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Application documents: what goes into an application?

What employers expect depends on the country. For seven target countries, here is what is required, what depends on the job, and which documents you can create directly in PerfektLebenslauf.

Deutschland

Applications in Germany are usually sent online as one PDF (Bewerbungsmappe). Order: cover letter → cover page (optional) → CV → references.

One PDFOne ordered file instead of many, under 5 MB.
PhotoNot mandatory under AGG, but common.
Unsolicited applicationYou can apply without an ad; effective at SMEs.

  • Anschreiben (cover letter) Required

    One-page cover letter tailored to the job, DIN 5008 layout, personal salutation.

  • Lebenslauf (CV) Required

    Tabular, reverse chronological, 1–2 pages, gaps explained, languages in CEFR.

  • Deckblatt (cover page) Depends

    Optional cover page that gives the file a polished look.

  • Arbeitszeugnisse (employer references) Required

    Written references from previous employers. From abroad: reference letters with a translation.

  • Abschluss- und Hochschulzeugnisse (degree certificates and transcripts) Required

    Diplomas and transcripts; authorities require a certified translation.

  • Anerkennung / Zeugnisbewertung (recognition of your degree) Required

    Check whether your university is H+ in anabin; otherwise get a ZAB statement. Regulated professions such as doctors or teachers need formal recognition.

    anabin ↗Anerkennung in Deutschland ↗

  • Sprachzertifikat (language certificate) Depends

    Goethe, telc or TestDaF; B2 or higher is usually expected.

  • Aufenthaltstitel / Visum (residence permit / visa) Required

    Non-EU: EU Blue Card, skilled worker visa or Opportunity Card; thresholds change yearly.

    Make it in Germany ↗

  • Führungszeugnis (police clearance certificate) Depends

    Police clearance; may be required for work with children, healthcare, security or the public sector.

Österreich

Very similar to Germany; photos are common and job ads state a minimum salary.

Salary in the adAds must state the minimum gross pay.
DienstzeugnisAustrian term for an employment reference.
PhotoCommon; use a professional shot.

  • Anschreiben (cover letter) Required

    One page, tailored to the job.

  • Lebenslauf (CV) Required

    With photo, tabular, reverse chronological.

  • Deckblatt (cover page) Depends

    Optional.

  • Dienstzeugnisse (employer references) Required

    References from previous employers.

  • Zeugnisse & Anerkennung (certificates and recognition) Required

    Diplomas; recognition via ENIC NARIC Austria if needed.

  • Rot-Weiß-Rot – Karte (Austrian residence and work permit) Required

    Residence and work permit for non-EU nationals.

    migration.gv.at ↗

Schweiz

Switzerland expects a full application dossier; references weigh heavily.

ArbeitszeugnisOften decisive.
ReferencesList 2–3 referees with contact details.
Regional languageGerman, French or Italian depending on the canton.

  • Motivationsschreiben (cover letter) Required

    One page, company-specific.

  • Lebenslauf (CV) Required

    With photo, tabular, dates as MM.YYYY.

  • Arbeitszeugnisse (employer references) Required

    From every previous job, complete.

  • Diplome & Zertifikate (degree certificates and transcripts) Required

    Diplomas and transcripts, translated if needed.

  • Referenzen (references (contact persons)) Required

    2–3 people with role and phone number.

  • Arbeitsbewilligung (work permit) Required

    EU/EFTA: free movement; others need a quota-based permit.

    SEM ↗

United Kingdom

A CV and cover letter are enough; no photo, age or marital status.

2 pagesCVs are usually two pages max.
No photoA photo can count against you.
ReferencesUsually requested after an offer.

  • CV Required

    No photo or personal data, results-focused.

  • Cover letter Required

    Short and tailored.

  • References Required

    Two referees.

  • Right to work Required

    Proof of right to work or a Skilled Worker visa.

    GOV.UK ↗

  • Degree certificates Depends

    UK ENIC comparison for foreign degrees.

USA / Canada

A one-page résumé without photo, age or nationality; ATS compatibility is critical.

1 pageWith under 10 years' experience.
ATSSingle column, no tables is safest.
KeywordsMirror the ad's wording.

  • Resume Required

    One page, no photo, ATS-friendly.

  • Cover letter Depends

    Increasingly optional but can help.

  • References Depends

    Separate list on request.

  • Work authorization Required

    A visa (e.g. H-1B) or work permit.

    USCIS ↗

  • Credential evaluation Depends

    Evaluation of foreign degrees, e.g. by WES.

International / Europass

For international and EU roles, Europass is widely known; English documents and CEFR levels are standard.

EuropassEU-wide CV standard.
CEFRLanguage levels A1–C2.
Free movementEU citizens can work without a permit.

  • CV Required

    Photo optional, in English.

  • Motivation letter Required

    Tailored to the organisation and role.

  • Diploma Supplement Required

    Makes your degree comparable across the EU.

  • Language certificates Depends

    Certificates showing your CEFR level.

  • Work permit Required

    Non-EU: EU Blue Card or a national permit.

    Europass ↗

Türkiye

Apply with a CV and cover letter; most official documents for hiring come from e-Devlet.

e-DevletCriminal record and SGK statement online.
PhotoCommon on CVs.
ReferencesTwo people with contact details.

  • Özgeçmiş (CV) Required

    With photo, 1–2 pages.

  • Ön yazı (cover letter) Depends

    Helps with corporate roles.

  • Diploma & transkript (degree certificates and transcripts) Required

    Proof of graduation.

  • SGK hizmet dökümü (Turkish social security record) Required

    Shows your employment history.

    e-Devlet ↗

  • Adli sicil kaydı (police clearance certificate) Required

    Available via e-Devlet.

  • Askerlik durum belgesi (military service certificate) Depends

    For male candidates.

PerfektLebenslauf is not legal or immigration advice. Visa and recognition information without guarantee.