Application tips when searching for a job in Austria

You want to work in Austria? Now it's time to impress your future employer with your application. The design of your application documents can sometimes be the deciding factor in whether you can introduce yourself to a company in person. According to an interview with Bartleby in The Economist, there are three important commonly acceptable rules to follow when applying for a job (Bartleby in The Economist, 30 May 2024 "How to write the perfect CV"):  

1. You don't get a second chance to make a good first impression.   

2. You don't have to wear a fur coat to stand out.  

3. What you don't say counts just as much as what you do say.   

Bear in mind that companies often have a very large number of applications to view and assess. Therefore, use clear words, no embellishments and draw attention to what is most important in your application documents. The application documents should be neat and organised.   

In Austria, it is usually customary to include the following application documents:  

• Curriculum vitae
• Application letter / Motivation letter
• Samples of your work (if requested by the company)
• Education certificates
• Job references

If possible, the documents should be saved in PDF format. It is advisable to create a kind of digital "application folder" and combine the individual documents into one PDF file. This way, no documents get lost, and the design remains in its original form.   

Curriculum Vitae 

The curriculum vitae (CV) is probably the most important element of your application documents. In this document, you present your educational background, your work experience and your additional qualifications. In Austria, it is customary to write your CV in tabular form. If possible, the CV should not be longer than 2 pages.   

You should include the following information in your CV:  

• First and family name, academic title if you have one
• Address, telephone number, e-mail address
• The different stages of your education, other advanced courses and seminars
• Military or civilian service
• Internships
• Professional career path including specific positions, focus and scope of your work
• Foreign language competencies (with the European framework of reference)
• Special skills and interests
• Date and signature (add a scanned handwritten signature to the digital CV)
• Voluntary information: date and place of birth, marital status, nationality, children, driving license)
• It is advisable to include a photo when applying in Austria 

Here you can find a sample Europass curriculum vitae in German and a Europass curriculum vitae in English.

Take your time to write your CV. Avoid typos at all costs, have someone read over your documents again, it is easy to forget something.  

A description in prose like a personal statement is not recommended. Instead, briefly and precisely describe your experience and responsibilities. It is also important to describe your studies, if you have completed any. What did you specialize in during your studies, what distinguishes you and sets you apart from other applicants? 

Focus on your most recent work and training experience. Older experiences, e.g. from 10 years ago, can be described in less detail or omitted if they are not relevant for the future position. Don't be afraid if you have a few gaps in your CV where you may have been looking for work. It is understandable to a certain extent. 

Adapt your CV to the job advertisement. It is important to mirror your own experience with the desired skills.    

The application letter / motivation letter 

The most important principle of an application is: it is not about you as a person, but about how well you fit into the job and the company. The cover letter gives you the chance to explain to the potential employer why you are suitable for the job and what motivated you to apply for it.   

Even though many applications are now processed online, it is advisable to take the time to carefully design your cover letter and show your future employer you are capable to write in full sentences and know how to use the programmes effectively. The cover letter should be written in letter form if possible. A complete letter should include the following elements:  

• Your name, address, telephone number and e-mail address
• Recipient and his/her address
• Subject of the letter
• Date
• Correct personal form of address
• Signature

Adapt the content of the cover letter to the potential job. The text should not be a repetition of your CV. Argue why exactly you are the right person for the job.  In Austria, it is customary to include your academic title. Use this in the address or salutation (e.g. Dear Ms Mag.a Sample). If possible, address the application to the correct contact person ("Dear Mr Mustermann"). If the contact person is not stated in the job advert, ask the company's HR department who you can contact.  

Avoid spelling mistakes. Have a second person proofread.  

Keep it short. The letter should not be longer than one A4 page.  

Scan your signature at the end of the document.  

In most cases, you will not fulfil all the requirements stated in the job advertisement. Nevertheless, have the confidence to send an application. Hardly anyone fulfils all the criteria listed in a job advertisement. You can also still train in the job and offer to continue your education if necessary. 

The job interview 

The application documents have been received, and you have been invited to a job interview. Normally the job interview will take place on the premises of the potential employer.  

If you apply from abroad, the job interview may be held online.  

Prepare for the job interview by doing research about the company beforehand. In this way, you indicate your interest in the company. Think about the ways in which you fulfil the requirements well and why the responsible managers should decide in your favour.

Companies do not only present their products but also part of their corporate culture on the website and social media platforms. Look at photos of events. In this way you can draw some conclusions about the dress code in the company. Make sure you have a well-groomed appearance but remain authentic in your style of clothing. You will make the best impression if you feel comfortable with the clothes you wear.

If the job interview is held online via Skype, Zoom, etc., make sure that you have a stable Internet connection. Test your equipment ahead of time before the interview takes place. In this way you can avoid stress situations caused by technical problems and completely devote your attention to the personal interview.

One important point is to be punctual. It would be better for you to come a few minutes too early and wait than to rush and to begin the job interview when you are out of breath.

Prepare for the type of questions your counterpart is highly likely to ask you. For example, a typical question in personal interviews is to explain your strengths and weaknesses. Prepare your responses to show the potential employer that you would be of value to the company on the basis of your specific qualifications and character.  

In any case, you should also prepare questions which you would like to ask the interviewer. In this way you will find out more about the position you are applying for, and also demonstrate your interest in the company.

It is normal to be excited during the job interview. But do not forget that you not only have to sell yourself, but the company has also shown its interest in you. For this reason, the interviewer should also strive to make a good impression on you.  

After the job interview, always ask when you can expect an answer or a decision. In this way you know at what point in time you can follow up with the company.

Here you can find more information on application processes in Austria.

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