A student job application needs a cover letter, a CV and proof of enrolment, and for working-student positions usually the enrolment certificate. What matters is that you present your studies as a strength: subject knowledge, projects and time management speak for you, even if your CV is still short. How to apply after graduation is covered in the article on starting your career after graduation (in German).
Key points at a glance
- Documents: an individual cover letter, a tabular CV, proof of enrolment and, where needed, certificates or qualifications.
- The cover letter fits on one page, names the area, period or weekly hours, and backs your suitability with two or three examples.
- Working students remain exempt from health, long-term care and unemployment insurance if they work at most 20 hours per week and their studies take up more of their time. Pension insurance remains compulsory.
- An application without experience is built on university projects, part-time jobs and commitment, which you describe concretely.
Which documents belong in a student job application?
The standard folder has three parts. The cover letter explains why you are applying for this position. The CV shows your stations in table form, with the most recent first. Then come the proofs: proof of enrolment, relevant certificates, employment or internship references and qualifications, as far as they fit the position.
How to structure your CV, even without work experience, is explained in the article on a CV without professional experience (in German). Upload documents as PDFs or send them that way, and name the files clearly, for example “Cover_letter_Surname.pdf”.
How do you write a cover letter for a student job application?
A cover letter for a student job application is short, concrete and tailored to the position. Address a named person if the advert gives one. The first sentence states the reason for your application, the main part links your studies and experience to the tasks, and the close states your availability and willingness to attend an interview.
- Subject line: the position and, if available, a reference number, for example “Application for a working-student post in controlling”.
- Opening: a concrete reason, such as a seminar, a project or a product of the company.
- Main part: two or three pieces of evidence that match the requirements, with task and result.
- Availability: start date, weekly hours and times during the lecture period and the semester holidays.
- Close: willingness to attend an interview, greeting and signature or name.
Example of an opening for a working-student post: Jonas studies computer science in his 5th semester. He writes: “In my database seminar, I implemented a sales model with SQL. I would now like to apply these skills to real data in your reporting.” Stock phrases such as “I hereby apply” are not needed.
How do you apply for a working-student job?
Applying for a working-student job differs mainly in one respect: you must show that your studies remain the priority and that the hours fit around them. So state your weekly hours, the times without lectures and your progress in your studies.
For the working-student status to apply, your studies must take up more of your time. If you work at most 20 hours per week on an ongoing basis, you remain exempt from health, long-term care and unemployment insurance, and the amount of pay does not matter for this. Pension insurance remains compulsory. Special rules apply for semester holidays and exceptions, which you can ask your health insurer about. An overview is provided by the Verbraucherzentrale.
| Position | What employers expect | What you focus on in the application |
|---|---|---|
| Working-student post | Subject-related tasks, plannable weekly hours | Enrolment, hours and availability during the lecture period and the semester holidays |
| Internship | Insight into a field for a limited time | Period, area and learning goal. More in the article on finding an internship (in German) |
| Student research assistant | Working with a chair or institute | Grades and subject knowledge. Details in the article on becoming a student assistant (in German) |
| Part-time job | Reliability, flexible times | Availability and experience dealing with people or tasks |
How do you write a speculative application?
A speculative application is sent when a company interests you but has not advertised a suitable post. It needs a precise idea of what you offer: area, period or weekly hours, and an example of what you can contribute. Find the responsible person beforehand and address the application to them. How this works for internships is explained in the article on finding an internship (in German). The approach can be transferred to working-student positions.
How do you apply without experience?
An application without experience becomes convincing when you back your skills with examples. University projects, term papers with a practical link, commitment in the student council or a club, and part-time jobs show that you take responsibility. For each, describe what you did and what came of it. Do not claim anything you cannot explain in the interview.
To prepare for the conversation, use the article job interview tips (in German). Typical questions revolve around motivation, choice of study and time planning.
Which mistakes should you avoid?
- Form letters: anyone who sends the same cover letter to ten companies stands out. Adapt at least the opening and the link to the position.
- Spelling mistakes: have a second person proofread.
- Missing availability: without hours and periods, the employer cannot plan.
- Incomplete attachments: check before sending that all the documents you mention are included.
- Exaggeration: state only the skills you really have.
What applies to applications for a university place?
For applying for a university place (in German), separate deadlines and procedures apply. They are set out in the article on NC and waiting times.
Frequently asked questions
How do I write a cover letter as a student?
Keep it to one page, name a concrete reason in the opening, and back your suitability with two or three examples from your studies, projects or part-time jobs. State your availability and starting date. Adapt the letter to each position.
What do I need for a working-student application?
A cover letter, a CV and the proof of enrolment, plus certificates or qualifications where they fit the position. In the cover letter, state your weekly hours and the times when you can work alongside your classes.
How does a speculative application work?
Choose a company, find the responsible person and propose concretely what you can contribute: area, period and an example. Add your CV and attachments. If you have heard nothing after about two weeks, politely follow up.
How do I apply without experience?
Describe study projects, part-time jobs and commitment with task and result. Show motivation and willingness to learn using examples. A concrete link to the position matters more than a long list.
What you should do now
- Decide whether you are looking for an internship, a working-student post or a part-time job.
- Create a CV and keep proof of enrolment and certificates ready.
- Write the cover letter for the first position and state availability and hours.
- Have both documents proofread and send them as PDFs.
- After about two weeks, politely follow up and prepare for the interview.
Related articles
- CV for students: how to create one step by step (in German)
- Finding an internship: how to convince companies (in German)
- Finding a part-time job as a student: where to look and what to watch for (in German)
- Part-time job and tax: what applies to minijobs, working students and more (in German)
- Working student and health insurance (in German)
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice. The German version is authoritative.
