtlich im Dezember 1991 ablegen.
. . . mit mehrjähriger Erfahrung . . .
Aufgrund meiner Ausbildung und meines bisherigen beruflichen
Werdeganges glaube ich, . . .
Mit Personalcomputern bin ich bestens vertraut.
Natürlich spreche ich fließend Deutsch und besitze
Grundkenntnisse in Spanisch.
Während des Praktikums konnte ich Erfahrungen im Exportgeschäft
sammeln.
26
II.
THE INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS OF THE LETTER
All sections of the letter (das Anschreiben) are left justified, except the
date, which should be flush with the right margin. You may indent the
first line of each paragraph but do not have to do so.
The numbers on the following list of components correspond to the
numbers on the schematic example on the next page and to the detailed
explanations starting on page 31.
1.
Your mailing address, where you want responses sent.
(Followed by two free lines.)
2.
The company’s address, if possible directed at a specific
department and person. (The date can be on the same line as
the last line of the company address or one to two lines down.)
3.
Place and date - flush right! (One free line.)
4.
The subject of the letter. (One to two free lines.)
5.
Salutation. (One free line.)
6.
The text of the letter. (Single-spaced; one line free between
paragraphs.)
7.
Closure. (Two to three lines between closing phrase and your
typed name)
8.
Enclosures.
Detailed explanations of each component start on page 31, following the
schematic and the sample letters.
The explanations concentrate on content as well as some formalities.
When typing the letter, the exact number of lines left free between
addresses is not crucial; use the suggestions above as guidelines. While
you may need all the space available to you on one page, the visual
impression of the letter should be pleasing.
27
THE LETTER - a schematic example:
Name
Adresse
Å 1
Firma
Abteilung
z. Hd. (Name)
Straße
Stadt
Å 2
Bezugszeile
Å 4
Anrede,
Å 5
Text
.
.
Å 6
3Æ
Text
.
.
.
.
.
Text
.
.
.
Grußformel
Å 7
Unterschrift
(Name getippt)
Anlagen:
.
.
28
Å 8
Stadt, den 00. 00. 2000
A sample letter:
Dirk Cabuzzi
8882 E. Inglewood Pl.
Lakewood, Colorado 80310 U.S.A.
E-Mail: Dcabuzzi@address.com
Schmeisser AG
Personalabteilung
z. Hd. Herrn Kort
Ost-West-Str. 53
22431 Hamburg
Lakewood, den 6.3.2001
Bewerbung um ein Praktikum
Sehr geehrter Herr Kort,
gerade habe ich meinen Abschluss an der University of Colorado als Bachelor of Science
in Business Administration erworben. Meine Schwerpunktfächer waren Operations und
Logistik Management. Um in diesem Bereich Erfahrungen in Deutschland zu sammeln,
möchte ich mich bei Ihnen für ein sechsmonatiges Praktikum bewerben. Die Schmeisser
AG würde mir die Chance geben, die Dynamik des Logistik Managements in der Praxis
eines international tätigen Unternehmens kennenzulernen.
Vielleicht ist es für Sie interessant, wie Logistikfragen in einigen fortschrittlichen USUnternehmen behandelt werden. Es wäre für mich eine Herausforderung festzustellen,
wieviel von meinem theoretischen Wisssen sich in der täglichen Praxis umsetzen lässt. An
den amerikanischen Universitäten wird allerdings schon viel Wert auf eine praxisbezogene
Ausbildung gelegt. Unter anderem arbeitete ich bereits in einem Team von Studenten, um
einen neuen EDV-Logistikplan für ein hiesiges Unternehmen zu entwickeln.
Neben meinen fachspezifischen Kenntnissen habe ich Erfahrungen im Umgang mit
Menschen durch eine Stelle als Lehrer im Fach Erste-Hilfe für das amerikanische Rote
Kreuz gesammelt.
Weitere Informationen entnehmen Sie bitte meinem beiliegenden Lebenslauf und den
Zeugnissen. Über eine Nachricht von Ihnen würde ich mich freuen. Sie erreichen mich in
den USA per Post, aber auch per Fax: 001-555-555-5555, oder telefonisch: 001-555-3333333.
Mit freundlichen Grüßen
Dirk Cabuzzi
Anlage:
Lebenslauf
29
A sample letter:
Beatrice Smith
516 Thornwood Way
Kansas City, Missouri 65112
U.S.A.
Wertemann GmbH & Co. KG
Personalabteilung
Behrendstraße 2
01226 Chemnitz
Kansas City, den 1.4.2001
Bewerbung für die Stelle als Analystin in der Marketingabteilung
Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren,
gerade habe ich mein Diplom als Betriebswirtin von der New York University erhalten. Als
Hauptfach habe ich Marketing und Internationalen Handel studiert. Um Erfahrung im Bereich
Import/Export Marketing zu sammeln, möchte ich mich um die Stelle als Analystin in der
Marketingabteilung bewerben. Da die Wertemann GmbH ein Führer im internationalen Handel
ist, bietet sie mir die Chance, mein theoretisches Wissen durch praxisbezogene Arbeit zu
erweitern.
Als Teil meiner Ausbildung habe ich sechs Monate in der Marketingabteilung eines
Großhandels gearbeitet. Während dieser Zeit habe ich Hilfe bei der Einführung eines neuen
Konsumgutes in den amerikanischen Markt geleistet. Meine theoretischen und fachlichen
Kenntnisse des amerikanischen Marktes könnten der Wertemann GmbH helfen, ihre Stelle als
Marktführer zu sichern.
Als Nebentätigkeit während des Studiums habe ich freiwillig für einen Verband zum Schutz
von Jugendlichen gearbeitet. Durch meine Stelle als Sachbearbeiterin zuständig für Werbung
und Medien habe ich praktische Arbeitserfahrung im Marketingbereich gesammelt.
Mein Lebenslauf und meine Zeugnisse liegen bei, falls Sie weitere Informationen wünschen.
Vom 12. Juni 2001 bis zum 29. Juni 2001 bin ich in Hamburg unter dem Telefonanschluss 040/
55 55 55 zu erreichen. Bis dahin bin in den USA per FAX: 001-555-555-5555 oder telefonisch:
001-555-333-3333 erreichbar und natürlich per E-Mail (beatrices@firma.com). Über eine
Nachricht von Ihnen würde ich mich freuen.
Beatrice Smith
Anlagen:
Lebenslauf
Zeugnisse
30
III.
THE LETTER IN DETAIL
Each component of the letter of application (Anschreiben) introduced on
page 27 and in the schematic overview on page 28 is described below in
detail.
1.
Your mailing address, to which you want responses sent.
Include your name, complete mailing address, home phone number, and
fax if available. Even if you mail a complete application packet with
cover sheet, include this information here again.
Do not use abbreviations for street or state names. A German reader may
not be familiar with them.
List your work phone only if your current employer knows you are
looking for another position.
2.
The company’s address, if possible directed at a specific department and person.
Whenever possible, address your letter to an individual you know by
name. Telephone the personnel or trainee department and ask for a
person who is in charge of the hiring process. Use the person’s name in
the address and in the greeting.
Arbeit AG
z.H. Frau G. Schmitt
Personalabteilung
Studienweg 35
Firma
Klein & Co.
Verkaufsabteilung
Montagestraße 53-58
D-60224 Frankfurt a.M.
D-12456 Berlin
GERMANY
Federal Republic of Germany
Examples for the proper use of names and titles:
z.H. Frau Marianne Montag
z.H. Herrn Klaus Grün
z.H. Dr. Inge Hauer
z.H. Dr. W. Summer
31
z.H. (or: z.Hd.) is the abbreviation of zu Händen (“Attn.”). Do not
capitalize the z. The -n on Herrn is required in the address. (Herr is
a weak noun and adds an -n.)
Use the word Firma when the company name is not clearly identifiable
as such:
Firma
Karla Maurer
Geschäftsführung
☞
ACHTUNG: On July 1, 1993, all German zip codes changed. If
you are getting company addresses from older reference books,
you need to look up the new zip code (Postleitzahl), for example,
online at http://www.deutschepost.de under the heading
Postleitzahlsuche.
If you are responding to a newspaper ad, you may not know the name or
the address of the company. Instead, you may need to write to the
newspaper under a code number or to a Personalberatung.
If you are writing to a Personalberatung, call first and try to obtain the
name of the business and its location. More than one person has unwittingly applied for a position with his current employer or with a company that is located in an unacceptable geographic location.
When you do not know for which company you are applying, you can
use a Sperrvermerk. Address the envelope containing your documents to
the agency or newspaper, using any code-number as indicated; then put
it into a slightly bigger envelope. Address this outer envelope to the
newspaper advertising department (Anzeigenabteilung) or agency, along
with a brief letter explaining that you do not want your letter to be
forwarded to a certain address. Include return postage or a comment
describing how to dispose of your application.
3.
Place and Date
The date in correct German format: no commas, dashes, or hyphens.
Always in the order: (day) (month) (year). The month may be spelled
out (do not abbreviate), or you may use a number. If the month is spelled
out, leave a space before and after. With numbers, spaces are not required.
5. 8. 2001
22. 12. 1999
32
5. August 2001
22. Dezember 1999
4.
The Subject of the Letter
In one or two lines make a reference to the purpose of your letter. If you
are responding to an announcement, use the exact wording from the ad if
possible and name the source. This line is called the Bezugszeile; it is
usually underlined or in bold print. You should not use the words Betreff
(“Subject”) or the abbreviation Betr. (“SU”).
Bewerbung für eine Trainee-Ausbildung in Ihrem Hause
Ihre Anzeige in der Frankfurter Allgemeinen Zeitung 21.4.01
Marketingleiter
Ihr Stellenangebot Controller im Handelsblatt vom 24.4.2001
Unser Telefongespräch vom 20.1.2001
5.
Salutation
a)
if you know the addressee:
Sehr geehrte Frau Dr. Hauer,
Sehr geehrter Herr Dr. Summer,
Sehr geehrte Frau Montag,
Sehr geehrter Herr Grün,
b)
if you do not know the name:
No variations please; use only these forms of address. Do not translate
“Dear” as “Lieber” or “Liebe”; it is too personal. Even if the company
writes to you as “Liebe Frau Meyer,” you should stick to the above
formulas of address. Always use a comma after the name.
6.
The Text of the Letter
Remember that your letter may be read fast: Use clear language and
sentences of moderate length. Paragraphs are usually less than eight
lines in length.
