Applying for an IT apprenticeship: how to get started

An apprenticeship in IT is a good route into a future-proof career. To get started, the application matters: it is your first chance to show a training company who you are and why you want to work in IT. This article explains how the process works, which documents you need and how to prepare for the interview.

The process at a glance

Most apprenticeships start in summer, often on 1 August or 1 September. Many companies look for apprentices a year in advance, some closer to the start. Applying early gives you more choice and less stress.

A typical process looks like this:

1. Find positions: on company career pages, in apprenticeship job boards, through the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) or the Federal Employment Agency.
2. Send your application: usually by e-mail, an online form or an application portal.
3. Feedback: many companies respond within a few weeks, some take longer.
4. Interview, possibly a trial day: you meet the team and show how you work.
5. Offer and training contract: the contract is signed with the training company and registered by the responsible chamber.

Which IT occupations exist and how the training is structured is explained in our article on the IT specialist apprenticeship in Kiel.

The documents you need

A complete application usually consists of:

• Cover letter: one page explaining why you are interested in this occupation and this company.
• CV: tabular, up to date and clear, with education, internships and skills.
• Certificates: your latest school report or diploma, if available.
• Evidence: internship certificates, qualifications or certificates of participation that fit the job.

Make sure all files are easy to read, have sensible file names and, if possible, are combined into a single PDF unless the company asks otherwise.

The cover letter: specific rather than generic

A good cover letter is short and personal. Avoid standard phrases that could appear in any application and answer three questions instead:

• Why IT? Mention a concrete experience, such as your own small website, a programming attempt, setting up a home network or an internship.
• Why this company? Show that you have done your research: which services does the company offer, which technologies does it use, what appeals to you?
• What do you bring? Reliability, curiosity, teamwork or English skills are helpful for the job. Support them with an example.

Spelling and name mistakes make a bad impression. Ask someone to proofread the text.

The CV: projects count

Even without work experience, you can show your interests in your CV. List internships, school clubs, programming experience, courses or your own projects. A small game, a website you built yourself or a server in the basement says more about your motivation than a long list of hobbies.

The interview

If the company invites you, your application has already convinced them. Now it is about making a personal impression.

Preparation:

• Read the company website and the job advert again.
• Think about how to explain your motivation in two minutes.
• Practise answers to typical questions: Why do you want this apprenticeship? What do you do in your free time? Where do you see your strengths?
• Plan your journey and arrive a little early.

During the interview:

• Speak openly and honestly. It is fine not to know everything. What matters is that you are curious and keen to learn.
• Some companies ask short technical questions or set tasks, for example on logic. Stay calm, think out loud and ask questions if needed.
• At the end, ask your own questions, for example about everyday work, the team or the first weeks of the apprenticeship.

Some companies invite you for a trial day. You get to know everyday work for a day, and the team gets to know you. Use it to check whether the company suits you.

Common mistakes

• Sending the same application to many companies without adapting it
• Cover letters full of phrases but without concrete examples
• Missing or illegible documents
• Being late or not responding to invitations
• Being unprepared in the interview: no questions, no knowledge about the company

Checklist before you send

• Contact person and company name are correct.
• Cover letter, CV and certificates are complete and easy to read.
• Your e-mail address looks professional and your phone number is correct.
• A second person has checked spelling and tone.

Applying at Simplify Data

You can find current apprenticeship and internship offers on our careers page. If you have questions about applying, reach us via the contact form. We look forward to your application.