Working abroad sounds like an adventure to many people. The job search in Austria requires more than just the obvious Austria cover letter and Austria CV writing and translation. You will face issues that probably did not even cross your mind when you decided to go for jobs in Austria.
Do not underestimate the big impact the Austria cover letter can have on the result of your adventure! For example, you will experience the different immigration rules and practices, job application procedures, selection trends and the management culture.
When applying for employment in Austria, you may use either German or other foreign languages, depending on the company and your fluency. Stick to one language once chosen. However, you need to accept that not knowing the German language will put you at a real disadvantage from the local job seekers. The basic knowledge of German is considered necessary to cope with daily office life and life outside work.
Your Austria cover letter is the very first thing an employer will see. A cover letter is used as an introduction. A personalized, targeted, well-written cover letter is your chance to set yourself apart, attract the employer’s interest, and draw them in for a closer look at your CV.
An Austria cover letter is an integral part of your job application. A job cover letter should refer to your present and future plans, showing your prospective employers what you want to do now and what you will do for them in the future.
Often the Austria cover letter is more important to employers than the accompanying CV because CVs refer mainly to the past time with exception of your present job. Recruiters and employers are interested mostly in the future of the companies they represent.
Due to the rigorous work permit restrictions, it is highly recommended that applicants mention if they possess an Austrian work permit or are EU citizens.
Begin your Austria cover letter with your name, nationality and contact information including your address, phone/fax and e-mail. Often cover letters and CVs are kept on file for long periods, so any contact details you give have to remain accurate in the long term. A daytime phone number with an international access code and e-mail address are most important.
Type the cover letter in the correct German or other foreign languages on one to a maximum of one and a half of the A4 format page. It should name the position, the source of information about the job and qualifications for it without simply repeating what is in the CV. Remember academic and professional titles carry a lot of importance in Austria. Only in such occupations as medicine and law, handwritten letters are still used.
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Always try to address your letter to an individual. It is considered impersonal and uninteresting to address your letter to “Dear Sir/Madam”. Take the time to research every employer’s organization and personalize each letter with a real person’s name. Such personalization would increase the retention of your job application.
Your Austria cover letter should indicate professional competence and basic familiarity with Austria protocol. If it is an advertised position, make the appropriate reference or if it is not, say that this is a speculative application.
Mention your education, practical experience and your personal skills. Explain why you respond to the vacancy and why you consider yourself the right person for the job.
Finish the letter by asking for an invitation to interview in order to allow you to present your application personally and enclose copies of diplomas, testimonials and exam results.
It is common to send a job cover letter together with your CV.
