Job Application Workshop at Gymnasium Friedberg with Practical Insights
What should a cover letter, résumé, and supporting documents look like to make a strong impression? What are some common mistakes to avoid during the application process? And what matters most in an online interview? Around 90 seniors at Gymnasium Friedberg explored these questions during the school’s career day on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. Claudia Schönborn, Deputy CFO, and Isabella Fetzer, Head of People & Culture, from FORUM MEDIA GROUP shared practical insights. The students then had the opportunity to put what they had learned into practice in a simulated job interview.
What Companies Really Look for in an Application: Behind-the-Scenes Insights
The session focused on what young people can expect when entering the working world—and what really matters in an application from both a manager’s and an HR professional’s perspective. Claudia Schönborn and Isabella Fetzer drew on real-life situations from the hiring process and used specific examples to explain why applications succeed or may be rejected.
In addition to tips for résumés and cover letters, the workshop also focused on students’ digital presence. What are the dos and don’ts for profile photos and application photos? What does a person’s social media presence communicate, and which content is better kept private?
As job interviews are increasingly held online, the session also covered how to make a professional impression in video calls. A messy room, loud background noise, a distracting outfit, an unmuted phone, or a tired posture? Probably not the best choice. Instead, a tidy, distraction-free setting, good lighting, attentive eye contact, and an open, professional, and polished appearance are key. The same applies to social media: Only post what you would be comfortable with future employers seeing.
A Practical Exercise for the “Real Thing”: The Job Interview
A highlight of the morning was the hands-on job application workshop. Students took on the role of applicants—for example, for an apprenticeship in business administration or IT, a dual-study program in business administration, or a working-student position in marketing and social media. They prepared a brief self-introduction, considered typical interview questions, and then discussed convincing responses in small groups. Several volunteers presented their introduction and took part in a simulated job interview in front of the larger group—a valuable opportunity to practice for the real thing.
“The exchange with the students was very exciting for us. Many of them already had clear ideas about their career paths and asked interesting questions,” Isabella Fetzer said.
The day’s key message was: “Try to understand who you are so that you can find a job that suits you.” The school visit was a great success and once again showed how important personal interaction is when connecting with young talent from the region. FORUM has maintained a school partnership with Gymnasium Friedberg for several years.
Caption for cover photo: Isabella Fetzer (left) and Claudia Schönborn (right) from FORUM MEDIA GROUP shared valuable job application tips.