How to apply as a language professional in a foreign company and the specific requirements for a German application: Part 1

If you want to work in a foreign company, or even in a foreign country (e.g. as a translator, not freelancer) as a language professional then you’ll have to consider the differences in the application process. The aim of this article is to provide an explanation as to how to apply for jobs as a language professional at a German company, as well as how to apply for a job with Germany in general.

If you seek a job as a language professional in a foreign company then there are probably two primary ways to go about applying for a job: 1. Submit an unsolicited application, or 2. Apply in response to an advertised position.

Unsolicited Application

Since you’ve got nothing to lose, it’s easy to send out an unsolicited application, as they can be sent any time, however this method is primarily recommended for those who can demonstrate a particular skill set or talent and who are very motivated and have an established set of professional goals. If you take the initiative to apply for an unadvertised job you probably want to keep the application short. Because the success rate for this style of application is generally low, you should clearly and concisely state your most relevant and appealing qualifications. A short cover letter describing your motivations, as well as a list of your skills and strengths , in this case related to language profession, makes it easy for a project or personnel manager to consider you if they are in need of in-house staff.

Visual presentation is very important for such an application, so make sure that you choose the right format and layout without overdoing it. For a German company, the facts related to your qualifications are most important. This is why a costly application folder may actually result in negative points, particularly in the case of unsolicited applications. Even unsolicited applications should be shorter than their standard equivalent. Don't forget to attach copies of your college and academic certificates, as well as information related to your previous work experience. Of course, a CV is a must. Also offer to send a more advanced application should the recipient wish to seek further information about you as a potential candidate within the company, and always express your willingness for an interview.

(Sorry, but applications from abroad do not have any chance!)

Job Offers

When applying for an advertised position it is very important to know the company and its business, as well as the requirements for the job. Before you apply, gather as much information related to the position as possible. Carefully read the description of the job offer. You also may want to contact the company in order to learn more about the job’s requirements and the sort of environment that you might expect to work in down the road. If you apply for a language position, ask about the business language within the company and in which language(s) the application should be written. At this point, if you start to notice that your qualifications don’t quite fit the job requirements it may be wise to reconsider your application. All of this information is necessary in order to present yourself properly, and matching the application requirements is a key element.

Application Tips

Even if it is only required that you submit your application in one language it may help to prepare one in two or more languages, specifically the languages necessary for the job that you are pursuing. In the case of dealing with German personnel managers, writing an application in more than one language makes a good first impression.

When applying as an in-house translator or as a language professional it is wise not to describe your motivations as being based in your personal interest in the foreign culture, unless of course you happen to be applying for a job in a cultural center. You may like the country, and with relation to Germany, maybe you have been playing football since you were a child or have wide knowledge about beer and “lederhosen,” but applying for a job is not the right time to discuss your personal interests.

Instead, point out that your qualifications make you the right person for the job. Be honest and realistic. Sell your skills and abilities, but don't lie about them, especially with regards to your language proficiency. Your ability in this area will be exposed eventually, either during the interview process, or at the very latest, upon starting your new position, and that’s not only embarrassing but also costly for the company.

Describe yourself. Don't be superficial, but analyze and characterize yourself critically. Point out your personal strengths and weaknesses. It is important to be aware of these, and the former especially counts in a job interview. It makes a good impression if you can state clearly what it is that you are good at. Don't describe yourself as the perfect “all-arounder,” or as the “perfect candidate for the job.” If this is not an unsolicited application then the motivation is not that important and such a self-description just sounds arrogant. Nobody is perfect! Instead be a “specialist,” somebody who is really competent in some points of the job requirements, but also not too bad for the rest.

When discussing your strengths, not only are your qualifications important, referring to the things that you have learned in school or college, but your professional experience should really serve as your primary emphasis, if you have it. The theoretical background that you gathered in university is valuable because, as with most jobs, you will notice that each day in the office can be completely different. However the motto is: experience counts double, and for language professionals, even triple! Considering this, both professional as well as personal experience can be very relevant.

A pro translator, which is considered to be the same as in-house staff, of course does not just speak academic language, but also understands and has a grasp of the recent developments in everyday language. An understanding of local dialects and “youth language” are both important points when it comes to selling your qualifications. In Germany for instance, the language is gradually changing into “Denglish,” meaning that many terms are being adapted into the German language utilizing German grammar. But even if you have a firm grasp of the nuances of everyday language, don't forget to be professional. Speaking an uncommon dialect during an interview may not be advisable.

A language professional has a good feeling for language and knows to point that out in their application. You can prove that by attaching documents that show that you have spent a couple of years abroad, and in the best case scenario, have spent some time working there. A student exchange program you attended or a company where you only made use of your native language is not that impressive, as many people share those same experiences.

As for the interview, it is good to be on top of international current events. A language professional understands the cultural background (http://www.yakuyaku.com/translators/readarticles.php?id=69) of the langue that he or she is working in. Your future boss may ask you about the latest exhibition of artist “X” or the latest movie “Y”. He may also want to discuss politics, economy or society, so be prepared. Read the newspaper and related media about the company’s home country.

In the next part I will outline and describe all of the documents necessary for applying for a job with a German company. Stay tuned in order to guarantee the success of your next application!

If you need more specific help with your application, feel free to ask us in the Forum. Our team of natives from all over the world can help you write the best application possible in your second language, as well as provide advice. Show us your application and we’ll refine it for free!

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