Is the phrase ‘Yours faithfully’ still appropriate these days?

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‘Yours faithfully’ has now become just as outdated. It is better to write ‘Kind regards’, ‘Best regards’ or ‘Warm regards’.

What should I bear in mind when it comes to the headings in my CV?

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Headings help you structure your CV. They should therefore be logical and reflect the content. If you wish to group school and university studies under a single heading, it is better to choose ‘Education’ or ‘Academic Background’ rather than ‘School Education’.

You should also avoid making headings too general. Instead of ‘Other’, it makes more sense to break this down into, for example, voluntary work and hobbies. This helps recruiters find the important information quickly.

Where should I put my signature on my CV?

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There is no set rule as to whether you should sign your CV on the right or the left. Leave a little space after the last line of your CV, then state the place and date, and place your signature on the left. Alternatively, you can state the place and date flush left after your CV and have your signature follow, flush right. You can therefore choose whichever option looks best to you.

Should I also describe my career history in the cover letter?

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In your cover letter, you should focus primarily on the points that are important for the role and the company. This is the best way to demonstrate that you are the right person for the role. All other information can be found in your CV.

How many additional qualifications can I include on my CV?

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Don’t let a number dictate your decision; instead, consider which of your additional qualifications are relevant to the job you’re applying for. By listing only the qualifications that are relevant to the role, you’ll make it clear that you’ve read the job advertisement carefully.

As professional experience is mentioned in almost all job adverts, can I still apply as someone just starting out in their career?

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It depends on the wording: words such as ‘ideally’ or ‘desirable’ indicate a non-mandatory requirement, i.e. not an absolute prerequisite. With ‘required’, the situation is different.

‘Initial work experience’ means that you have already had a taste of the working world and that your expertise is not purely theoretical.

Where ‘relevant’ or ‘pertinent’ work experience is specified, however, employers expect applicants to have worked in this field, in the same sector or in a comparable role, and to be familiar with the tasks and processes involved. In other words, you have a direct connection to the job you’re applying for, as well as relevant prior knowledge.

Should I put a comma after the salutation in the cover letter?

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The correct way to write this is: without a comma after it, or indeed without any punctuation at all – so no full stop, exclamation mark or anything similar. Furthermore, the closing salutation is separated from the rest of the text. So you write your final sentence, then start a new paragraph, insert your closing salutation, and then start another new paragraph before writing your name.

Can I use a selfie as my application photo?

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Selfies are not suitable for a job application photo – whether taken with or without a stick. In most cases, they come across as artificial and unprofessional – qualities you probably don’t want to convey as a job applicant.

Does it make sense to send speculative applications?

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The main advantage of a speculative application is that you are not applying for a vacancy at the same time as many other candidates. Consequently, recruiters have more time to consider your application in detail. However, you should address the recruiter directly and convince them of your motivation. This will help you make a good impression and increase your chances of being invited for an interview or being considered for a specific vacancy.

Should I specify my interests in my CV, or is ‘sport and reading’ enough?

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It’s better to describe in more detail which sports you play. That way, you can demonstrate a range of soft skills. Team spirit, for example, through a team sport, or ambition through athletics. If you mention the sort of books you like to read, you’ll give a better insight into your personality. And that’s exactly what the person you’re talking to is interested in.