33
The first word of the letter is then not capitalized—unless it is a noun or
a polite form of address (Sie, Ihr, Ihnen)— because the first sentence is
considered the continuation of the greeting.
Don’t be pushy: aggressive openings are not necessary.
The text of a typical application letter breaks down into the introduction,
qualifications, explanations, availability, and the request of a personal
interview.
a)
The Introduction
Briefly refer to the position you are applying for and express your
interest in being considered for the job.
Responding to an ad:
First sentence:
Sie suchen einen Produktmanager mit mehrjähriger
Auslandserfahrung.
im Mai 1996 schließe ich mein Studium mit dem Master of
International Management ab und . . .
(Note the small “im” but the capital “Sie.”)
Sending a Blindbewerbung
im Dezember 2001 erhalte ich mein Diplom von der American
Graduate School of International Management (Thunderbird) und
möchte mich dann um eine Trainee-Stelle in Ihrem Hause
bewerben.
Second sentence:
Aufgrund meiner Ausbildung und meines bisherigen beruflichen
Werdeganges glaube ich, Ihren An forderungen gerecht werden zu
können.
Ich glaube, Ihren Anforderungen zu entsprechen. Ich schreibe zur
Zeit meine Diplomarbeit mit dem Thema “ . . . “
34
Diese Position interessiert mich. Meine Qualifikation
entspricht Ihren Anforderungen.
Ich erfülle diese Voraussetzungen.
Auf diese Aufgaben bin ich gründlich vorbereitet.
b)
Your Qualifications (Kenntnisse und Fähigkeiten)
First you might state your interest in the position and your personal
qualifications. Then list your experience and add brief descriptions or
examples (e.g., supervised six employees for three years); especially
mention relevant innovations.
Select only information relevant to this job: show that you understand
what is required for this position. The American approach tends to
include everything one has done; Germans are often more selective and
focused.
Prerequisites labeled wünschenswert, wichtig, von Vorteil, and so forth,
may increase your chances if you meet them. If the ad specifies
Voraussetzung/erforderlich/erwarten wir etc., this usually indicates a
minimum requirement.
Point out working experience or training especially important for this
position; put details in the résumé.
If you do not meet all of the criteria for the job, explain why you should
be considered anyway.
While knowledge (Kenntnisse) is documented by your diplomas or
certificates (Zeugnisse), skills (Fähigkeiten) have to be illustrated with
examples.
Nach dem Universitätsstudium im Fach Marketing habe ich zwei
Jahre bei der Firma xxx . . .
Ich war als . . . tätig.
Ich habe mich intensiv mit . . . beschäftigt.
Ich habe mehrere Praktika in den Verkaufsabteilungen namhafter
Unternehmen absolviert.
Mir unterstehen derzeit 20 Mitarbeiter.
35
Zu meinem Aufgabengebiet gehört . . .
Ich habe drei Jahre lang ein Qualitätsprodukt betreut.
Bei Firma Grau habe ich . . . Produkt eingeführt/Abteilung
aufgebaut/Motor weiterentwickelt . . .
c)
Explanations
Explain any unusual circumstances: frequent change of employment or
long periods of unemployment, for example. Some perfectly good
reasons include the following: the company was dissolved; you want
more responsibility or had no chance for advancement; you needed to
attend to family matters.
Mit dem Wunsch nach einem interessanten, selbständig zu
bearbeitenden Aufgabengebiet habe ich den Arbeitsplatz
gewechselt.
Wegen Konkurses meines Arbeitgebers musste ich den Arbeitsplatz
nach einem Jahr wechseln.
Avoid the impression that you considered previous employment only as
stepping stones for bigger and better pursuits. Also keep in mind that
Germans stay with the same employer longer than many Americans.
Advancement or change often occurs within a company.
d)
Your Availability (Antrittstermin)
State if and when your current position will terminate. This data is
important if you are working in Germany or another country where you
have to observe the Kündigungsfrist, that is, give notice within a certain
timeframe. Depending on your contract or the length of your employment, you may have to give notice four weeks or more in advance. In
some instances, you may be able to quit only at the end of a month or
quarter.
Ich bin in ungekündigter Stellung. Um zum 1. Oktober bei Ihnen
anfangen zu können, müsste ich mich spätestens am 30. Juni
entscheiden.
Ich könnte am 1. 4. 2001 bei Ihnen anfangen, da ich eine
dreimonatige Kündigungsfrist abwarten muss.
Ich könnte zum 1. 8. 2001 mit der Trainee-Ausbildung anfangen.
36
For a Blindbewerbung, you might include a general statement like the
following.
Nach Abschluss meines Studiums im August 2001 stünde ich
jederzeit zur Verfügung.
e)
Request for Personal Interview
You should always end your letter with a request for a personal interview. While you need to wait for the potential employer to set up such
an interview, you can and should provide information about your
preferences. If you apply with a firm in Germany, you probably have to
travel there at your own expense. Indicate the period of time when you
would be available.
Es wäre schön, wenn ich mich bei Ihnen vorstellen dürfte. Vom 28.
Mai bis zum 25. Juni werde ich mich in Deutschland aufhalten. Sie
können mich schriftlich und telefonisch erreichen bei Familie
Grauben (Adresse, Telefonnummer).
Ich würde mich freuen, von Ihnen zu hören.
Zu einem Vorstellungsgespräch stehe ich Ihnen jederzeit zur
Verfügung.
Sollten Sie an meiner Bewerbung Interesse haben, würde ich mich
freuen, Weiteres in einem persönlichen Gespräch mit Ihnen
erörtern zu können.
Es würde mich freuen, nähere Einzelheiten in einem persönlichen
Gespräch besprechen zu können.
Sie können mich wochentags unter folgender Telefonnummer
erreichen: 3 34 72 18
☞
Do not include the following in your letter:
1.
personal problems,
2.
salary expectations, unless specifically requested in the advertisement. Then try to circumvent the question by stating your current
salary;
37
3.
criticism of your current employer;
4.
references unless specifically requested. If requested, you may
simply include the name and address of the reference. Naturally
you need to ask the persons concerned for permission to use their
names.
Auskunft über mich geben (Name, Adresse, Telefonnummer)
References may be needed in the personal interview. You might prepare
a list of names of your references (with addresses and phone numbers)
and take it along to the interview.
7.
Closure
Preferred:
Mit freundlichem Gruß
Other phrases, like Hochachtungsvoll, are no longer common.
Sign your full name; it should be legible. Also type your name underneath in parentheses. If your first name does not clearly indicate your
gender, consider adding (Frau) or (Herr) in front of your typed name.
Eventually your letter will be kept separately from your résumé and the
reader or respondent may misinterpret your name.
Chris Waldorf
(Frau) Chris Waldorf
8.
Enclosures
The German word is Anlagen. It should be underlined. You should
probably list:
Anlagen:
Lebenslauf
Zeugniskopien
For the Kurzbewerbung, use the singular form:
Anlage:
Lebenslauf
38
You may have to submit a complete application packet
(Bewerbungsmappae or Bewerbungsunterlagen) when you apply for a
position. The request for documents or the job advertisement will
specify mit den üblichen Unterlagen, or call for a Vollständige
Bewerbung or Aussagekräftige Bewerbung. In that case, assemble all the
documents required and mail them in a sturdy envelope that is neither
too large nor too small. At this stage of the process, the visual impression created by your application is very important.
I.
THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Put the following in the order indicated in a plastic folder (die Mappe,
der Hefter) that has a clear cover, if possible. The cover sheet with your
name and address is then visible through the cover. This makes handling
easier; the personnel department will have a stack of these packets to
evaluate.
All pages except the letter of application should be secured in the folder
(e.g., punch holes). Preferred is a folder with a clip that let’s you secure
pages with holes (der Schnellhefter). The type of plastic folder that
secures pages with a strip of plastic that clasps pages along one side (der
Klemmhefter) tends to fall apart.
1.
cover sheet (visible through clear plastic cover of folder)
2.
résumé (one page, unless you have a lot of work experience)
3.
copies of diplomas (with translations if not self-explanatory) in
reverse chronological order, so that the most current and most
relevant documents precede older materials:
Work experience: employment record, letters
Continuing education: diplomas, certificates, licenses
Education: college, university, high school
☞
Include your transcripts to document your grades. Also, consider
typing a list of relevant courses with translations, especially if you
are not sure that the reader of your application knows English well.
The older the applicant, the less important are documents from high
school and miscellaneous jobs of one’s teenage years.
39
If requested:
samples of your work (Arbeitsprobe)
publications
photos of artistic work
advertisements you created
etc.
The letter of application is placed on top of the folder and secured with a
paperclip or placed loose-leaf in the folder between cover sheet and the
other documents. Either way the reader can take out and retain this letter
but return the other documents to you in the folder. The letter becomes
the property of the firm, and readers may make comments on it; however, the other materials could then be mailed back to you if no offer is
made.
Place the whole folder in a sturdy envelope of appropriate size, and affix
sufficient postage. While these considerations may be obvious, you
should take them seriously. For a fulltime position (e.g., when an
Aussagekräftige Bewerbung is requested), the recipient of the materials
may look at the format of the envelope, whether the address was typed,
and so forth.
ACHTUNG!
Handwritten, narrative résumés are hardly ever required, and very few
employers still ask for a Handschriftenprobe, a sample of your handwriting. The purpose is usually to subject the sample to analysis by a
graphological expert. If such a sample is requested, simply copy part of
a journal article or a book (length approximately one page, preferably in
German).
Zeugnisse are not just diplomas from educational institutions or certificates for coursework. Germans usually receive a Zeugnis, here simply a
letter, also when leaving a position. It will state the name, the position,
and the duration of employment and possibly a performance evaluation.
Try to contact former employers and ask for brief letters on company
stationary, documenting your work experience and comments on your
performance. Otherwise, try the following. An employee at the
Arbeitsamt Göttingen recommended this solution: Write your own job
description. Include the dates of your employment, main responsibilities,
and any specific tasks or projects you were involved in.
40
II.
THE COVER SHEET
When you send a folder with documents to a prospective employer, you
should prepare a cover sheet (das Deckblatt), which becomes the first
page in the folder, visible through the clear plastic cover. If you cannot
find a folder with a clear cover, the cover sheet is still the first page.
