Application

38% of employers in Austria provide individual tips on their career websites relating to the application process - often in the form of application FAQs.* Search online specifically for recommendations on application documents and preparing for the interview, as such tips are precisely tailored to the processes and expectations of the respective company. *Source: BEST-RECRUITERS study 2024/25 AUT 

What is typically Austrian in recruiting is the strong emphasis on formalities and structure. Application documents are very detailed and usually include a CV with a photo, a detailed letter of motivation and often notarised certificates.

The cover letter complements your CV by showing who you are, what drives you and why you are a good fit for the position you are applying for as well as the employer and their culture.

Here you can emphasise your enthusiasm and your individual strengths - and stand out from the crowd. What particularly impresses us? When applicants back up their passion with tangible examples - be it through their own projects, creative solutions to problems or innovative approaches. Martina Auer-Klass (PORR) 

The cover letter or letter of motivation is relevant in different ways depending on the advertised position. Career starters, for example, can use it to emphasise their personality and potential in order to ‘compensate’ for their lack of experience. Managers have the space here to explain their leadership style and emphasise personal successes. It is important to give specific examples without repeating the CV. In addition, a personalised letter shows that you have considered the job - for example, by referring to the company values and objectives.

First impressions count, even with a cover letter. Start the letter with an original statement, a short story or a specific reference to the company. You should avoid interchangeable phrases (‘I am hereby applying for...’) at all costs. End the letter of motivation confidently and express your interest in a personal interview, e.g. like this: ‘I look forward to convincing you in an interview how I can enrich your team.’ Particularly tradition-conscious recruiters will also appreciate a handwritten signature, which can also be scanned and inserted as an image in the cover letter. 

An authentic letter of motivation not only shows what you can do, but also who you are. Combine your skills with the goals of the employer you are seeking. BEST-RECRUITERS expert tip 

School, university and work references are particularly helpful in checking the information on your CV and determining whether applicants are presenting their tasks and qualifications correctly.

Tip: For international professionals, references offer a good opportunity for clarification, as job titles and areas of responsibility can be interpreted differently depending on the country or culture. Tip: Some companies require certified copies of certificates (especially for international applications). Find out in advance whether this is necessary. 

Certificates and, if necessary, certified translations should be prepared. Martina Auer-Klaas 

Not every certificate belongs in every application. Think carefully about which documents prove your relevant qualifications. Certificates that you have obtained in areas such as project management, personnel management or technical programmes are almost always suitable. They not only show your expertise, but also your willingness to learn new things and adapt to the demands of a changing labour market. 

It is particularly helpful for international applications to explain the context of your qualifications.

A separate document that briefly describes your qualifications, which are rather unknown in Austria, can help recruiters to better categorise them. 

Many foreign training centres are now well-known in Austria and their graduates are in high demand. If applicants can demonstrate at least a rudimentary knowledge of German, which is essential for safety regulations on the construction site, customer contact and technical documentation, they have good chances on the domestic job market and are highly valued. Andrea Bertl (epunkt) 

Employers usually attach great importance to good communication skills and the ability to fit into teams and the corporate culture.

For international applicants, German language skills are therefore often the key to gaining a professional foothold in Austria. German language skills are essential in most professions in Austria. Language certificates such as the ÖSD (Austrian Language Diploma), Goethe certificates or telc-Deutsch can prove your knowledge. 

• Language skills in the local language - such as German in Austria or Polish in Poland - are often essential to work smoothly with local teams and partners. A solid command of English is also important for some positions, as international dialogue has become standard practice. Martina Auer-Klass (PORR) 
• Language barriers are a frequently mentioned issue. A lack of German language skills can make communication within the team or with customers more difficult. Heinz Herczeg (lifeCREATOR CONSULTING) 

In addition to German, knowledge of English is an advantage or even a must-have in many international companies, for example in the IT, tourism or export trade sectors. If you have language certificates such as TOEFL, IELTS or Cambridge certificates, you should definitely send these with your application. Soft skills such as intercultural competences, communication and teamwork skills will make you stand out, especially in international applications. 

• Those who work with different cultures and languages see the world through completely different eyes - and this leads to solutions that go beyond the usual boundaries of thought. Andrea Bertl (epunkt) 
• When it comes to soft skills, adaptability and cultural sensitivity are particularly important. International applicants not only have to fit into a new company, but also into a new culture. Openness, curiosity and the ability to integrate into a team help you to quickly gain a foothold. Communication skills - both verbal and non-verbal - are also crucial in order to work effectively in a team and with managers. Heinz Herczeg (lifeCREATOR CONSULTING) 

A combination of language skills and soft skills can be particularly attractive for companies. For example, if you have experience in communicating with colleagues and/or customers in a foreign language, you not only demonstrate language competence, but also strong communication skills and the ability to empathise with others. 

A logical structure and good readability are must-haves for good application documents.

You can stand out from the crowd with an appealing design. Your application design should be professional, standardised and clear. Use easy-to-read fonts (10 to 12 point), clear structures and subtle accent colours! Avoid long blocks of text and add spacing between sections to improve readability. This helps recruiters to take notes. Convert Word documents into PDFs or use the format that corresponds to the specifications of the respective online application form.

Check your documents for spelling and grammatical errors! Use tools such as Duden Mentor or Grammarly and the four-eyes principle.

Make sure that all required documents, such as a current CV, certificates and a letter of motivation, are enclosed in full and in a logical order. Avoid using translation software for German applications if you do not speak the language, as this reduces authenticity and could create false expectations for an interview. Avoid interchangeable phrases such as ‘I am a team player’, but instead provide concrete examples of your strengths. A personalised application shows that you are serious. 

An application with no reference to the company will attract negative attention. Employers will notice if you have not taken the time to find out about the job or the company's values and goals. Thorough research will help you to formulate customised application documents that make it clear why you are a good fit for the position, the team and the corporate culture. 

• Applicants should find out a lot about the company and know the names of the contact persons. Andrea Bertl (epunkt) 

You should also prepare yourself for a multi-stage application process, as preparatory tasks or assessment centres are often used to test whether you have the necessary skills if your professional experience is not yet so significant. The job advert may refer to such a procedure. 

• It is an advantage to note in your application documents why you want to come to Austria and whether you already have points of contact, e.g. because you studied in Germany or Austria or have family here. If you haven't thought about it in depth - Why Austria? Why do I fit in here? What do I have to do to settle down here? How long will it take? Can I afford it? Does my family agree? - This could be interpreted as a lack of seriousness. Andrea Bertl (epunkt)