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.
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