Arrange the following on one sheet of paper in a clear, visually pleasing
way:
1. current photo (head, color preferred)
2. name
mailing address
phone and fax number
e-mail address
3. personal data (birthdate, marital status, nationality)
4. degrees
5. list of documents enclosed
Other items:
You may want to state the position you are applying for, especially if it
has been advertised. Add any other information you think is of special
interest to the reader, for example, if you have a work permit or special
qualifications.
Usually everything is centered and placed near the middle of the page.
You can type the word Bewerbung or a more descriptive phrase (e.g.,
Bewerbung als Trainee) above your personal information.
The schematic on page 42 is an example of the information usually
included on a cover sheet.
☞
An alternative to the cover sheet is the résumé with photo.
One possible alternative is the use of the résumé as the cover sheet. In
that case, you should paste your photo in the top right corner of the
résumé. The first page of the application packet (visible through the
plastic cover) is then the résumé with name, address, telephone number,
personal data, and photo.
When your application is a Kurzbewerbung, which consists only of the
letter and the résumé, then the photo and all contact information must be
placed on the résumé.
41
THE COVER SHEET - a schematic example:
(Photo)
BEWERBUNG
Praktikum im Bereich Marketing
Name:
Straße:
Wohnort:
Telefon/Telefax:
E-Mail:
Geburtsdatum:
Familienstand:
Studium:
Besondere Kenntnisse:
Anlagen:
42
III.
A COMPLETE EXAMPLE
On the following pages, you will find a complete example of an application packet. It reflects many of the suggestions made in this handbook.
All data, diplomas, and references to companies or educational organizations are fictitious.
☞
The letter of application is the first document here because is not
included in the folder: it is clipped to the folder on the outside or
slipped under the cover of the folder (for protection), but not
attached.
43
LETTER OF APPLICATION
John Whitebridge
15338 N. 59th Ave.
Glendale, Arizona 85306
USA
Eckstein & Partner
Kenn-Nr. 7942-1
D-65205 Frankfurt am Main
GERMANY
Glendale, den 24.08.2001
Bewerbung um die ausgeschriebene Stelle als Marketing-Assistent
Ihre Anzeige in der Frankfurter Allgemeinen Zeitung vom 22.08.2001
hiermit bewerbe ich mich um die von Ihnen ausgeschriebene Stelle als Marketing-Assistent.
Meine schulische und berufliche Ausbildung verdeutlicht, daß ich ein ernsthafter Kandidat
für diese Position bin.
Mein beiliegender Lebenslauf zeigt, daß ich auf eine mehrjährige Berufserfahrung in
Marketing und Vertrieb zurückblicken kann. Während meiner zweijährigen Tätigkeit als
Mitarbeiter der Marktforschung für Office Computers arbeitete ich an der Auswertung von
Kundenumfragen. Aufgrund der Erkenntnisse, die aus den Umfragen gewonnen werden
konnten, wurden detaillierte Marketingstrategien entwickelt. Meine berufliche Laufbahn
setzte ich bei Simons USA als Vertriebsbeauftragter für Netzwerke fort. In dieser Position
war ich für die Entwicklung von Absatzstrategien in meinem Verkaufsgebiet verantwortlich.
Aufgrund meiner Absatzplanungen konnten beachtliche Verkaufserfolge erzielt werden.
Zur Zeit besuche ich Thunderbird, die American Graduate School of International Management. Der Schwerpunkt meines Studiums umfasst dabei das Fachgebiet strategisches
Marketing. Praxisorientierte Gruppenprojekte, an denen ich zur Zeit arbeite, beinhalten die
Entwicklung von Finanzplänen für exportorientierte Betriebe und das Erstellen von
Bilanzanalysen für mittelständische Unternehmen. Während meines zweimonatigen
Praktikums bei der Hyper-Bank in München konnte ich meine Kenntnisse im Finanzwesen
vertiefen.
Ich würde mich freuen, wenn Sie mir die Gelegenheit geben würden, bei einem persönlichen
Vorstellungsgespräch Einzelheiten zu besprechen. Ihrer Antwort sehe ich mit Interesse
entgegen.
Mit freundlichen Grüßen,
John Whitebridge
Anlagen:
Lebenslauf
Zeugnisse
44
COVER SHEET
[Photo]
BEWERBUNG
Bewerbung um die ausgeschriebene Stelle als Marketing-Assistent
Ihre Anzeige in der Frankfurter Allgemeinen Zeitung vom 22.08.2001
Name:
John Whitebridge
Straße:
Wohnort:
15338 N. 59th Avenue
Glendale, Arizona 85306 USA
Telefon:
Telefax:
E-Mail Anschrift:
001 / 602 / 9 48 42 56
001 / 602 / 2 34 85 19
JohnW@mail.com
Studium:
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (1996)
Master of International Management (2001)
Geburtsdatum:
Familienstand:
14. Juni 1974
ledig
amerikanisch
Anlagen:
Bewerbungsschreiben
Lebenslauf
Zeugnisse
45
RÉSUMÉ
John Whitebridge
Studienadresse:
15338 N. 59th Ave., Glendale, Arizona 85306, USA
Heimatadresse:
3582 Oakwood Drive, New Berlin, Wisconsin 57390 USA
Persönliche Daten:
Geburtsdatum:
Geburtsort:
Familienstand:
14. Juni 1974
New Berlin, Wisconsin, USA
amerikanisch
ledig
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Ausbildung:
08/88 - 05/92 E.W. Clark High School, Las Vegas, Nevada USA
High School Diploma
09/92 - 12/96 Rainbow State University, San Francisco,
Studienfach: Betriebswirtschaftslehre
Schwerpunkt: Marketing
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (B.S.)
09/00 - 12/01 American Graduate School of International Management
Thunderbird Campus, Glendale, Arizona USA
Schwerpunkt: Strategisches Marketing
01/01 - 05/01 Auslandsstudium: EBS, Schloss Reichartshausen
Studienfach: Deutsch, Internationales Management
12/01
Berufserfahrung:
Abschluss: Master of International Management M.I.M.
12/96 - 09/98 OFFICE COMPUTERS
Silicon Valley, Kalifornien
Abteilung Marktforschung
10/98 - 08/00 SIMONS USA
Los Angeles, Kalifornien
Vertriebsbeauftragter
Praktikum:
Sprachkenntnisse:
Englisch (Muttersprache), Deutsch (fließend)
EDV-Kenntnisse:
MS-Word, MS-Excel, MS-Access, MS-DOS, UNIX
Außercurriculare
Aktivitäten:
46
06/01 - 08/01 HYPER-BANK, München, Bayern
Aufgabenbereich: Finanzwesen
ICO Germany, Résumé Kommittee Vorsitzender;
Verein der Wirtschaftsakademiker, Finanzverwalter
LETTER/ZEUGNIS
Hyper-Bank München
Klosterwall 31
86731 München
Herrn John Whitebridge
15338 N. 59th Ave.
Glendale, AZ 85306
U.S.A.
Tätigkeitsnachweis als Praktikant
Herr John Whitebridge war vom 1. Juni 2001 bis zum 28. August 2001 als
Praktikant in unserem Haus beschäftigt.
Herr Whitebridge war während seiner Tätigkeit in der Abteilung Im- und
Export Finanzen hauptsächlich mit der Betreuung unserer englischen Kunden
betraut. In diesem Bereich (Akkreditiv, Dokumentinkasso und Wechsel) hat
Herr Whitebridge eine ausgezeichnete Leistung erbracht. Seine Arbeit war
stets fehlerfrei, termingerecht und präzise.
Wir bescheinigen ihm gern unsere vollste Zufriedenheit mit seinen
Leistungen.
München, 28. August 2001
Hyper-Bank München
i.V.
i.A.
P. Scharf
D. Drobeck
47
LETTER/ZEUGNIS
Simons USA
Sales Division
12134 S. Rio St.
Los Angeles, CA 65321-7543
August 13, 2000
Attention: Human Resources Department
I am delighted to comment on the job performance of John Whitebridge.
John has been a sales associate with our company since his arrival in October
1998.
During the past two years, John has consistently surpassed company sales
goals and has always strived to better his own sales records. His performance has
been exemplary. John was awarded the outstanding salesman award three
quarters in a row. He has demonstrated impeccable integrity, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work well with his fellow employees and
management.
John proved his value to our organization in helping develop new sales and
marketing strategies for our Network Systems. His efforts helped contribute to
record high sales for our Los Angeles office during the year of 1999.
We are sorry that John is leaving our office and wish him the best of luck in
the future. If I can be of further assistance in your evaluation of John, please don’t
hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Joan A. Thomas
Sales Manager-Western Div.
Simons USA
48
TRANSLATION OF THE LETTER
Übersetzung des Briefes von Simons USA
13. August 2000
ich möchte die Arbeitsleistung von Herrn John Whitebridge besprechen. John ist
seit Oktober 1998 Mitarbeiter im Vertrieb in unserem Haus.
Während der letzten zwei Jahre hat John stets die Verkaufsziele des Unternehmens
übertroffen und nach der Verbesserung seiner eigenen Verkaufsleistung gestrebt.
Seine Leistung ist vorbildlich gewesen. John hat die Auszeichnung als „Bester
Verkäufer“ während der letzten drei Quartale erhalten. Er hat seine tadellose
Integrität, starke organisatorische Fähigkeiten und die Fähigkeit, mit seinen
Kollegen und Vorgesetzten gut zurecht zu kommen, demonstriert.
John hat seinen Wert für unser Unternehmen bewiesen, indem er Hilfe bei der
Entwicklung neuer Vertriebs- und Marketingstrategien für unser Netzwerk
System geleistet hat. Sein Einsatz hat im Jahr 1999 zum Verkaufsrekord unseres
Los Angeles Büros beigetragen.
Wir bedauern, dass John unser Haus verlässt und wünschen ihm alles Gute für die
Zukunft. Wenn ich bei Ihrer Bewertung von John behilflich sein kann, bitte
nehmen Sie Verbindung mit mir auf.
Joan A. Thomas
Vertriebsmanagerin-Westliche Division
Simons USA
49
LETTER/ZEUGNIS
Office Computers
Marketing Division
14 W. De la Cruziero Avenue
Silicon Valley, CA 69911-9243
September 27, 1998
Attention: Human Resources Department
John Whitebridge has been in our employ during the last two years as a Specialist
in Marketing Research.
