German CV and Cover Letter: What Employers in Austria Expect

In Austria, your application documents create the first impression long before the job interview. In 2026, it remains important for your cover letter and CV to present your background clearly and professionally. This guide explains what Austrian employers typically look for.

At a glance

• The cover letter (Bewerbungsschreiben or Motivationsschreiben) should follow a business-letter format, be typed and handwritten only if requested.
• The CV (Lebenslauf) should be clear, logical and preferably have no unexplained gaps.
• Including a photograph, date of birth, nationality and marital status is voluntary.
• A printed CV should be signed by hand. For a digital CV, a scanned signature should be included where possible.
• Applicants from abroad are advised to attach proof of their entitlement to work in Austria.

Why does the cover letter matter?

The cover letter is your first contact with the company. Its purpose is straightforward: to convince the employer that you are a good choice and should be invited to a personal interview.

Most applicants follow a number of general rules. In some fields, such as advertising and media, a creative and individual letter can work well. If you prepare a very unusual letter, ask other people to read it before sending it so you can assess the impression it creates.

How should a cover letter be formatted?

The letter should be written in the form of a business letter (Geschäftsbrief). Pay attention to the following:

• Clean presentation and typed text; use handwriting only if requested.
• A clear layout.
• A direct, factual but appealing style.
• Correct grammar and spelling.

Email is usually the most common and least expensive way to apply. The same standards of accuracy and organisation apply to electronic applications. Send attachments such as school and employment certificates electronically, but make sure the email is not too large. The job advertisement will usually state whether the company expects applications by post or email.

What should the cover letter include?

Include the following elements, broadly in this order:

1. Header in the top left: title, name, address, telephone number and date.
2. Recipient details: include the name of the specific contact person if known.
3. Subject line (Bezugszeile): state where the advertisement appeared and, if available, the advertisement identification number.
4. Salutation: address the contact person directly if you know who they are; otherwise address the personnel department.
5. Reason for applying: briefly explain why this particular position interests you.
6. Your strengths and background: summarise the professional and, where relevant, educational experience that supports your suitability.
7. Earliest start date: mention it if a start that is too early or too late would be a deciding factor for you.
8. Request for an interview: politely express your interest in a personal meeting.
9. Closing: the usual wording is “Mit freundlichen Grüßen”.
10. Attachments: list the documents included with your application.

A personal salutation usually makes a better impression than the general “Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren”. It is therefore worth asking the company who is responsible for the position. If you respond specifically to points in the advertisement, the recruiter can immediately see that you have carefully considered the role.

How should an Austrian CV be structured?

The CV (Lebenslauf or Curriculum Vitae) should be clear and logical. It is normally attached to the cover letter, but you should also take a copy to the interview. Highlight the skills and experience that are likely to be important for the advertised position.

Recommended and voluntary information

Recommended information:

• Family name and first name, including any title.
• Current address, telephone number and/or email address.
• Education, vocational training and special knowledge, such as completed courses.
• Professional background and practical experience.
• Military or civilian service (Präsenzdienst, Zivildienst).
• Language skills and, where relevant, stays abroad.
• Date and signature.

Voluntary information:

• Nationality.
• Date and place of birth.
• Marital status and children.
• Photograph.

The CV should preferably have no unexplained gaps. For example, if you have been looking for work for six months, you could mention a training course completed during that period or a stay abroad.

The standard European Europass CV template is also one possible format.

Which attachments should you include?

An application will generally include:

• An up-to-date CV, preferably with a photograph.
• Copies of certificates, and where relevant employer references and certificates for completed seminars.
• For applicants from abroad: proof of entitlement to work in Austria.

For a paper application, use an application folder (Bewerbungsmappe) and arrange the documents in this order:

1. Cover letter.
2. CV.
3. Certificates.
4. Where relevant, work samples, previous work or completed pieces related to the future role.
5. Other documents.

What happens after a successful application?

If you are invited, the job interview (Vorstellungsgespräch) is usually your first personal meeting with the company. Take your CV, certificates, something to write with and a calendar. Find out about the company’s activities in advance. Do not say that you have no weaknesses, and base your salary expectations on the usual pay in your profession.

If you are currently unemployed, you may also wish to find out how to register unemployment with the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS).

Frequently asked questions

Is a photograph required on an Austrian CV?

No. A photograph is voluntary. Where possible, submit the CV with a photograph.

Can I apply if I do not meet every requirement?

Yes. Almost nobody meets every condition in an advertisement. If you are interested in the job and willing to obtain the missing qualification, it is worth applying.

Does the CV have to be signed?

Yes. A printed CV must be signed by hand. For a digital CV, include a scanned signature where possible.

Can I write the cover letter by hand?

Only if the employer specifically asks for it. Otherwise, a typed version is expected.

Practical steps before you apply

1. Read the job advertisement carefully and note its contact person, reference details and application method.
2. Prepare a clear German-language cover letter in business-letter format.
3. Adapt the letter to the position and respond to relevant points in the advertisement.
4. Check that your CV is logical, complete and free of unexplained gaps.
5. Sign the printed CV by hand, or add a scanned signature to the digital version where possible.
6. Collect certificates, references, work samples and proof of entitlement to work in Austria where relevant.
7. Arrange paper documents in a Bewerbungsmappe, or attach them carefully to your email.
8. Proofread the complete application for grammar, spelling, layout and file size before sending it.
9. If invited to an interview, take your CV, certificates, writing materials and calendar, and research the company in advance.

Source: oesterreich.gv.at