When post is the better choice
- The job advert explicitly gives a postal address.
- It's a speculative application to a small business.
- An authority requires original certified copies.
- You're applying in a setting where paper signals genuine effort and respect.
Order of documents
- Cover letter — loose on top, not stapled into the folder.
- Cover sheet (optional) with photo and contact details.
- CV, in tabular form, in reverse chronological order.
- References from previous employers, most recent first.
- Certificates for qualifications and further training.
- Additional certificates and evidence, only if relevant.
The cover letter, following DIN 5008
One page, a clear subject line with the job title and reference number, the date on the right, no strings of empty phrases. You'll find the measurements for margins and the address field in our DIN 5008 overview. The opening sentence matters most: it should make a concrete connection, rather than simply saying "I am writing to apply".
HR departments often only skim the cover letter. The key information — position, availability, most important qualification — needs to be in the first five lines.
Printing and sending
| Element | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Paper | 90–100 g/m², white, printed on one side |
| Envelope | unfolded C4 for the full folder |
| Font | one typeface family, 11 pt, sufficient line spacing |
| Delivery method | large letter (Großbrief); registered mail only for original documents |
When only the cover letter needs to go by post
Some employers want a short cover letter first, with the rest of the documents to follow digitally later. This is exactly what sending online is suited to: write the text, enter the recipient's address, and send it — printed, enveloped and stamped for €2.99, up to three pages included.
Common mistakes
- A cover letter with no named contact person, even though one is given in the advert.
- Crumpled or folded certificates in an envelope that's too small.
- A missing date, or outdated details left over from an earlier application.
- No copy kept of the documents sent, ready for the interview.