Normally, the application for an apprenticeship or a dual study program contains

• a cover letter,
• your CV and
• your last two school reports.

You are also welcome to include certificates of internships or other qualifications. If you like, you can also add a cover sheet to your application – being the possible front page of your application, so to speak. However, this is up to you and not a necessity. The most important thing is: Pay attention to the appearance of your application! Everything should be visually consistent and properly prepared.

This is where your future instructors would like to learn more about you: Why do you want to work in this profession? What are your interests and strengths? Why did you decide to apply to this company? You don´t have to go into too much detail, because the cover letter should not be longer than one page. However, it is important to create an individual cover letter for each company to which you apply!

A CV should be prepared tabularly, because here you want to briefly and clearly present the most important facts and figures about yourself. This includes…

• your name, address and date of birth as well as your telephone number and e-mail address.
• your school career since elementary school; you can place your most recent station at the top and then work your way backwards to your school beginnings, so to speak. 
• everything else that is of importance for your training and future job. Experiences from internships or vacation / part time jobs, language and computer skills, other skills and qualifications.

You are also welcome to list your hobbies – especially if they are related to your dream job. But even if they're not: your interests and hobbies say a lot about you and are therefore interesting for your future trainers.

Last but not least: the application photo. This is not an obligation, but if you decide to use one, it should be of high quality and appropriate to the occasion. No matter how beautiful it is: a snapshot from your last vacation is not suitable for an application.

Usually, written applications are required. Many companies offer their own application forms on their websites and prefer you to submit your application this way. This is safe and uncomplicated for both you and the company.

You can also send your application by e-mail or letter mail. You are on the safe side if you check the homepage of the particular company to find out which application method is preferred. Most companies have so-called career sections on their websites where you can find such information.

Generally speaking, the sooner the better! If you are entering your final school year after the summer holidays and would like to start a training or dual study program the following year, you should ideally apply during the summer break or by the fall break at latest.

Nevertheless, there are always opportunities for a “last minute” training position. Therefore, don´t hesitate to apply outside of these times. Most companies publish their open apprenticeship positions on their websites and provide all the information you need to apply there.

As soon as your application has arrived at the company, you will receive a so-called confirmation of receipt. If everything fits, you will then be invited to a recruitment test and, in the next step, to an interview.

Not every company conducts recruitment tests, so you may also be invited directly to an interview. But don't worry: In any case, the company will let you know early enough so that you can prepare for the interview as well as for a possible test.

First of all, congratulations! Because if you hold an invitation to the interview in your hands, you've done everything right with your application. Now you need to keep your cool! There's nothing wrong with a job interview - everyone is well-disposed toward you and wants to get to know you better. That's why it's no big deal if you're a little nervous. On the contrary: be yourself, there's no point in pretending.

Nevertheless, you should of course prepare yourself for the interview. Find out about the company and the job description you are interested in beforehand. You can find helpful information on the company's website and on its social media channels. Maybe you know someone who already works there or is doing a training? In that case, it certainly wouldn't hurt to interview that person first.

In any case, you should keep your appointments. If you can't come to the agreed appointment: Let us know! Not getting in touch and simply staying away is definitely a no-go. A friendly appearance, interest in the job and keeping your promises, on the other hand, are half the battle in the interview.