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Vacation jobs and internships can be important signposts on the way to professional life (symbol image)
Photo: Maskot / imago
If you are applying for a holiday job or internship for the first time, you are immersed in a new world.
A world of résumés and cover letters, job interviews and unfamiliar terms.
How is one supposed to cope with it?
Tamara Schrammel knows.
She has written a book about how good job application works, from school to starting a career.
She noticed how big the question marks are for many when she helped her younger brother apply for an apprenticeship after secondary school, says Schrammel.
In the application training that she later gave at secondary schools and secondary schools, many of her brother's questions reappeared and new ones were added.
Schrammel set about answering all of them.
Here she shares her tips.
The most important question in advance: where should I apply?
If the holiday job is primarily about supplementing pocket money, an internship helps to gain insights into a job.
“Internships are incredibly important for orientation,” says Schrammel.
"I can read a lot about a job, talk to people who practice it - but trying it out for yourself is no substitute for anything."
But which occupation is actually an option?
In order to find out, Schrammel advises first taking ten minutes to jot down your own abilities, talents and interests on a piece of paper.
You should look at yourself from the perspective of a good friend: "That automatically makes the view of yourself more patient, friendlier and much more relaxed."
Relatives and acquaintances can be a valuable support in self-reflection.
"But it is important not to leave your own career orientation to others." Proposals that are too specific about industries, companies and professions could unnecessarily increase the pressure.
(More tips on how parents can support their children's career orientation can be found here.)
In a second step, you can then research which professions there are - for example here:
The Federal Employment Agency's lexicon of apprenticeships provides compact information on apprenticeships in Germany and is a suitable first point of contact.
The employment agency's website offers a large pool of information on all issues relating to starting a career.
Here you can also use a career exploration tool to test which professions could be a good fit.
You can immerse yourself in jobs via photos and videos on the employment agency's Planet-Beruf website.
There is also an app for smartphones.
Further offers to get to know professions and industries are Berufenet, the database of the employment agency, as well as the career orientation offer of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research.
You can supplement this information with contacts from your own environment, says Schrammel.
Many schools also offer personal career advice.
How do I get in contact with companies?
During school time, a distinction is usually made between
compulsory internships
and
voluntary internships
.
»In the case of a compulsory internship, it makes sense to make use of the school's contacts.
Often there are long-term relationships there that offer real opportunities, ”says Schrammel.
In order to find a position for a voluntary internship, training and career fairs, at which companies introduce themselves, can help.
"Here it is worthwhile to approach companies courageously and express your interest." Such trade fairs would often pave the way for an internship or at least offer an initial contact in an interesting industry.
You can look for a holiday job in your private sphere, post a notice in town or ask directly at a local company, for example at a supermarket or the bakery around the corner.
»A part-time job is also great for getting to know the world of work; you earn your first own money.
However, it does not replace an internship, simply because of the activities that you usually do, ”says Schrammel.
How do I write an application?
Good news right from the start: The points that you have to consider when applying for an internship or a holiday job are very similar.
In addition, the following applies to both: It is more the exception than the rule that a cover letter is required.
"But it definitely makes a good impression if you take the trouble - and it is also good practice, because you will definitely need it later," says Schrammel.
When submitting a cover letter, it should be tailored to the specific company or position.
It doesn't matter whether the application is sent in analogue or digital format (attention, always in PDF format!): "The basic information is the same - it's about putting the highlights in the shop window."
AreaExpand the cover letter
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A sample cover letter from Tamara Schrammel's book
Photo: Tamara Schrammel
Introduction:
Make reference to the position (where did I see the advertisement, what is it that interests me?)
Briefly introduce yourself and the current situation (and remember to indicate the period of the internship when doing a voluntary internship)
Briefly explain why it should be this position and this company (if you can imagine doing the apprenticeship or a dual course of study there, feel free to include it)
Bulk:
Describe your own motivation, skills and strengths and address the requirement profile (What do I like to do and where can I contribute well?)
The rule is: not only assert, but also justify and give an example
The main part should not be shorter than the introduction and conclusion;
Overall, the cover letter should not exceed one A4 page
Enough:
Friendly final sentence ("I would be very happy to receive an invitation to an interview.")
Greetings ("Sincerely")
Signature (inserted by hand or digitally)
AreaExpand the resume
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A sample curriculum vitae from Tamara Schrammel's book
Photo: Tamara Schrammel
"The rule here is: simple before playful - but above all uniform and with a clear structure," says Schrammel.
Someone who takes a quick look at the résumé should learn the most important things.
The formatting
Photo:
A professional, friendly application
photo
in the top right corner
Margins:
left 2.5 cm;
right, top and bottom each 2.0 cm - uniformly in the curriculum vitae and cover letter
Font:
Arial or Calibri (no
script fonts
) - uniform in the CV and cover letter
Font size:
12 PT
Emphasis:
Bold text and italics are okay, but should be used sparingly;
Avoid underlining, varying fonts and font sizes;
Color can also be used sparingly in the résumé, for example in headings
Line spacing:
simple, with no white space
ge:
a maximum of two A4 pages
Length:
a maximum of two A4 pages
Content and structure
Personal data:
Name, address, telephone number (at which you can also be reached), e-mail address (a reputable address without a nickname)
Date and place of birth
Education:
Career (preferably in chronological order), always state the full name of the school and the branch (linguistic, scientific, etc.)
Degree / desired degree (grades in brackets behind)
Experience:
All activities that, in addition to school, gave first insights into the professional world
In addition to the full company name including legal form and place as well as the date and duration of the internship or vacation job, it is good to provide a brief description of the field of activity and the department.
Additional qualifications:
computer skills, language skills (be honest here and if possible state according to language level), driver's license - only state what is really certified
Other activities:
Social commitment and hobbies: "The things that you manage are particularly great here, for example the youth team in a football club," says Schrammel.
But you should be careful with dangerous hobbies such as extreme mountaineering.
"If you only do things in your free time that are easy to injure yourself with, that can also deter employers."
Better to avoid:
Parents' job, religion, political convictions
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If it is not asked for, nothing has to be sent.
»However,
letters
of
recommendation
from superiors or colleagues
are incredibly valuable
.
I would always send them along, ”says Schrammel.
Tamara Schrammel offers templates for cover letters and curriculum vitae for download free of charge on her website.
And another tip for your first internship or your first holiday job?
"Always give your best, be open, punctual and willing to learn - even if you realize after two days that it may not be the right thing," says Schrammel.
In particular, every internship is an opportunity.
Even if it does not result in the later training or dual study, it is a good experience - and you may even be recommended.
