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Gone are the days of traditional application portfolios: the tedious sorting of documents, the struggle with the printer whose ink runs out just when you urgently need to print and send out your application, and the question: “Where can I find a copy shop in a hurry?” Things quickly got complicated, especially when it came to applications from abroad.

In addition to traditional application methods such as email, a large proportion of applications today are submitted directly through company-owned portals, apps, video applications, or even chatbots, which has fundamentally transformed the application process.

While digitalization has simplified the application process, it has not made it any less demanding. Attention to detail, a well-organized structure, and a clear presentation of your qualifications remain crucial.

We took a closer look at the online application portals of three popular German companies and have compiled the most important tips for you.

General Benefits

All three online application platforms offer numerous advantages, such as:

• Comprehensive information about the company, such as corporate values, social media channels, and job application tips
• Direct access to current job openings and information about career opportunities
• Transparency regarding the procedure and duration of the processing
• Option to edit the application later
• Option to apply for multiple positions or at different locations
• Confirmation of receipt of the documents

Overall, online job application portals offer a simple and transparent way to learn more about the company, create an applicant profile, and apply for suitable positions.

Preparation

All three portals emphasize the importance of carefully preparing application materials and consider this to be particularly crucial.

So we need to clarify:

• Are my documents complete and free of errors?
• Is a formal email address being used?
• Are the files named correctly and saved in a suitable format?
• Are my social media profiles (such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Xing, etc.) professional enough to include with my application? Some job sites offer this option as a way to get to know the applicant better.

Carefully reviewing these aspects can help you make a professional impression and increase your chances of a successful application.

Portal Structure

Online job application portals are usually structured in a very similar way. When you click on the selected job posting, you have two options, depending on the company:

You can either create your own applicant profile by first providing your personal information, or – some companies opt for an even shorter process – and ask for your personal information directly.

This may be followed by questions about the position, your resume, and your skills and knowledge. This usually ends with a text box where you have to explain your motivation. Next comes the section where you can upload your documents. This order may vary slightly depending on the company.

The following applies to all company-owned applicant portals:

A clear and well-organized resume structure is essential for a successful online application. Depending on the company portal, you can either upload your resume as a file or enter it manually. It is important to enter the information carefully and accurately to ensure the success of your application. The following five points are essential:

1. Personal information
   Please make sure your personal information is accurate and up to date. This includes your address, email address, and phone number.
2. Work experience
   Focus on the truly significant milestones in your professional career. A resume should not be longer than one A4 page. This means you should focus on the most relevant experience and qualifications for the position you're applying for. List these positions in chronological order, starting with your most recent role and working backward through your career.
3. Qualifications and trainings
   List your vocational training, studies, professional training, and school education if they are relevant to the position.
4. Computer and foreign language skills
   Please list your computer and foreign language skills, and indicate your proficiency levels. This gives HR professionals a better idea of the skills you bring to the table.
5. Added value and achievements
   It is important not only to list the tasks you have performed, but also to describe the specific value you have added. Examples such as cost savings or successfully completed projects can clearly highlight your impact.

By following this structure and highlighting your relevant qualifications and experience, you can create an effective resume that increases your chances of a successful online application. We already discussed how to create a successful resume in the first part of our series.

Should you include a cover letter or a motivation letter in a digital application?

In today's digital job application landscape, there has been a shift in how cover letters and motivation letters are handled. Many companies choose not to do this in order to speed up and simplify the application process. Instead, job application portals often provide free-text fields where applicants can briefly and concisely describe their motivation

When is a cover letter appropriate?

A cover letter can still be useful in certain situations:

For career changers: If you're entering a new industry or field, a cover letter can be helpful in explaining your motivation and relevant skills.

Explaining gaps in your resume: If there are gaps in your resume that require explanation, a cover letter can be a good opportunity to address them and avoid misunderstandings.

In short:
A cover letter is not mandatory, but it can be useful in certain situations and should be included as an attachment. In general, a cover letter can be helpful for self-reflection and is an ideal way to prepare for the job interview.

References and certificates should be carefully selected and kept to the essentials. All of the portals examined here provide specific instructions regarding the documents to be uploaded, which should be followed.

This information may look like this:

Please upload your documents as attachments in PDF, DOC, TIF, GIF, or JPG format. Please note that a single document must not exceed 30 MB in size. If you apply via the chatbot, your files must not exceed 4 MB in size.

Combine all pages of your application into a single PDF file (it should be no larger than 8 MB). Otherwise, you can use the file formats doc, docx, jpeg, or png.

Conclusion

Online applications submitted through company-owned portals offer numerous advantages, such as efficiency and standardization, but they also present challenges. However, if you prepare thoroughly, take a structured approach, and pay attention to details, you can easily overcome these hurdles and successfully navigate the digital application process.
In addition to company-specific job portals, it’s always worth checking out the job search section of the Federal Employment Agency of Germany (only available in german).