Application: Which certificates belong in the appendix
The appendix to your application includes the right certificates to convince your future employer of your skills. We'll tell you which ones shouldn't be missing.
These certificates belong in the appendix
In addition to a curriculum vitae and application letter, certificates and training certificates that demonstrate your competencies are essential for a successful application. Which documents are relevant depends on your situation and the job posting. For a school graduate with little professional experience, other evidence is more relevant than for someone who has been working in his professional field for several years.
- Graduation certificates: The certificate of your highest education should be attached to your application.
- Certificates of employment and internship confirmations : You should add relevant evidence of previous employment relationships to your application.
- Proof of further and advanced training: This includes, for example, subject-specific further training or proof of your computer or foreign language skills.
- Letters of recommendation and references: If these demonstrate your skills in the desired field of activity, letters of recommendation and references should be included in the attachment to your application.
- Evidence of voluntary work : Are you involved in charitable work in your free time? Then this proof can also be part of the appendix.
- Work samples: Depending on the industry in which you want to work, work samples can be requested in the appendix.
How to sort the certificates in the appendix
In some tenders you will find the required certificates already specified. Otherwise, the rule applies: send relevant and current certificates according to their importance. You can use this order as a guide:
- Highest degree certificate : Your highest degree, such as a school-leaving certificate or university degree certificate, is the first to be added after the résumé.
- Evidence of work-related activities : Second place is followed by work certificates, internship confirmations or letters of recommendation. These should be job-related and up to date. It is recommended not to add more than three pieces of evidence.
- This is followed by references, training and certificates relevant to the application.
- Finally, if required for the job posting, you can add work samples.
The appendix completes your application
The skills in the cover letter of the application are documented in the certificates in the appendix. When applying, are you unsure whether the selected certificates are sufficient? Then indicate in the cover letter that you would be happy to submit further certificates if required.
It is not the attachment alone, but the overall impression of your application, such as the correct order of the application documents, that is decisive for you to reach your goal. With the careful selection of the certificates for the attachment you are already one step closer to the perfect application for the dream job!
If you are a student and would like to earn extra money on the side, then in the next practical tip you will find the writing guide texts for BurdaForward.