The covering letter is the key to any application. Summarise your reasons for getting in touch, your educational and professional background and your personal strengths on one sheet of A4.

You should address yourself specifically to the contact named in the job advertisement. “Dear Sir or Madam …” shows us that you have not taken the time to find out more about our company or the advertised vacancy.

Including a photograph with your application is not compulsory. If you do decide to include a photo, it should be serious and professional. The format of the photograph is up to you.

Diversity management is concerned with the prevention of social discrimination against minorities and the improvement of equal opportunities within the company. Here the focus is on the company’s workforce as a whole, with all their differences and similarities. Differences include e.g. gender, ethnic background, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion and lifestyle. Diversity attempts to bring together all of the differences and help ensure an inclusive working atmosphere.

Hobbies should be mentioned in your CV if you feel these will help you to stand out from the crowd.

A speculative application is one not submitted in response to a specific advertised vacancy. If you send an application of this kind, it is still important that you inform yourself about the company and its various business areas first.