What Does a Typical Job Application Include?

The following documents form the basis of a job application in many European countries:

• CV / Résumé: An overview of your education, academic background, work experience, skills and competencies. It is usually structured chronologically, with the most recent experience listed first.
• Cover Letter: Explains your motivation for applying, highlights your relevant qualifications and demonstrates your interest in the company.
• Certificates and References: Degree certificates, employment references and, where applicable, letters of recommendation.
• Portfolio / Work Samples: Particularly relevant in creative, design-oriented and technical fields.

Not all documents need to be submitted with the initial application. The specific job advertisement and the recruitment conventions of the respective country are decisive.

Are There Differences Between EU Countries?

Yes. Some aspects of the application process commonly vary between countries:

• Application Photo: Still common in Germany and some other countries, but rather uncommon in Ireland.
• CV / Résumé: Most countries expect a structured CV. However, its length, layout and the personal information included may vary.
• Cover Letter: Its importance depends on the country and employer. In some countries, a short motivation statement or an online application form may be preferred.
• Certificates: Not all employers expect certificates to be submitted with the initial application. They are often requested at a later stage of the recruitment process.
• Language: As a general rule, your application should be written in the language of the job advertisement, unless the employer specifies otherwise.

When applying internationally, it is therefore advisable to check the local application conventions and the specific requirements of the employer in advance.

Recommended Order of Application Documents

If you are submitting a traditional application as a single PDF file, the following order is a useful guideline:

1. Cover Letter: Your letter of application or motivation letter.
2. CV / Résumé: Your curriculum vitae.
3. Portfolio / Work Samples: If relevant or requested for the position.
4. Certificates: Relevant degree certificates, employment references and internship certificates.
5. References: Letters of recommendation or contact details of referees, if available or requested.

For online applications, the order may be determined by the application portal. Documents are also frequently uploaded as separate files.

Further Information and Support

The Career Center of BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg offers advice, coaching, seminars and further support to help you prepare your application and plan your career entry.

Find out more: Career Center – BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg

Make Sure to Familiarise Yourself with the Applicable Visa, Entry and Residence Requirements Well in Advance

EU Citizens

As a citizen of an EU member state, you generally benefit from the right to freedom of movement within the European Union.

This means:

• You can generally enter other EU member states without a visa.
• You generally do not need a separate work permit to undertake employment in another EU country.
• You need a valid national identity card or passport to enter the country.
• Additional registration and notification requirements may apply for longer stays.

Make sure to familiarise yourself with the applicable residence and registration requirements of your destination country well in advance of your departure (ideally 3–6 months beforehand).

Non-EU Citizens with a Residence Permit in an EU Country

If you are not an EU citizen but hold a valid residence permit issued by an EU country, special rules apply to you.

A residence permit issued by a Schengen member state generally allows you to stay in other Schengen countries for short periods of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

However, please note:

• Your passport and residence permit must be valid.
• These rules do not automatically apply to all European countries.
• The right to stay for short periods does not automatically mean that you are allowed to undertake an internship in your destination country.
• Depending on the type of internship, the duration of your stay and your destination country, an additional permit or visa may be required.

Therefore, make sure to contact the relevant authorities in your destination country well in advance (ideally 3–6 months beforehand).

Embassies and Consulates

You can contact the relevant embassies and consulates directly with any questions regarding visas, entry requirements and the conditions for undertaking an internship.

Here you can find an overview of embassies in Berlin.

Travel and Safety Information

Before your departure, make sure to check the latest travel advice and safety information for your destination country.

Disclaimer

The information and links provided are intended solely for general guidance and do not constitute individual visa, legal or immigration advice.

We accept no responsibility or liability for the completeness, accuracy or currency of the information provided. Entry, residence and internship regulations may change at any time and vary depending on your nationality, residence status, destination country and type of internship.

1. Warning About Rental Scams

Never transfer money, security deposits or advance payments before carefully verifying the landlord's identity, the existence of the accommodation and the terms of the rental agreement.

Be cautious of:

• Unusually cheap offers
• Pressure to make a quick decision
• No possibility of viewing the property
• Requests for payment or communication outside reputable booking platforms

Report a rental scam here. 

2. Disclaimer and Terms of Use

All information is provided without guarantee. The websites and information listed are intended solely as a guide and do not guarantee the reliability or legitimacy of individual listings, landlords or providers. Always check each listing independently and carefully!

Pay particular attention to:

• Actual availability
• Minimum rental period
• Rental agreement terms and conditions
• Possible additional costs
• The landlord's identity

3. International platforms

Tip: When searching, use country-specific terms or the local language wherever possible. 

• HousingAnywhere – student accommodation, rooms in shared flats and furnished flats.
• Flatio – furnished accommodation for medium-term stays.
• Spotahome – furnished rooms, studios and flats.
• Uniplaces – student accommodation and rooms in shared flats.
• Erasmus Play – Comparison of student accommodation.
• Roomlala – private rooms and rooms in shared flats.

4. Websites for finding accommodation, organised by country

Please feel free to click on the linked list