In the German language, there are two primary ways of addressing people: formal and informal. The formal way of addressing someone is by using "Sie" and their last name, which is often used in professional settings, with strangers, or when there's a significant age difference. On the other hand, the informal "Du" and the first name are used among friends, family, and peers. This distinction is deeply rooted in German culture and etiquette.

By using the first name in contact with applicants in job advertisements, in the application form, or in communication, a more personal connection can be established. This approach leans towards the informal "Du" style of communication. It also sets you apart from more traditional offers and can generate more attention. Adopting this method can make your company appear more modern, approachable, and open, potentially attracting a more progressive audience. However, it's essential to ensure that this style aligns with the company's culture and values, as some might still prefer the more formal "Sie" approach.

Can some applicants be addressed as Du, others as Sie?

Yes.
You can determine per job opening which application form you use and select one with the desired address accordingly. The other elements that applicants may come into contact with can also be presented in the choosen way od addressing the applicant. For example, you can choose a different approach for trainee positions than for senior accounting positions.

Implement the fnformal addressing of applicants

Please proceed as follows / Please check the following elements for correct address:

• Job advertisement
  • Job Opening
    It is advisable to add (DU) to the main title of the advertisement so that you are reminded to make all texts appropriately informal when you create the advertisement.
  • Job advertisement templates
    It is advisable to make a copy of existing job advertisement templates, add (DU) to the title and change all the texts there to the informal address.
  • Texts of the job publication
    Please maintain the texts of the job publication and, if applicable, job publication templates according to the desired address.
• Application form
  • Field texts (Labels)
    In questionnaires of the type application form we have the possibility to change field labels.
    See also Rename Buttons and Change Notice Text.
  • Privacy texts
    Please talk to your data protection officers if the data protection texts in the application form are also to be rewritten to a different address.
  • Screening questions
    It is recommended to create the required screening questions twice and to make the address clear already in the question.
• Communication
  • Template Layouts
    For the informal address in the template layouts, a greeting and the first name are often used.
    We provide the placeholder Applicant - Salutation (informal) ({APPLICANT:SALUTATION_INFORMAL}). This outputs the following salutation: Dear/Dear/Dear and Hello (Mr./Mrs./Nonbinary and Unspecified) and is supplemented with the placeholder for the first name Applicant - First Name ({APPLICANT:FIRST_NAME}).
  • Correspondence templates
    Link the correspondence template with an informa template layout.
    It is also advisable to copy the correspondence template, add (DU) to the title and change the content to the informal address.
  • Questionnaire (for forwarding)
    • Introduction text
      Please maintain the introductory text of the questionnaire (to send) according to the desired address. 
    • Field texts
      In questionnaires we have the possibility to change field names.
      See also rename buttons and change hint texts.
    • Screening questions
      It is recommended to create the required screening questions twice and to make the address clear already in the question.
    • Privacy texts
      Please talk to your data protection officers if the data protection texts should also be rewritten to a different address.
    • Confirmation page
      Please maintain the text according to the desired address. 
  • Feedback sheet
    • Introduction text
      Please maintain the introduction text of the questionnaire type feedback questionnaire according to the desired address.