John worked closely with other Market Research Team Members to develop,
maintain, and analyze our customer database. John’s work showed strong organizational and analytical skills. We were very pleased with his performance.
John worked well both independently and as a member of the marketing research
team. We are glad to recommend him and sorry to see him leaving our team. We
wish him the best for the future.
Regards,
Tim R. Brady
Manager-Marketing Research
50
TRANSLATION OF THE LETTER
Übersetzung des Briefes von Office Computers
27. September 1998
John Whitebridge war zwei Jahre als Mitarbeiter in der Marktforschung in
unserem Haus tätig.
John hat eng mit den anderen Mitgliedern des Marktforschungsteams zusammen
gearbeitet, um unsere Kundendatenbank zu entwickeln, zu aktualisieren und zu
analysieren. Johns Arbeit zeigte starke organisatorische und analytische
Fähigkeiten. Wir waren sehr zufrieden mit seiner Leistung.
John konnte problemlos selbständig und auch als Mitglied des
Marktforschungsteams arbeiten. Wir empfehlen ihn gern und bedauern, dass er
unser Team verlässt. Wir wünschen ihm alles Gute für die Zukunft.
Tim R. Brady
Manager-Marktforschung
51
UNIVERSITY TRANSCRIPT
American Graduate School of International Management
Transcript
Name:
Student No.:
Birthdate:
Print Date:
***Note:
52
John Whitebridge
543-65-7631
6/14/74
10/19/01
Insert your Graduate School Transcript here or
include a typed list of relevant coursework.
UNIVERSITY DIPLOMA
The Regents of the
Rainbow State University
have conferred on
John Whitebridge
the Degree
Bachelor of Science
Business Administration
with all the rights and privileges thereunto appertaining.
In witness thereof this diploma is awarded by the Regents
upon the recommendation of the Faculty.
Given at San Francisco on the twentieth day of December, A.D.
nineteen hundred and ninety-six and in the
one hundred sixteenth year of the University
Chairman, Board of Regents
Chancellor
President of the University
Dean of the Faculty
53
UNIVERSITY TRANSCRIPT
Rainbow State University
Transcript
Name:
Student No.:
Birthdate:
Print Date:
***Note:
54
John Whitebridge
543-65-7631
6/14/74
10/19/97
Insert your University Transcript here
or include a typed list of relevant
coursework.
HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA
E.W. Clark High School
This Certifies That
John Whitebridge
Has satisfactorily completed a Course of Study
Prescribed for Graduation from this School and is
therefore awarded this
Diploma
Given in the month of May, nineteen hundred and ninety-two.
Superintendent
President of the Board
Principal
Secretary of the Board
55
IV.
FINAL CHECKLIST
Typical mistakes that human resources personnel are confronted with:
- Set of documents is incomplete. Often the Zeugnisse are missing.
- Résumé is not reader-friendly.
- Mistakes in spelling, punctuation, and so forth detract from
content.
A.
In General
1. All pages are clean and neat; there are no typos.
2. All pages are the same size.
3. I have made photocopies of everything for myself, so that I
know exactly what I mailed to each address.
4. The envelope is sturdy and neither too large nor too small.
5. Postage is sufficient.
6. The address and the return address are correct and legible.
B.
The Résumé
1. The résumé is easy to read: clear organization; large enough
print size (font).
2. My address is current.
3. Date of birth and photo are included (name/address on back of
photo).
4. Information is in chronological order: from oldest to newest.
5. There are no gaps in the chronology.
6. No abbreviations have been used.
7. Dates are in German format: first the day, then the month, then
the year.
56
C.
The Letter of Application
1. The letter is one page long.
2. The page is not overloaded; print size is large enough to read
comfortably.
3. The company address is correct, with current Postleitzahl.
4. The return address is correct and matches the inforamtion on
the résumé.
5. There are no typing errors; the Umlaute and the ß are used
correctly.
6. Enclosures are listed at the bottom of the letter.
D.
The Complete Application Packet
1. All requested documents (photocopies) are in the folder.
2. Letters from previous employers or brief job descriptions are
included.
3. All documents are in a logical order.
4. Important letters or documents are translated.
5. The folder is in good, clean condition and large enough for all
documents.
6. The letter of application is placed loosely in the folder or
attached to the cover with a paper clip.
7. The information on the cover sheet matches that of the letter
and the résumé (addresses, phone numbers, and so forth).
8. The photo is on the cover sheet or on the résumé (name and
address on back).
9. The whole packet is easy to handle; it does not fall apart.
Alles Gute!
57
58
THE INTERVIEW
While the interview represents a major segment of the application
process, it is one that this handbook is not aiming to address in depth.
Many books are available that provide help with the preparation, both
physically and mentally, for the interview. Here, we offer only a cursory
glance at the interview stage, with focus on the language and culture.
The following will help you gain a first impression of what to expect. A
number of the websites and the books listed in the bibliography provide
more insight.
I.
ACKNOWLEDGING THE APPOINTMENT
If you have been given an appointment for a personal interview, acknowledge the date and time in writing. Use the telephone, telefax, or email only if time is short or if the reply from the company suggested
these means of communication. These means of communication can
create an unnecessary sense of urgency.) Use the formal letter format
introduced in the chapter on the letter of application, but keep the text
very brief.H
Herzlichen Dank für Ihre Einladung zu einem
Vorstellungsgespräch. Ich stelle mich am 23. Juni
um 14 Uhr bei Ihnen ein.
If you absolutely cannot make the appointment at the time suggested by
the interviewer, write or call the company and ask for a different time.
II.
EXPENSES
Larger companies will probably reimburse you for your traveling
expenses within Germany. You can expect to recover the cost of a 2nd
class rail ticket. Be sure to enquire beforehand if you will be reimbursed.
A business is not required to reimburse you if it did not agree before you
made the arrangements.
You cannot expect a business to pay your airfare from the United States.
If a company has a U.S. office, the interview may be arranged there;
otherwise, you need to plan for a trip to Germany at your own expense.
Let the potential employers know when you will be in the country, so
that they can try to schedule the interview during that time frame.
THE INTERVIEW
59
III.
PREPARATION
Preparation for the interview is quite similar to what you would do in the
United States. First inform yourself about the company, its history,
structure, products, and so forth. Also make sure you know exactly
where to go for the interview and whom to meet.
Secondly, prepare to answer commonly asked questions and put together
a mental checklist of questions you want and need to ask. The following
list should help a little.
A.
Information about Company and Location
You will almost certainly be asked why you applied for a position with
this particular business. The more you know about the company, the
better. Request that an annual report (Geschäftsbericht) or other materials be sent to you, and read them before the interview. Big companies
have a Pressestelle, where you can ask for printed information, or you
can try their Personalabteilung or Abteilung/Büro für
Öffentlichkeitsarbeit. Another source for company information is the
local Industrie- und Handelskammer (the chamber of commerce) and, of
course, the Internet. You can find most companies by just typing the
name and .de, the suffix used for most German URLs
(www.siemens.de).
To start the interview, one of the interviewers may ask you if you have
had time to see the city. While this is intended as a nonthreatening
question, it helps to have a positive answer. Arrive a little early for your
interview so that you can perhaps visit one of the sights. At every train
station is a tourist information, which can supply a map and other
details.
Although even the German trains are not terribly punctual any more, you
should try to arrive on time. If you do not know the city, acquire a map
beforehand. Allow plenty of time for traffic. It might not hurt to go to
the location of the interview the day before so that you know exactly
where you have to be and how to get there. An interview may take
several hours—do not schedule more than one interview per day.
B.
Commonly Asked Questions
The questions will be similar to those you would expect from an American employer. You will have to answer factual questions about your
education and experience, your expectations of the position you applied
60
for, and so forth. You may be asked to talk about your education and
work experience, even though you submitted your résumé.
If you alluded to particular projects or topics of interest, you may be
asked to describe them. The interviewer(s) may also ask about activities
on your résumé (e.g., swimming). Membership in a club, competitive
sports, or other in-depth involvement are usually considered a positive
characteristic.
Reread your copies of all documents you submitted with your
application, so that you can clarify or elaborate on the information
you supplied in your letter and résumé. The following are typical
questions you can expect during the job interview. See also this
Internet site for “Die schwierigsten Interviewfragen,”
http://www2.stepstone.de/start.php3?menu=3-1.
1.
Begrüßung
Hatten Sie eine gute Reise/einen guten Flug?
Sind Sie schon länger im Land? Haben Sie Ihre Familie mitgebracht?
Hatten Sie Gelegenheit, sich die Stadt etwas anzusehen?
2.
Motivation
Was hat Sie veranlasst, sich bei uns zu bewerben?
Was reizt Sie an dieser Position?
Warum wollen Sie den Arbeitsplatz wechseln?
3.
Ausbildung
Auf welche Schwerpunkte haben Sie sich während des Studiums
konzentriert?
Welche Kurse fanden Sie besonders interessant?
Was für Noten haben Sie bekommen?
Warum haben Sie sich entschlossen, noch einmal zu studieren?
(Important if you worked before going to graduate school.)
Warum haben Sie Deutsch und Deutschland gewählt?
4.
Beruflicher Werdegang
Vielleicht können Sie Ihren Werdegang schildern/ beschreiben?
Wo arbeiten Sie zur Zeit? Wo waren Sie früher beschäftigt?
Was waren Ihre Aufgaben dort?
Wie sind Sie zu Ihrer letzten Stelle gekommen?
THE INTERVIEW
61
Was für Erfahrungen haben Sie sammeln können?
Warum haben Sie die Stelle mehrmals gewechselt?
Hätten Sie etwas dagegen, wenn wir bei früheren Arbeitgebern
Referenzen einholen?
Wie haben Sie sich für diesen Beruf entschieden?
(Beruf refers to your field or profession, not this particular job.)
Warum glauben Sie, dass Sie für diesen Beruf besonders geeignet sind?
Welche besonderen Fähigkeiten bringen Sie mit?
Reisen Sie gern?
Arbeiten Sie gern allein oder im Team?
Welche Vor- oder Nachteile sehen Sie in diesem Beruf?
5.
Firma
Was wissen Sie von unserem Unternehmen?
Warum haben Sie sich bei unserem Unternehmen beworben?
Welche Vorstellungen haben Sie von der angebotenen Position?
Was gefiel Ihnen an der angebotenen Position?
Wie stellen Sie sich Ihren Werdegang bei uns vor?
Welches Berufsziel möchten Sie erreichen?
