Thread by @olumuyiwaayo

You may need to read this before you apply to Germany/other European countries for graduate study

CV, cover letter and interview talk tips as recommended by a German Professor with permission to share @babalolaadekun1

1. Use only 1 type of font (I suggest Calibri or Arial) and only few different headings and font sizes

2. Keep animations in powerpoint to a minimum and use only subtle ones (“appear” or “fade”)

3. Stick exactly to the length or time restrictions, i.e. if 1 x A4 is suggested, keep to it exactly

4. Always look up the project, e.g. read a review on the topic, and make sure to comment in the cover letter what you like about it or find interesting, to show you are

engaging with the topic. I receive numerous “generic” motivation letters that highlight the applicant’s strengths but do not seem to comment at all on the work the supervisor would like to hire for.

5. Never write “Dear Sir” or “Respected Sir” only but always “Dear Dr. Soandso…”.

6. Make absolutely sure there are not typos or grammar mistakes on any of the slides.

Use a spell check or let someone who is a native speaker or has got very good English proof read our CV, motivation letter and talk slides.