Searching for a job in Germany can seem daunting, especially if you don’t speak German or know much about the German job market. However, with the right preparation and persistence, it is possible for foreigners to find work in Germany.
Requirements for Working in Germany
Before you start applying for jobs, it’s important to make sure you meet the basic requirements for working in Germany:
- A residence permit – If you are not an EU citizen, you will need a valid residence permit that allows you to work in Germany. Make sure you have the right visa or paperwork sorted before looking for jobs.
- German language skills – While some international companies operate in English, for most jobs in Germany you will need good German language abilities. Try to get to at least B1/B2 level on the CEFR scale.
- Qualifications – Make sure you have certified copies of any educational qualifications or training certificates translated into German or English.
- Equivalency – For some regulated professions like medicine, teaching, law etc you may need to get your qualifications officially recognized as equivalent to German standards.
Where to Search for Jobs
There are a variety of ways you can search and apply for jobs in Germany. Using a combination of the following methods will help maximize your chances of finding a position:
Online Job Portals
Popular online job sites and aggregators in Germany include:
- StepStone
- Indeed
- Monster
- JobScout24
- XING Jobs
- LinkedIn Jobs
You can search for positions based on keywords, location, job type and other filters. Create profiles on several platforms and set up job alerts to be notified of new vacancies matching your criteria.
Recruitment Agencies
Signing up with a recruitment agency can help match you to suitable openings, especially for temporary or contract roles. Search for reputable agencies specialized in your field or location of interest.
Company Career Pages
Look directly on the career sections of company websites for openings. This allows you to target organizations you are particularly interested in.
Job Centers (Arbeitsagentur)
Make use of government-run job centers which provide guidance on searching for work and listings of local vacancies. You can browse openings on the Arbeitsagentur website.
Newspapers and Classifieds
Local newspapers, magazines and classified sections may advertise jobs, especially in smaller towns or niche industries. Pick up a copy or browse their websites.
Professional Associations and Networks
Join relevant professional bodies, clubs or networks in your industry for access to specialized job listings and career support.
Social Media
Follow companies you are interested in working for on social networks like LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook to find out about openings.
Applying for Jobs
When applying for positions in Germany, you will need to submit various documents and go through application procedures that may differ from what you are used to in your home country.
Documents
Typical documents required when applying for German jobs include:
- Resume/CV – Lebenslauf
- Cover letter – Anschreiben or Bewerbungsschreiben
- Certificates and diplomas
- References – Zeugnisse
- Proof of qualifications
Make sure these are well-presented and translated into German if needed. The CV should include:
- Personal details – Name, contact info, photo
- Education and qualifications
- Work experience – Include placements, internships and volunteer work
- Skills and strengths
- Hobbies and interests
Application Process
The following are important elements of the German job application process:
- Written application – You will usually need to submit a full written application with CV and cover letter.
- Selection – Your documents will be evaluated and best candidates selected for interviews.
- Interviews – Could involve multiple discussions, tests and assessment centers.
- Offer – If successful, you will receive a conditional offer pending background checks.
- Contract – Finally you sign an employment contract before starting work.
Expect a lengthy, formal process, sometimes lasting weeks or months. Be patient and persistent when job hunting in Germany.
Tips for Foreigners
Additional tips for foreigners looking for jobs in Germany include:
- Learn German – Read job ads in German and improve language skills.
- Research the market – Understand German career culture and expectations.
- Get qualifications recognized – Have certificates officially recognized in Germany.
- Focus specialized roles – Language skills may be less crucial in technical fields.
- Consider temporary roles – Internships, seasonal jobs and short contracts enable gaining experience.
- Use connections – Network both locally and internationally.
- Customize applications – Tailor CV and cover letters to each job.
- Attend job fairs – Meet companies and learn about opportunities.
- Be flexible – Consider different locations or unconventional openings.
- Brush up interview skills – Prepare to impress at interviews.
Conclusion
Finding work in Germany can be challenging but is a surmountable process with careful preparation. Learn the language, research the job market extensively, take advantage of local employment resources and be persistent in your search. With time and dedication, foreigners can access the many opportunities of the German job market.