6.
Familie
Was denkt Ihre Familie über Ihre Bewerbung bei uns?
Kann Ihr Lebenspartner die Stelle wechseln, wenn sie bei uns anfangen?
Wenn wir Sie in eine andere Stadt versetzen möchten?
Brauchen Sie Hilfe bei der Wohnungssuche/beim Umzug?
7.
Freizeit
Wie beschäftigen Sie sich in Ihrer Freizeit?
Gibt es Bereiche, in denen Sie sich besonders stark engagieren?
Was tun Sie für Ihre Weiterbildung?
8.
Finanzen
Was möchten Sie bei uns verdienen?
Wie hoch ist Ihr gegenwärtiges Einkommen?
(You do not have to answer this question, but the question is often
put to applicants.)
9.
62
Allgemeines
Was halten Sie von der Wirtschaftslage?
Was interessiert Sie besonders an Deutschland?
Wie sehen Sie die Zukunft unserer Branche?
Arbeiten Sie gern für ein großes/kleines Unternehmen?
Wohnen Sie lieber in einer Groß- oder Kleinstadt?
10. Formalitäten
Haben Sie eine Arbeitserlaubnis?
Wann könnten Sie bei uns anfangen?
Sind Sie mit einer Probezeit einverstanden?
Sind Sie schwerbeschädigt?
C.
Questions You Do Not Have to Answer (Tabu-Fragen)
Potential employers are not supposed to ask about the following topics.
If they do, you do not have to answer them, but you may. Give some
thought to these questions beforehand: while you do not have to answer,
you need to find a diplomatic way out rather than refuse outright.
Religion
Union or party membership
Financial status and previous salary
Health, unless relevant to the position
Family life (especially women need to be prepared for questions in
this area)
☞
Questions about the following topics are perfectly legal:
Age
Marital status
D.
Questions You Should Raise
The atmosphere of the German job interview is quite similar to that of an
American interview. Answer the questions calmly, fully and factually,
but you too should pose questions. While it is polite to wait for the
interviewer to finish speaking, you need to demonstrate interest and
assertiveness, and if necessary interrupt. Of course, you may take notes
during the interview and refer to questions you had written down earlier.
THE INTERVIEW
63
Avoid asking trivial questions about information which you could have
obtained before the interview. Specific questions about the position are
appropriate: a job description, with whom you would work, how your
responsibilities might develop, and so forth.
There are a number of topics very specific to German culture, such as
the “13th salary,” obligatory health insurance, and vacation times.
However, such details are usually addressed in the second interview,
when it seems more certain that an offer will be made.
IV.
HELPFUL HINTS
A.
Try to find out how many interviewers will be present and what
their functions are. Quite common is a group representing personnel and the department where you would work. They may all be
there at the same time, or you may have several interviews one
after the other.
B.
Interpose focused questions when the opportunity arises; otherwise,
ask them toward the end of the interview.
Ich hätte noch einige Fragen...
Don’t miss this opportunity. Germans tend to say: Wenn Sie keine
Fragen mehr haben, können wir… But then they do not stop to let
you ask—you may have to interrupt, perhaps by slightly raising
one hand (just above waist level) and saying, “Doch,. . . .”
64
C.
Answer questions clearly and precisely without being verbose.
Avoid monologues, and maintain good eye contact: look at the
person who asked the question.
D.
Avoid saying anything derogatory about previous employers. A
potential employer may find it easier to identify with your boss than
with you.
E.
Personal characteristics that employers look for include honesty
(Ehrlichkeit), a willingness to work hard (Leistungsbereitschaft und
Fleiß), a good sense of ethics and loyalty (Pflichtbewusstsein), and
punctualness (Pünklichkeit). Also desirable are self-confidence
(Selbstbewusstsein), self motivation (Initiative), a willingness to
learn (Lernbereitschaft), reliability (Zuverlässigkeit), and a sense of
order (Ordentlichkeit).
F.
If you arrive on time but are asked to wait, sit quietly and think
about your questions and answers. It is better not to involve
anyone (for example, the secretary) in any lengthy conversations.
If you wait 20 - 30 minutes, you can go ahead and inquire about
the delay.
G.
Bring your documents, the originals this time. Also bring a list of
names and addresses of your references.
H.
Wait for the interviewer to greet you first, to offer his/her hand,
then return a firm handshake. And do not ask “Wie geht es
Ihnen?” Remember, this is not just a greeting but a personal
question that is supposed to be answered. Simply say Guten Tag.
If there is a need for small talk, make comments about the
weather, some of the local sights, and your trip over, without
going into great detail. Avoid mentioning negative experiences,
problems, and complaints.
I.
Take the seat that is offered to you. Do not move your chair or
rearrange any items in the room or on a table. It is considered
impolite to “rearrange the furniture” in someone else’s office or
home.
J.
Feel free to accept a beverage. If given a choice, make a simple
selection. You want to avoid anything that could create an embarrassing situation. Decline any alcoholic beverages, even if offered,
probably also cigarettes.
THE INTERVIEW
65
66
APPENDIX
APPENDIX
67
I.
PRODUCING GERMAN CHARACTERS WITH THE
WORD PROCESSOR
(Software and keyboard intended for the U.S. market)
You can always cut and paste characters from an existing text or use
features available in your software, such as “insert symbol” in the
Microsoft Office Suite. For the text processor WordTM you can use the
keystroke combination explained below. For many programs, including
Internet based communication and e-mail, the Alt + key code combination works. Be sure to engage the number lock.
WordTM
Press or type the following:
Ä, Ö, Ü
Step 1: Ctrl and simultaneously : (colon; i.e., shift
for the colon)
Step 2: shift and letter of choice
ä, ö, ü
Step 1: Ctrl and simultaneously : (shift colon)
Step 2: letter of choice
ß
Step 1: Ctrl and simultaneously & (i.e., shift for the
& above the 7)
Step 2: s
WordperfectTM, PowerPointTM, WordTM, ExcelTM, and e-mail and
Internet applications
Hold down Alt and then type in the number indicated on the numeric key
pad. As soon as you release Alt, the letter will appear. You may have to
activate the number lock on the numeric key pad first.
68
Ä
Alt 645
or: Alt 0196
ä
Alt 644
or: Alt 0228
Ö
Alt 665
or: Alt 0214
ö
Alt 660
or: Alt 0246
Ü
Alt 666
or: Alt 0220
ü
Alt 641
or: Alt 0252
ß
Alt 481
or: Alt 0223
II.
VOCABULARY LIST: Areas of Study
Majors/Concentrations:
Accounting
Administrative Science
Adult Education
Advertising
African Studies
Agricultural Science
Architecture
Art History
Biology
Business Administration
Chemistry
Civil law
Civil Engineering
Computer Science
Data processing
Ecology
Economics
Education
Electrical Engineering
Environmental Sciences
European Integration
European and International Law
European Studies
Foreign trade
Health Science
History
Industrial Engineering
Industrial Science
International Finance
International Management
International trade
International Economic Relations
International Marketing
International Economic Law
Journalism
Law
Macroeconomics
Mathematics
Mechanical Engineering
Media
Microeconomics
Music
Nuclear Engineering
Studiengänge/Schwerpunkte:
das
die
die
die
die
die
die
die
die
die
die
das
das
die
die
die
die
die
die
die
die
das
die
die
die
die
das
die
das
das
der
die
das
das
die
die
die
die
der
die
die
die
die
Rechnungswesen
Verwaltungswissenschaften (pl.)
Erwachsenenpädagogik
Werbung
Afrikanologie
Agrarwissenschaften (pl.)
Architektur
Kunstgeschichte
Biologie
Chemie
Zivilrecht
Bauingenieurwesen
Informatik
Elektronische Datenverarbeitung (EDV)
Ökologie
Wirtschaftswissenschaften (pl.)
Erziehungswissenschaften (pl.)
Elektrotechnik
Umweltwissenschaften (pl.)
Europäische Integration
Europäische und Internationale Recht
Europastudien (pl.)
Außenwirtschaft
Gesundheitswissenschaften (pl.)
Geschichte
Wirtschaftsingenieurwesen
Arbeitswissenschaften (pl.)
Internationale Finanzmanagement
Internationale Management
Internationale Handel
Internationalen Wirtschaftsbeziehungen (pl.)
Internationale Marketing
Internationale Wirtschaftsrecht
Journalistik
Rechtswissenschaften (pl.)
Makroökonomik
Mathematik
Maschinenbau
Medien (pl.)
Mikroökonomik
Musik
Kerntechnik
APPENDIX
69
Nutrition
Personnel Management
Philosophy
Physics
Psychology
Public law
Sociology
Sport and Health
Statistics
Theology
Veterinary Medicine
Waste Management
70
die Ernährungswissenschaften (pl.)
das Personalmanagement
die Philosophie
die Physik
die Psychologie
das Öffentliche Recht
die Soziologie
Sport und Gesundheit
die Statistik
die Theologie
die Veterinärmedizin
die Abfallwirtschaft
III.
VOCABULARY LIST: Hobbies
Hobbies/Interests:
Hobbies/Interessen:
aerobics
basketball
board games
Boy Scouts
canoeing
chinese culture
computers
cooking
dancing
golf
history
horseback riding
languages
literature
modern art
mountain biking
music
photography
piano
politics
skiing
squash
strategy games
surfing
swimming
tennis
theater
travel
volleyball
Aerobics
Basketball
Brettspiele
Pfadfinder
Kanusport
chinesische Kultur
Computer
Kochen
Tanzen
Golf
Geschichte
Reiten
Sprachen
Literatur
moderne Kunst
Mountainbiking
Musik
Photographie
Klavier
Politik
Skilaufen
Squash
Strategiespiele
Surfen, Wellenreiten
Schwimmen
Tennis
Theater
Reisen
Volleyball
APPENDIX
71
IV.
EXAMPLES OF EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Deutscher Klub, Mitglied
Trainer im Fitness-Center (Aerobics)
Telefonarbeit für den Sierra Club (Naturschutz)
Sozialarbeit mit Aids-Kranken
Betreuer im Ferienlager für behinderte Kinder
Freiwillige Arbeit mit Kirchengruppe
Organisation des Projektes “ABC”
Redaktionsmitglied des Studentenjahrbuchs “Fortune ‘95”
Tutor für Erstsemester
Mitglied bei der Marketing-Arbeitsgruppe an der Universität.......
