When applying for jobs in Austria, a well-crafted cover letter (Bewerbungsschreiben) is just as important as your CV. It introduces you to the employer, highlights your motivation, and shows how your skills align with the company’s needs. Austrian employers appreciate clarity, structure, and authenticity — not generic or exaggerated writing.
Cover Letter Austria Example (Informational)
An Austrian cover letter should:
- Be one page (around 250–350 words)
- Be written in German, unless the job posting is in English
- Show clear motivation for that specific company and role
- Use a formal and polite tone
- Include your signature and date
Structure overview:
- Header: Name, address, contact info, date, company name
- Subject line: Job title and reference number
- Greeting: Address a real person if possible
- Opening paragraph: Who you are and why you’re applying
- Body: Relevant experience, skills, and achievements
- Closing: Motivation, availability, and polite ending
- Signature
Cover Letter Austria Example (English)
Example (for a marketing role):
Subject: Application for Marketing Assistant Position
Dear Ms. Steiner,
I am writing to express my interest in the Marketing Assistant position at ABC GmbH, as advertised on karriere.at. With a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and over two years of experience in digital marketing, I am confident in my ability to support your team in delivering high-impact campaigns.
During my internship at XYZ Media, I developed and executed social media strategies that increased engagement by 30%. My experience with SEO, Google Analytics, and content planning has helped me understand how to align marketing actions with brand goals.
I am attracted to ABC GmbH’s innovative approach to customer communication and would be excited to contribute to your team’s success. I am available from November 2025 and would welcome the opportunity to discuss how I can add value to your marketing projects.
Kind regards,
John Smith
(Signature)
Cover Letter Austria Example (German and English)
German version:
Sehr geehrte Frau Steiner,
mit großem Interesse bewerbe ich mich um die Position als Marketing Assistant bei der ABC GmbH, die Sie auf karriere.at ausgeschrieben haben. Durch mein Bachelorstudium in Betriebswirtschaft und meine zweijährige Erfahrung im digitalen Marketing bringe ich das Wissen und die Motivation mit, Ihr Team tatkräftig zu unterstützen.
Während meines Praktikums bei XYZ Media konnte ich durch gezielte Social-Media-Strategien die Online-Reichweite um 30 % erhöhen. Zudem verfüge ich über fundierte Kenntnisse in SEO, Google Analytics und Content-Planung.
Ich schätze besonders den innovativen Ansatz der ABC GmbH und freue mich darauf, meine Fähigkeiten in Ihr Team einzubringen. Über die Einladung zu einem persönlichen Gespräch würde ich mich sehr freuen.
Mit freundlichen Grüßen,
John Smith
Cover Letter Austria Example for Internship
Example (Engineering internship):
Dear Mr. Berger,
I am a third-year Mechanical Engineering student at TU Graz, and I am seeking a summer internship to apply my technical skills in a professional environment. Your company’s focus on sustainable energy solutions strongly aligns with my academic interests.
During my studies, I completed projects in CAD design and prototype testing, which taught me how to work accurately under time pressure. I am eager to gain practical experience with ABC Technik GmbH’s engineering team.
Thank you for considering my application. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute during my internship period.
Kind regards,
Maria Bauer
Cover Letter Austria Example for IT Jobs
For IT or tech roles, emphasize technical expertise, problem-solving, and team collaboration.
Example:
Dear Ms. Novak,
I am applying for the Software Developer position at SoftTech Austria. With a degree in Computer Science and three years of experience in backend development using Python and Java, I have successfully delivered secure, scalable applications for enterprise clients.
My current role at CodeWorks GmbH involves optimizing APIs and collaborating in agile teams to improve system performance. I am especially interested in SoftTech’s AI projects and believe my analytical skills would be a strong asset.
I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to your team.
Best regards,
Alex Müller
Cover Letter Austria Sample (One Page)
Austrian cover letters must fit on one page. Avoid repeating your CV; instead, focus on motivation, strengths, and fit for the company. Use a clear font (e.g., Arial 11 pt), standard margins, and professional spacing.
Cover Letter Austria Template (Copyable)
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Email] | [Phone] | [LinkedIn]
[Date]
[Company Name]
[Recruiter’s Name]
[Company Address]
Subject: Application for [Job Title]
Dear [Ms./Mr. Lastname],
[Opening paragraph: Introduce yourself and state the position you’re applying for.]
[Second paragraph: Explain your relevant skills, experience, and achievements.]
[Third paragraph: State why you want to join this company and what you can contribute.]
[Closing: Express gratitude and interest in an interview.]
Kind regards,
[Your Full Name]
(Signature)
Cover Letter Austria — Phrases to Use
✅ Useful German Phrases:
- Mit großem Interesse bewerbe ich mich um… (I am applying with great interest for…)
- Ich bin überzeugt, dass meine Fähigkeiten gut zu Ihrer Position passen. (I am convinced my skills match this role well.)
- Über die Einladung zu einem persönlichen Gespräch würde ich mich sehr freuen. (I would be pleased to be invited for an interview.)
✅ English Phrases:
- “I am writing to express my interest in…”
- “My background in [field] has prepared me to…”
- “I am eager to contribute to…”
Cover Letter Austria — Email Subject Examples
When sending your cover letter via email, use a clear and professional subject line:
- Application – Marketing Assistant – John Smith
- Bewerbung um die Position als Softwareentwickler – Maria Bauer
- Application for Internship – Engineering Department – TU Graz Student
- Spontanbewerbung – Sales Assistant – Vienna Region
How to Address a Recruiter in an Austrian Cover Letter
- Always use “Sehr geehrte Frau [Last name]” or “Sehr geehrter Herr [Last name]” if known.
- If the contact person is unknown, use:
“Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren,” (Dear Sir or Madam) — the standard formal greeting. - Avoid using first names unless you have been invited to do so.
Motivational Letter Austria vs Cover Letter
| Aspect | Motivational Letter (Motivationsschreiben) | Cover Letter (Bewerbungsschreiben) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Explains why you want the position and what drives you | Formal introduction to your application |
| Length | 1–2 pages (optional in addition to CV) | 1 page maximum |
| Tone | More personal and detailed | More concise and professional |
| When Used | Academic applications, scholarships, or special programs | Job applications (standard) |
In most Austrian job applications, the cover letter is enough — a motivational letter is only needed for academic, internship, or scholarship applications.
Final Tip
An effective Austrian cover letter demonstrates genuine interest, professionalism, and cultural awareness. Keep it formal, concise, and personalized for each job. Always proofread carefully — Austrian employers value accuracy and attention to detail.