Application
Writing an Application: Structure, Content, and Examples for Austria
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- Application Photo
- Speculative Application
A complete application in Austria consists of a cover letter, a tabular resume, and certificates — an application photo is common but not mandatory. The key is not the length but the clear relevance to the advertised position: Responding to the three most important requirements of the ad with specific evidence puts you ahead of most other applicants.
What belongs in an application?
In Austria, three components are standard. Everything else is optional and should only be included if it genuinely adds value to the position.
Cover Letter (Application Letter)
One page. Answers why you are exactly the right fit for this role—not your life story.
Resume
Tabular format, in reverse chronological order (most recent position first). One to a maximum of two pages.
Certificates and references
Employment references, final certificates, relevant certifications. As a single PDF file, not ten separate attachments.
Application photo: standard in Austria
Unlike in the Anglo-American realm, a photo is still standard practice in Austria. It is not mandatory, and not including one should not be held against you. If you use one: current, friendly, professionally lit—a cropped holiday photo makes a negative impression.
How do I structure the cover letter?
The most common mistake is starting with “I hereby apply for the position advertised by you.” This sentence provides no new information and uses the most attentive line of the entire document.
Weak opening
I hereby apply for the position of Project Manager advertised on your website. I am motivated, a team player, and resilient.
Better opening
In the past four years, I have managed construction projects ranging from 2 to 8 million euros at Muster GmbH – most recently the renovation of the Linz location, which we handed over three weeks ahead of schedule.
Next comes the core: take the three most important requirements from the ad and address each with concrete evidence. Evidence consists of situation, action, and result – ideally with a number.
- Address a named person if the ad mentions one.
- Stick to one page. If you need two pages, you haven’t prioritized.
- Write in your own language – recruiters can spot template phrases immediately.
- Close with a clear statement about your availability and willingness to discuss.
What matters most in the CV?
The CV is skimmed at first, not read. It needs to be structured so that relevant information sticks even during a quick scan.
- Reverse chronological: the most recent position is at the top because it is most telling.
- Per position, list not only the role but two to three tasks or outcomes – focus on the scope of responsibility rather than job title.
- Time periods with month and year. Only listing years can appear as if gaps are being hidden.
- Openly name gaps and frame them in a phrase. Parental leave, caregiving, further education or career changes are normal.
- Language levels according to the European framework (A1 to C2) rather than “good skills.”
- Save as a PDF, named in the format Lastname_Firstname_CV.pdf.
Which mistakes most often cost an interview?
- The wrong company name in the cover letter – a sure way to be dismissed, and more common than you think.
- An application that could fit any job, and therefore fits none.
- Lists of characteristics without evidence: motivated, a team player, resilient.
- Ten separate file attachments instead of one PDF.
- An email address from school days. Firstname.Lastname is standard.
- No contact point for queries: phone number and availability are missing.
Have it proofread before sending
Have your application read by someone unfamiliar with your profession. If they can say what you can do and why you are applying after reading the cover letter, the text is good. If not, it lacks specifics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cover letter one page, CV one to two pages. After more than ten years of work experience, the CV can be two pages – older positions are then only listed with time period, role, and company.
The structure can remain the same, but the content cannot. At minimum, the opening and the three pieces of evidence must relate to the specific job posting, or the application will appear like a form letter.
Apply anyway if you meet about two-thirds of the criteria. Ads describe an ideal profile, not a minimum requirement. Address the missing requirement openly and show how you plan to acquire it – this appears more confident than omitting it.
Yes, especially for companies that rarely advertise. However, it must clearly indicate what role you envision – an unsolicited application without a target role cannot be assigned internally.
This article provides an overview to the best of our knowledge (as of July 2026) and does not replace legal advice. Binding information on labor law and collective agreements is provided by the Chamber of Labor and the relevant union.
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