Mitorganisator des jährlichen Studentenfestes an der .....Universität
Theater Workshop
Leitung des Planungskomitees für Sportaktivitäten an . . .
Studentenvertreterin an der Universität . . .
Organisation von Bewerberseminaren
72
V.
GERMAN–ENGLISH GLOSSARY
ein
der
die
der
der
die
der
die
die
das
die
die
das
die
die
das
die
der
die
das
das
die
die
der
abgeschlossenes Studium haben
Absatz
Absatzwirtschaft
Abschluss, Abschlüsse
Absender, Abteilung, -en
Abteilungsleiter, Adresse, -n
Aktivität, -en
Anfangsgehalt, -”er
Anforderung, -en
Angabe, -n (machen)
Angebot, -e
Anlage, -n
Anmerkung, -en
Anschreiben, Anschrift, -en
Antrittstermin, -e
Anzeige, -n
Arbeitsamt, -”er
Arbeitslosengeld
Arbeitsprobe, -n
Arbeitszeit
Assistent, -en
auf jeden Fall
aufbauen
die Aufgabe, -n
das Aufgabengebiet, -e
aufgrund
die Ausbildung, -en
die Ausführung, -en
die Auskunft, -”e
die Auslandserfahrung, -en
aussagekräftig
die außercurricularen Aktivitäten (pl.)
der Austausch (das -programm)
das Auswahlgespräch, -e
begrüßen
die Belastungsfähigkeit
der
die
die
die
Bereich, -e
Berufsangabe, -n
Berufserfahrung, -en
Berufstätigkeit, -en
sich beschäftigen mit
besprechen,besprach,besprochen
to have a degree in
paragraph; or: sales
marketing
degree; or: end, closure
sender
department
department head
address
activity
starting salary
requirement
statement, information (give details)
offer
enclosure; or: investment
remark
letter
address of recipient
starting date
advertisement
German department of economic security
unemployment payment
sample of work
working hours
assistant
in any case, no matter what
build (up)
assignment, task
area of responsibility
for the reason of/ based on
training
execution (of a task), completion
information
foreign experience
meaningful, pithy
exchange (program)
interview (selection)
to greet
ability to cope with stress and/or heavy
work load
area, field
job title, information about job
professional experience, work experience
work experience, employment
to occupy oneself with
to discuss
APPENDIX
73
der Betreff
betreuen
die Betriebsrente, -n
die Betriebswirtschaft
die Bewerbung, -en
sich bewerben um (+Akk), bewarb,
beworben
die Bewerbungsmappe, -n
der Bewerbungsschluss
die Bewerbungsunterlagen (pl.)
die Blindbewerbung, -en
die Branche, -n
brutto
die Chiffreanzeige, -n
die Dauer
das Deckblatt, -”er
derzeitig
das Diplom, -e
die Diplomarbeit, -en
effizient
die Ehrlichkeit
die Eigeninitiative
das Eigenlob
die Eignungsprüfung, -en
die Einführung, -en
die Einladung, -en
die Einleitung, -en (Text)
der Einsatz, -”e
die Einsatzmöglichkeiten, -en
einschätzen
einschlägig
der Einstieg
der Eintrittstermin, -e
die Einzelheit, -en
entnehmen, entnahm, entnommen
entscheiden, entschied, entschieden
entsprechen(+Dat), entsprach,
entsprochen
die Erfahrung, -en (sammeln)
der Erfolg, -e
erforderlich
erfragen (bei + D)
erhalten, erhielt, erhalten
erörtern
die Erscheinung
erwarten
erweisen, erwies, erwiesen
74
subject, reference (in letters)
to look after, be in charge of
pension plan
Business Management (field of study)
application
to apply for
application folder
apply by/ deadline for application
application documents
unsolicited application
industry, type of business
gross
ad with code number
duration
cover sheet
current, present
diploma, certificate
dissertation, thesis
efficient
honesty
initiative, self-motivation
self praise
aptitude test
introduction
invitation
introduction to a text or speech
assignment, use
assignment possibility
judge, consider, classify
relevant (i.e., work experience)
entrance, start
starting date
detail
to take out; gather from
to decide
to correspond to
experience (get)
success
required, necessary
to inquire (at)
to get, receive
to discuss (in detail)
appearance
to expect
to prove, show
das Fach, -”er
das Hauptfach
das Nebenfach
der Fachbereich, -e
die Fachrichtung, -en
die Fähigkeit, -en
der Familienstand
das Fernstudium, -studien
die Fernuniversität, -en
das Finanzwesen
die Firma, Firmen
der Firmenwagen, der Fleiß
die Flexibilität
fließend
freiwillig
die Fremdsprache, -n
die Frist, -en
die Gebühr, -en
das Gehalt, -”er
die Gehaltserhöhung, -en
die Gelegenheit, -en
gerecht werden (+Dat)
gerüstet (rüsten)
der Geschäftsbericht, -e
geschieden
das Gespräch, -e
die Gewinnbeteiligung, -en
die Gleitzeit
die Grundlage, -n
die Grundzüge/ Grundstrukturen (pl.)
die Handschriftenprobe, -n
der Hefter, die Heimatanschrift
das Hobby, -ys or -ies
der Hochschulabsolvent, -en
die Hochschule, -n
die Hochschulreife
der
der
das
die
die
die
Immobilienmakler, Inhalt
Interesse, -en
Kardinaltugend, -en
Kaution, -en
Kenntnis, -se (usu. pl.)
Kenntnisse erwerben
sich Kenntnisse aneignen
über Kenntnisse verfügen
das Klavier, -e
subject, discipline, field of study
major
minor
department (at university)
field of study, discipline
ability
marital status
correspondence course
correspondence university
finance
firm, company
company car
industriousness
flexibility
fluent
voluntary
foreign language
period of time, deadline
fee
salary
salary raise
opportunity
to live up to
to be equipped/ prepared
annual report
divorced
conversation
profit sharing
flexible working hours
foundation, basics, fundamentals
basic structures
handwriting sample
folder (paper or plastic)
home address
hobby
graduate of a university
institution of higher education, university
high school diploma needed for university
admission
real estate agent
content
interest
highest virtue
deposit
knowledge
acquire knowledge
acquire knowledge
have knowledge
piano
APPENDIX
75
der Klemmhefter, die
die
die
die
die
die
der
die
die
die
der
die
das
das
der
die
die
das
die
der
die
die
die
die
der
die
die
die
das
der
das
die
die
die
die
die
das
die
76
Kompetenz, -en
Kontaktadresse, -n
Kurssprache, -n
Krankenkasse, -n
kreativ
kündbar
Kündigungsfrist, -en
Kurzbewerbung, -en
langfristig
Lebenslauf, -läufe
Lebensversicherung, -en
ledig
Leitung
Leistungsbereitschaft
Lernbehinderte (adj. noun)
Lernbereitschaft
Lichtbild, -er
Lob (usu. sing.)
Magister, Maklergebühr, -en
Mappe, -n
Marketing
Marktforschung
maßschneidern
Mitarbeiter, möglichst bald
Muttersprache, -n
Nationalität, -en
Nebentätigkeit, -en
netto
Offenheit
ordentlich
Ort, -e
perfekt
Personalabteilung, -en
Personalberatung, -en
Personalentwicklung
Pflichtbewusstsein
Praktikant/ Werkstudent, -en
Praktikum, Praktika
Pressestelle, -n
Probezeit, -en
Provision, -en
Pünktlichkeit
Qualifikation, -en
Quartal, -e
Rechtsabteilung, -en
folder with a plastic strip
to hold the sheets of paper
competence
contact address
language of instruction
health insurance
creative
dismissable
period of notice
short application
long term
résumé
life insurance
single (not married)
leadership, management
willingness to work hard
learning disabled person
willingness/ability to learn
photo
praise
M.A./ Master Degree
brokerage fee
folder, binder, briefcase
marketing
market research
to custom tailor
colleague
as soon as possible
native language
nationality
second job, part-time activity
net
open mindedness
orderly
place, locale, city
perfect
personnel department
employment agency
employee development
sense of obligation
intern, student doing an internship
internship
public relations or communications office
trial period
commission
punctuality
qualification
quarter (of a year)
legal department
der
die
die
der
der
der
das
die
das
das
die
die
das
die
die
das
die
die
das
das
die
die
das
die
die
die
die
das
die
die
die
der
die
der
der
Rechtsanwalt, -”e
Redaktion, -en
Rentenversicherung, -en
Sachbearbeiter, sauber
Schnellhefter, Schwerpunkt, -e
der inhaltliche Schwerpunkt
Selbstbewusstsein
Semesterferien (pl.)
sofort
Sommersemester, soziale Engagement
Sozialleistung, -en
Sprachkenntnis, -se
Sprachlabor, -e or -s
Staatsangehörigkeit, -en
Staatsbürgerschaft, -en
Staatsexamen, Steigerung, -en
Stelle, -n
Stellenangebot, -e
Studentenjahrbuch, -”er
Studentenzeitung, -en
Studienanschrift, -en
Studium, Studien
Tabelle, -n
Tabellenkalkulation
tätig sein als
Tätigkeit,-en
Textverarbeitung
Thema, Themen
überdurchschnittlich
umgehend
Umzugskosten (pl.)
unbedingt
ungekündigt
Universität, -en
Unterlage, -en (usu. pl.)
Urlaub (usu. sing.)
