Question 1

Do I still need a cover letter in 2026?

Accepted Answer

In Germany: Yes, mostly still. Approx. 60-65% of German employers expect a cover letter, especially SMEs and the public sector. In tech startups and at international corporations it is increasingly optional. Our advice: Always write one — a good cover letter can elevate you from a good to a very good candidate. A missing one can eliminate you.

Question 2

Do I still need a cover letter in 2026?

Accepted Answer

In the German market: mostly yes. According to surveys by the Bundesagentur fuer Arbeit and Stepstone, 60-70% of German employers still expect a cover letter — especially SMEs, the public sector and traditional industries. In tech startups and at international corporations it is increasingly optional or replaced by a 'cover note' in the application form. Caveat: In markets with skills shortages (BA skills shortage analysis 2024: IT, nursing, trades) formal requirements are losing weight. Practical recommendation: Always write a cover letter unless it is explicitly excluded — a convincing cover letter sets you apart from candidates who skip it. A poor one does harm.

Question 3

Do I need an application folder for paper applications?

Accepted Answer

Paper applications are the exception in 2026, not the rule — according to BA employment statistics, over 90% of all applications are submitted digitally. When paper applications are still required: Public sector (some positions explicitly require it), traditional SMEs with explicit preference, trade occupations without an online process. If paper application: High-quality folder (not a clip folder), professional application photo neatly attached, documents in a logical order (cover letter, CV, references, certificates), printed on both sides on 90g paper. Under BDSG §26: Companies must also process paper applications securely and have a retention obligation. Recommendation: Always ask about the preferred submission format if it is not specified.

Question 4

Should hobbies be included in a CV?

Accepted Answer

Only if they demonstrate a competency that is otherwise missing. 'Reading and travelling' adds nothing — leave it out. It's different for: voluntary work (demonstrates leadership experience or social skills), active open-source participation (demonstrates technical passion), competitive sport (demonstrates discipline and goal orientation). Recruiter surveys show that hobbies are rarely decisive — but among candidates at the same level they sometimes tip the balance. Restriction under AGG §1: Employers must not discriminate against applicants on grounds of religion, ideology or similar characteristics — certain hobbies may unintentionally reveal sensitive information. Rule of thumb: Three targeted hobbies maximum, only if they add value.

Question 5

Handwritten signature on the cover letter — still necessary?

Accepted Answer

For digital applications via online portals or by email: No — technically not possible or sensible. For PDF applications by email: Optional, does no harm, appears more personal to some employers. Exception: The public sector in Germany — many positions still require an original signature on the cover letter when documents are submitted by post. The Nachweisgesetz (NachweisG §2) regulates written form requirements in the employment relationship, not for applications. According to BA posting guidelines for public positions: Always pay attention to the specific format requirements. Recommendation for 2026: Scanned signature in PDF applications — yes if available, no if not — both are acceptable.

Question 6

Do I have to list all jobs in my CV?

Accepted Answer

Legally no — there is no legal obligation in Germany to list all positions without gaps. Under AGG and BDSG §26, an employer may only request information relevant to the application. In practice however: Gaps of more than 3 months are usually noticed and addressed in interviews. Short-term positions under 3 months, irrelevant side jobs and internships may be grouped ('Various 2019-2020'). Lying or deliberately concealing relevant positions constitutes fraudulent misrepresentation and can lead to the employment contract being voided (§123 BGB). Recommendation: Leave out what doesn't help — but never conceal what could cause harm.

Question 7

Should I include salary expectations in my CV?

Accepted Answer

No — the CV is the wrong document for this. Salary expectations belong either in the cover letter (if explicitly requested) or are discussed in the interview. The Entgelttransparenzgesetz and the EU Pay Transparency Directive are intended to create transparency — but on the employer side, not the applicant side. If the job advert explicitly asks for salary expectations: State a narrow range in the cover letter, not in the CV. Use the BA Entgeltatlas as a reference. Caveat: Some automated application portals have mandatory fields for salary expectations — fill them in there, but with a range not a fixed figure.

Question 8

Should I omit the photo from my CV?

Accepted Answer

In Germany, an application photo is still customary and expected by most employers — unlike in the USA, UK or Canada. The Anti-Discrimination Act (AGG §1) prohibits discrimination based on appearance, age or origin. Nevertheless, the photo is not prohibited in Germany and belongs in most applications according to common practice. Caveat: Some progressive companies and corporations dispense with photos in the application process to reduce bias (anonymised applications). For international applications (USA, UK, Scandinavia): No photo. Recommendation for Germany: Professional photo on a white or grey background, business attire, current (max. 2 years old). A bad photo does more harm than no photo.

Question 9

Should I include a photo in my German CV?

Accepted Answer

In Germany, an application photo is still the norm and expected by most employers — unlike in the USA or UK. The photo should be professional: white or grey background, business attire, friendly smile. A bad photo does more harm than no photo. For international applications, omit the photo.

Question 10

What should go in the opening sentence of a cover letter?

Accepted Answer

Not 'I am writing to apply for' — that conveys no information and has been outdated for years. The first sentence must compel the recruiter to read on within 3 seconds. Three formats with proven high impact: (1) Concrete result: 'In my role as project manager, I coordinated three product launches — precisely what you are looking for according to the job advert.' (2) Personal company connection: 'I have been using your software daily for two years — now I want to help shape it.' (3) Direct response to the job advert: 'You are looking for someone with SAP experience in a corporate environment — I bring exactly that.' Caveat: Creative openings may be inappropriate in conservative industries (public sector, banking). According to LinkedIn Talent Solutions data (2025), personalised cover letters convince recruiters significantly more than generic standard phrases.

CV & Cover Letter

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CV & Cover Letter

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