Applications for the public sector follow different rules than the private sector. Article 33 of the German Basic Law and civil service law: selection by suitability, aptitude, and professional achievement — this makes formal requirements a mandatory criterion, not a wish list. What matters in the public sector: (1) Mirror exact wording from the requirements list in the posting. (2) Attach certificates and evidence for every stated requirement. (3) Treat the cover letter as a 'motivation letter' — with reference to the authority/institution. (4) AGG: the public sector is heavily AGG-regulated — discrimination-free processes are standard. BA: the public sector is Germany's largest employer — positions on interamt.de, bund.de, and state portals. Objection: processes take 8–20 weeks — patience is essential.
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