Verantwortung
Verantwortungsbereich, -e
verfügen über (+acc)
zur Verfügung stehen
zur Verfügung stellen
verhandlungsfähig
verheiratet
Verkauf, Verkäufe
verkaufen
lawyer/ attorney
editor’s office
annuity insurance
(a job title:person in charge of a project)
clean
folder/binder with a clasp to hold documents
concentration
point of emphasis, focus of studies
self confidence
semester break
immediately
summer semester (roughly April - July)
volunteerism
social benefits
language ability
language laboratory
citizenship
nationality
(a university diploma at master’s level)
increase, growth
position, job, place
job offer
student yearbook
student newspaper
university address
studies
table, schedule
computer: spread sheet
to work as
activity, profession
word processing
topic
above average
immediately, ASAP
moving costs
absolutely
still employed, not dismissed
university
documents
vacation
responsibility
have at one’s disposal
be at one’s disposal
put at someone’s disposal
here: able to negotiate
married
sale
to sell
APPENDIX
77
die
das
der
die
der
die
die
die
das
der
der
die
der
die
das
die
der
der
die
das
die
die
die
die
78
Verkaufsabteilung, -en
Verkehrsamt, -”er
Vertrag, -”e
Vertragsform, -en
vertraut sein mit
Vertreter, verwitwet
Volkswirtschaft
vollständig
von Vorteil
Voraussetzung, -en
Vorbereitung, -en
vorstellen
(Acc.) Ich möchte mich/ihn vorstellen
(Dat.) Ich könnte mir vorstellen
Vorstellungsgespräch, -e
Vorteil, -e
vonVorteil
Wehrdienst
Weise, -n
weiterentwickeln
Werdegang
Wettbewerbsklausel, -n
wichtig
Wintersemester, Wirtschaftspolitik
Wirtschaftsprüfer, Wohnsitz
derzeitiger Wohnsitz
gegenwärtiger Wohnsitz
ständiger Wohnsitz
Wohnungsvermittlung, -en
wünschenswert
z. H. (z. Hd.) = zu Händen
z. H. v. = zu Händen von
Zeugnis, -se
Zugangsvoraussetzung, -en
Zulassungsvoraussetzung, -en
Zuverlässigkeit
Zweigstelle, -n
sales department
tourist information
contract
type of contract
to be familiar with
representative, also: sales rep
widowed
national economy
complete
advantageous
prerequisite
preparation
to introduce, imagine
I would like to introduce myself/him
I could imagine/ visualize
job interview
advantage
of advantage, advantageous
military service
manner, way of doing something
to further develop
career, background
no-compete clause
important
fall semester (roughly October-February)
economic policy
chartered accountant
address, residence
current address
present address
permanent address
real estate agency, rental service
desirable
attention; care of (letters)
diploma, report, letter
entry requirement, prerequisite
prerequisite
dependability
branch office
VI.
ENGLISH–GERMAN GLOSSARY
ability
ability to cope with stress and/or heavy workload
ability to learn
able to negotiate
above average
absolutely
acquire
acquire knowledge
activity
activity, profession
adverisement with code number
address
current address
permanent address
present address
address of recipient
address of sender
address, residence
advantage
advantageous
advertisement
annual report of a business
annuity insurance
appearance
application
application documents
apply by/ deadline for application
apply for
aptitude test
area, field
as soon as possible (ASAP)
assignment possibility
assignment, task
assignment, use
assistant
attention; care of (letters)
attorney, lawyer
background, career
based on/ for the reason of
basics, fundamentals, foundation
basic structures
binder (notebook)
branch office
die Fähigkeit, -en
die Belastungsfähigkeit
die Lernbereitschaft
verhandlungsfähig
überdurchschnittlich
unbedingt, absolut
erwerben, aneignen
sich Kenntnisse aneignen;
Kenntnisse erwerben
die Aktivität, -en
die Tätigkeit,-en
die Chiffreanzeige, -n
die Adresse, -n
derzeitiger Wohnsitz
ständiger Wohnsitz
gegenwärtiger Wohnsitz
die Anschrift, -en
der Absender, der Wohnsitz
der Vorteil, -e
von Vorteil, vorteilhaft
die Anzeige, -n
der Geschäftsbericht, -e
die Rentenversicherung
die Erscheinung
die Bewerbung, -en
die Bewerbungsunterlagen (pl.)
sich bewerben um (+Akk), bewarb,
beworben
die Eignungsprüfung, -en
der Bereich, -e
das Aufgabengebiet, -e; der
Verantwortungsbereich, -e
möglichst bald
die Einsatzmöglichkeiten, -en
die Aufgabe, -n
der Einsatz, -”e
der Assistent, -en; (fem.) die Assistentin, -nen
z. H. (z. Hd.) = zu Händen;
z.H.v. = zu Händen von
der Rechtsanwalt, -”e
der Werdegang
aufgrund
die Grundlage, -n
die Grundzüge/ Grundstrukturen (pl.)
der Hefter, -, die Mappe, -n
die Zweigstelle, -n
APPENDIX
79
brokerage fee
build (up)
Business Management (field of study)
certificate, diploma
charge: be in charge of
chartered accountant
citizenship
city, place, locale
classify, judge, consider
clean
closure, end, or: degree
colleague
commission
company, firm
company car
competence
complete
completion, execution (of a task)
concentration (in a study or project), focus
consider, classify, judge
contact address
contract
conversation
correspond to
entsprochen
correspondence courses
correspondence university
cover sheet
creative
current, present
custom tailor
deadline: period of time until deadline
deadline for application (apply by...)
deadline for submitting materials
decide
degree; or: end, closure
have a degree
department
department (at university)
department head
dependability
deposit
desirable
detail
develop
diploma
discipline, field of study
discuss
discuss in depth
80
die Maklergebühr, -en
aufbauen
die Betriebswirtschaft
das Diplom, -e
verantwortlich sein für
der Wirtschaftsprüfer, die Staatsangehörigkeit
der Ort, -e
einschätzen
sauber
der Abschluss, Abschlüsse
der Mitarbeiter, die Provision, -en
die Firma, Firmen
der Firmenwagen
die Kompetenz, -en
vollständig
die Ausführung, -en
der Schwerpunkt, -e
einschätzen
die Kontaktadresse, -n
der Vertrag, -”e
das Gespräch, -e
entsprechen(+Dat), entsprach,
das Fernstudium, -studien
die Fernuniversität, -en
das Deckblatt, -”er
kreativ
derzeitig
maßschneidern
die Frist, -en
der Einsendeschluss
entscheiden, entschied, entschieden
der Abschluss, Abschlüsse
ein abgeschlossenes Studium haben
die Abteilung, -en
der Fachbereich, -e
der Abteilungsleiter, die Zuverlässigkeit
die Kaution, -en
wünschenswert
die Einzelheit, -en
entwickeln
das Zeugnis, -se; das Diplom, -e
die Fachrichtung, -en
besprechen, besprach, besprochen
erörtern
dismissable
disposal: be at one’s disposal
dissertation, thesis
divorced
document
duration
economic policy
editor’s office
efficient
employ
employee development
employment agency
employment, position
enclosure
end, closure, or: degree
entry level position
equipped, prepared
exchange program
expect
experience
get experience
fall semester (roughly October-February)
familiar with
fee
field, area
field of study, discipline
finance
firm, company
flexibility
flexible working hours
fluent
folder (for documents)
for the reason of/ based on
foreign experience
foreign language
foundation, basics, fundamentals
further develop
gather from, take out
get, receive
graduate of a university
greet
gross (amount: not net amount)
growth, increase
handwriting sample
health insurance
die
die
die
die
die
die
die
die
die
der
die
der
die
die
das
die
der
die
das
die
die
die
der
die
die
die
der
die
die
die
kündbar
verfügen über (+acc);
Diplomarbeit, -en
geschieden
Unterlage, -en (usu. pl.)
Dauer
Wirtschaftspolitik
Redaktion, -en
effizient
anstellen, einstellen
Personalentwicklung
Personalberatung, -en
Berufstätigkeit, -en; die Stelle, -n
Anlage, -n
Abschluss, Abschlüsse
Einstiegsposition
gerüstet
Austausch (das -programm)
erwarten
Erfahrung, -en
Erfahrung sammeln
außercurricularen Aktivitäten (pl.)
Wintersemester
vertraut mit
Gebühr, -en
Bereich, -e
Fachrichtung, -en
Finanzwesen
Firma, Firmen
Flexibilität
Gleitzeit
fließend
Hefter, -, die Mappe, -n
aufgrund
Auslandserfahrung, -en
Fremdsprache, -n
Grundlage, -n
weiterentwickeln
entnehmen, entnahm, entnommen
erhalten, erhielt, erhalten
Hochschulabsolvent, -en
begrüßen
brutto
Steigerung, -en
Handschriftenprobe, -n
Krankenversicherung, -en; die
Krankenkasse, -n
APPENDIX
81
high school diploma (for university admission)
hobby
home address
honesty
imagine
immediately
immediately, ASAP
important
in any case, no matter what
in charge
increase, growth
industriousness
information
information, statement
information about job, job title
supply information
initiative, self-motivation
inquire (at)
institution of higher education, university
interest
intern, student doing an internship
internship
interview
interview (selection)
introduce (by name, e.g., a person)
introduction (by name: oneself, another person)
introduction (to a speech, of a product)
introduction (to a text or speech)
invitation
job, place, position
job interview
job offer
job title
judge, consider, classify
knowledge
acquire knowledge
language ability
language laboratory
language of instruction
lawyer/ attorney
leadership, management
learn
ability to learn
learning disabled person
legal department
letter
life insurance
82
die
das
die
die
die
der
die
die
die
die
die
das
der
das
das
das
die
die
die
die
die
das
das
die
die
die
das
die
der
die
die
der
die
das
die
Hochschulreife
Hobby, -ys or -ies
Heimatanschrift, -en
Ehrlichkeit
vorstellen (refl.): Ich könnte mir
vorstellen,
dass . . .)
sofort
umgehend
wichtig
auf jeden Fall
verantwortlich für
Steigerung, -en
Fleiß
Auskunft, -”e
Angabe, -n
Berufsangabe, -n
Angaben machen
Eigeninitiative
erfragen (bei + D)
Hochschule, -n
Interesse, -n
Praktikant/ Werkstudent, -en
Praktikum, Praktika
Auswahlgespräch, -e
vorstellen
Vorstellung, -en
Einführung, -en
Einleitung, -en (Text)
Einladung, -en
Stelle, -n
Stellenangebot, -e
Berufsangabe, -n
einschätzen
Kenntnis, -se (usu. pl.)
