Job Lounge / For Applicants / Applicant Tips

Important Tips for Your Application

To make an optimal impression, several things should be considered. Below, we would like to share our experiences in the form of some application tips, which we have gathered from countless discussions and feedback sessions. Thorough preparation is just as important as the actual interview, and even afterwards, mistakes can occur that are easily avoidable.

With Job Lounge's application tips, you will be well-prepared for future undertakings. If you would like personal advice or further application tips, please call or write to us.



From Documents to Interview

To make an application potentially successful, several steps must be considered:

  • Preparation: Thorough preparation is essential. Research the company you are applying to and consider what questions you might be asked.

  • The Application Portfolio: Ensure your application portfolio is clean, error-free, and comprehensive. Our application tip: A concept sheet provides a helpful brief overview of the applicant right from the start.

  • The Interview: Time management is particularly important, as is punctuality. Your documents should always be readily accessible. Additionally, prepare for your interviewers.

  • Etiquette: Not only ensure your documents are neat, but also choose appropriate business attire for the occasion. Polite manners are a must.

Structure of Your Application Portfolio

Which documents does the personnel service provider need for my application?
Not all application portfolios are created equal – their structure and implementation should vary depending on the application and vacancy. This may not always be straightforward. You should keep the following points in mind:

  • Create a personal cover letter

  • Tailor your CV specifically to the company vacancy

  • Create a clear, error-free employment history, starting with your most recent position

  • Generally, only electronic applications are preferred

  • We recommend including a cover page, a so-called competence profile, with your application portfolio and sending it as a PDF.

JL knows how to guarantee success with the structure of your application portfolio. We would be happy to answer your questions personally and directly.

Etiquette & Behavior During the Interview


It should go without saying that you should not burst into an interview wearing shorts, an open Hawaiian shirt, and flip-flops, nor should you address your counterparts informally. Here are some valuable tips for proper etiquette and appropriate behavior during the interview:

  • Business Attire: A suit, possibly with a tie (for men), and a pantsuit or skirt suit (for women) are usually mandatory in commercial fields.

  • If you are not thoroughly familiar with the company, discreet attire is preferable.

  • Confident manners, polite conduct & punctuality are naturally expected.

Job Lounge provides targeted personal advice on correct behavior during job interviews. Schedule your appointment today!

The best "Tips" for a Successful Phone Interview

“Let's have a quick chat” – you might say to your friends, but as an applicant, engaging in a casual phone conversation with a potential employer? That's a completely different league. Nevertheless, the phone interview has become established as part of the selection process in many companies. Therefore, here are the most important tips on how you can successfully navigate the phone interview in the application process.

Call from home or a closed room

  • Avoid background noise: no music, no radio, no TV, no other people, no creaking chair, no open window.
  • Use a landline phone instead of a mobile phone
  • Ensure good reception
  • Have your application documents ready to answer any follow-up questions
  • Take notes and prepare questions
  • Sit upright and smile often
  • Have a glass of still(!) water ready
  • Ask beforehand how long the conversation will last
  • Pay attention to language: Not too colloquial

Time management on the part of the HR manager is essential here. In any case, the interview should be scheduled so that there is still enough time for questions from the interviewee at the end of the conversation.