Kenntnisse erwerben
Sprachkenntnis, -se
Sprachlabor, -e or -s
Kurssprache, -n
Rechtsanwalt, -”e
Leitung
lernen
Lernbereitschaft
Lernbehinderte (adj. noun)
Rechtsabteilung, -en
Anschreiben, -; der Brief, -e
Lebensversicherung, -en
live up to (a standard or target)
locale, city, place
long term
look after
M.A./ Master Degree
major (field of study)
management, leadership
manner, way of doing something
marital status
market research
marketing
married
meaningful, pithy
military service
minor field of study
moving costs
national economy
nationality
Staatsbürgerschaft
native language
necessary, required
negotiate
able to negotiate
net (amount: not gross amount)
no-compete clause
occupation
occupy oneself with
offer
to offer
open mindedness
opportunity
orderly
paragraph
part-time activity, second job
pension plan
perfect
period of notice (giving notice or being dismissed)
period of time (up to a deadline)
personnel department
photo
piano
pithy, meaningful
place (location), locale, city
place, position, job, spot
in place of
points of emphasis or concentration
position, job, place
praise
preparation
gerecht werden (+Dat)
der Ort, -e
langfristig
betreuen
der Magister, -; das Diplom, -e
das Hauptfach, -”er
die Leitung
die Weise, -n
der Familienstand
die Marktforschung
die Absatzwirtschaft; das Marketing
verheiratet
aussagekräftig
der Wehrdienst
das Nebenfach, -”er
die Umzugskosten (pl.)
die Volkswirtschaft
die Nationalität, -en; die
die Muttersprache, -n
erforderlich
verhandeln
verhandlungsfähig
netto
die Wettbewerbsklausel, -n
die Beschäftigung, -en
sich beschäftigen mit
das Angebot, -e
anbieten, bot ... an, angeboten
die Offenheit
die Gelegenheit, -en
ordentlich
der Absatz
die Nebentätigkeit, -en
die Betriebsrente, -n
perfekt
die Kündigungsfrist, -en
die Frist, -en
die Personalabteilung, -en
das Lichtbild, -er; das Foto, -s
das Klavier, -e
aussagekräftig
der Ort, -e
die Stelle, -n
an Stelle von / anstelle von
inhaltliche Schwerpunkte
die Stelle, -n
das Lob (usu. sing.)
die Vorbereitung, -en
APPENDIX
83
prerequisite
prerequisite: entrance requirement
present, current
profession, activity
professional experience, work experience
profit sharing
prove, show
public relations or communications office
punctuality
qualification
quarter (of a year)
real estate agency/agent
receive, get
reference: Re: (in letters), subject of a letter
relevant (i.e., work experience)
rental service (apartments)
representative
required, necessary
requirement
responsibility
Verantwortungsbereich
résumé
salary
salary raise
sale
sales department
sales representative
sample of work
second job, part-time activity
self confidence
self-motivation, initiative
self praise
sell
semester break
sender
sense of obligation
show, prove
single (not married)
spread sheet calculations
social benefits
start, entrance
starting date
starting salary
statement, information (give details)
student doing an internship, intern
student newspaper
student yearbook
studies
84
die Voraussetzung, -en
die Zulassungsvoraussetzung, -en
derzeitig
die Tätigkeit, -en
die Berufserfahrung, -en
die Gewinnbeteiligung, -en
die Pressestelle, -n
die Pünktlichkeit
die Qualifikation, -en
das Quartal, -e
der Immobilienmakler, erhalten, erhielt, erhalten
der Betreff
einschlägig
die Wohnungsvermittlung, -en
der Vertreter, erforderlich
die Anforderung, -en
die Verantwortung
das Aufgabengebiet; der
der
das
die
der
die
der
die
die
das
die
das
die
der
das
die
die
der
der
das
die
der
die
das
das
Lebenslauf, -läufe
Gehalt, -”er
Gehaltserhöhung, -en
Verkauf, Verkäufe
Verkaufsabteilung, -en
Vertreter, Arbeitsprobe, -n
Nebentätigkeit, -en
Selbstbewusstsein
Eigeninitiative
Eigenlob
verkaufen
Semesterferien (pl.)
Absender, Pflichtbewusstsein
ledig
Tabellenkalkulation
Sozialleistung, -en
Einstieg
Antrittstermin, -e; Eintrittstermin
Anfangsgehalt, -”er
Angabe, -n (machen)
Praktikant/ Werkstudent
Studentenzeitung, -en
Studentenjahrbuch, -”er
Studium, Studien (often sing.)
subject
subject, discipline, field of study
subject, reference (in letters)
success
summer semester (roughly April - July)
table (of information), schedule
take out; gather from
entnommen
task
thesis, dissertation
topic
tourist information (office of)
training
trial period
unemployment payment
university
university, institution of higher education
unsolicited application
use, assignment
vacation
voluntary
volunteer work
way of doing something
this way; in this way
widowed
willingness
willingness to work hard
willingness/ability to learn
word processing
work as
work experience, professional experience
working hours
das
das
der
der
das
die
Thema, Themen
Fach, -”er
Betreff
Erfolg, -e
Sommersemester, Tabelle, -n
entnehmen, entnahm,
die
die
das
das
die
die
das
die
die
die
der
der
Aufgabe, -n
Diplomarbeit, -en
Thema, Themen
Verkehrsamt, -”er
Ausbildung, -en
Probezeit
Arbeitslosengeld
Universität, -en
Hochschule, -n
Blindbewerbung, -en
Einsatz, -”e
Urlaub (usu. sing.)
freiwillig
freiwillige Arbeit/Sozialarbeit
Weise, -n
auf diese Art und Weise
verwitwet
Bereitschaft
Leistungsbereitschaft
Lernbereitschaft
Textverarbeitung
tätig sein als (+N)
Berufserfahrung, -en
die
die
die
die
die
die
die Arbeitszeit
APPENDIX
85
VII.
ADDRESSES
The Internet is a good source for up to date information. Start with www.germany.info where you can
locate the embassy, consulates, Goethe Institutes, and other organizations. The homepage of the
American Association of Teachers of German also provides many useful links and resources:
www.aatg.org.
To place phone calls to Germany, dial 01149, and then the area code without the first "0." For example,
to dial a number in Bonn (area code 0228), dial 01149 228, then the phone number. Remember that is
from 5-8 hours later in Germany than in the United States.
Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany
4645 Reservoir Rd NW
Washington DC 20007-1998
Phone: (202) 298-4000
Fax: (202) 298-4249
Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany
Marquis Two Tower - Ste 901
285 Peachtree Center Ave NE
Atlanta GA 30303-1221
Phone: (404) 659-4760
Fax: (404)659-1280
3 Copley Pl Ste 500
Boston MA 02116
Phone: (617) 369-4900
Fax: (617) 536-4940
676 N Michigan Ave Ste 3200
Chicago IL 60611
Phone: (312) 202-0480
Fax: (312) 202-0466
1330 Post Oak Blvd Ste 1850
Houston TX 77056
Phone: (713)627-7770
Fax: (713) 627-0506
86
6222 Wilshire Blvd Ste 500
Los Angeles CA 90048
Phone: (323) 930-2703
Fax: (323) 930-2805
100 N Biscayne Blvd Ste 2200
Miami FL 33132-2381
Phone: (305) 358-0290
Fax: (305) 358-0307
871 United Nations Plaza
New York NY 10017
Phone: (212) 610-9700
Fax: (212) 610-9702
1960 Jackson St
San Francisco CA 94109
Phone: (415)775-1061
Fax: (415) 775-0187
CDS International
440 Park Ave S
New York NY 10016
Phone: (212) 497-3500 Fax: (212) 497-3535
www.cdsintl.org
Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE)
300 Fore St
Portland ME 04101
contact@ciee.org
www.ciee.org
Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD)
Kennedyallee 50
D-53175 Bonn
Phone: (0228) 8 82 - 0
Fax: (0228) 88 24 44
www.daad.de
postmaster@daad.de
APPENDIX
87
New York Office:
German Academic Exchange Service
871 United Nations Plaza
New York, NY 10017
Phone: (212) 758-3223
Fax: (212) 755-5780
E-mail: daadny@daad.org
Web: www.daad.org
Goethe-Institut
Postfach 190419
D – 80604
Munchen
Phone: (089) - 15 92 10
www.goethe.de
Goethe-Institut New York
72 Spring St. 11th Floor
New York NY 10012
Phone: (212)439-8700
w w w. goethe .de/newyork
German Information Center
Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany
4645 Reservoir Rd NW
Washington DC 20007
Phone: (202) 298-4000
www.germany.info
Zentralstelle fiir Arbeitsvermittlung - Abteilung Ausland
Feuerbachstrasse 42-46
Postfach 170545
D - 60325 Frankfurt/Main
Phone: (069)7111-0
Fax: (069)7111-555
www.zav-reintegration.de
German American Chamber of Commerce
75 Broad St 21 Fl
New York NY 10004
Phone: (212) 974-8830
Fax: (212) 974-8867
info@gaccny.com
88
VIII. INTERNET SITES
Many websites are available: Some offer commercial services, others are free. Most providers that offer
actual job or internship information do require registration of the user. Many of the sites mentioned here
offer some help, either with Karrieretips, tips for preparing the application, or actual job information.
Many companies post job openings and interships on their homesites, and many online newspapers also
offer a section on career information and recent articles. As with many books, the problem is often that
sites offer either too much text or only short snippets of information. The following is a brief sampling.
1)
Karriere / Bewerungstipps
www.stepstone.de/content/DE/DE/career
This site has sections such as checklist for writing your application letter and resume. Also
salary tips are included. Advice is given for a wide variety of careers.
Arbeitsamt / Bundesanstalt fur Arbeit
www.arbeitsagentur.de
The official site of the governmental organization that assists job seekers.
2)
3)
Karriere Glossar
www.karriereglossar.ch
A glossary of terms related to the job application. Many terms used in this handbook are briefly
discussed.
WISU – Internships
http://www.wisu.de/pguide/frame2.htm
One of the better sites with internship information. It is free and offers brief descriptions of
internships available with job descriptions, salary, qualifications, and more.
4)
5)
Praktikumsborsen
www.prabo.de
http://praktikum.wifo.uni-mannheim.de/
6)
Other sites with information on jobs and applications.
www.berufsstart.de
www.bewerbung.de
www.jobs.de
www.monster.de
www.jobscout24.de
jobs.meinestadt.de
www.careerbuilder.de
www.jobisjob.at
APPENDIX
89
7)
Other websites mentioned in this handbook.
American Association of Teachers of German www.aatg.org
Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) http://www.ciee.org
Deutsche Post (with link to postal codes for addresses) http://www.deutschepost.de
Dictionaries
www.leo.org or dict.leo.org/ (Technische Universität München)
www.tu-chemnitz.de/sprachenzentrum/ or dict.tu-chemnitz.de/
www.iee.et.tu-dresden.de (Universität Dresden)
German embassy, consulates, Goethe Institutes, and other organizations:
http://www.germany.info
Goethe-Institut New York
www.goethe.de/newyork
90
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Applying for a Position in Germany: How to Write a German Résumé

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