Steps to getting a job in Germany: What are my chances? How do I find a suitable job? Do I need a visa? These are the questions we are going to discuss in this blog post.
Steps to getting a job in Germany
1. Check your chances
The Quick Check on the Make it in Germany website should indicate your chances of working in Germany. There is demand, among others, for doctors, nursing staff, engineers, mechatronic technicians, IT specialists, and train drivers. Before you start looking for a job, it is best to clarify whether you need a visa to work in Germany.
2. Get your qualifications recognized
It can be helpful for many jobs; for some, it is even necessary for vocational or educational qualifications from your home country to be recognized in Germany. You can check whether this applies to you on the Recognition in Germany website.
3. Look for a job
The job listings on the Make it in Germany website give details of vacancies where international specialists are explicitly sought. You can also carry out job searches on the Federal Employment Agency website, in large employment exchanges like Stepstone, Indeed, and Monster, or among the vacancies published on business networks like LinkedIn or Xing. If you’re interested in specific companies, look for vacancies directly on their corporate websites.
4. Write an application
Typically, an application to a German company includes a cover letter, a CV with a photograph, certificates, and testimonials. Ensure you have the required qualifications and emphasize them in your cover letter.
5. Apply for a visa
Citizens from EU countries, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Iceland, do not require a visa to work in Germany.
Are you a citizen of Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, or the USA? Then you can enter Germany without a visa and remain for up to three months. However, if you want to work here, you will need to apply for a residence permit to take up gainful employment.
Citizens of all other countries require a visa. You should only apply for one when you already have a contract of employment in Germany. Make an appointment at the German Embassy in your country and inform your future employer that it can take some time before all visa formalities are completed.
If you have a higher education qualification recognized in Germany, you can receive a six-month visa to look for a job.
6. Obtain health insurance
Health insurance is mandatory in Germany and applies from the first day of your stay.
Here you will find checklists to help you look for work in Germany.
Read Also: Cost of Living in Germany
Jobs in demand in Germany
- Software developers, architects, programmers
- Electronics engineers, electricians, electrical fitters
- Nurses
- IT consultants, IT analysts
- Economists, business management experts
- Customer advisors, account managers
- Production assistants
- Sales representatives/assistants
- Sales managers, product managers
- Architects, civil engineers
Are there jobs for foreigners in Germany?
Skilled job-seekers from abroad have excellent opportunities in certain professions. For instance, there are many jobs for engineers, doctors, and nurses, as well as in manual trades.
What are the best-paid jobs in Germany?
Scientists, doctors, and engineers are among the best-paid vocational groups. In Germany, however, salaries differ not only by profession but also by regional differences.
Common mistakes in job applications
Spelling mistakes in the application
One error might be tolerated, but if your application has more than three spelling mistakes, it will almost certainly be rejected.
Misspelling the company name
If you spell the contact person’s name or company wrong, your application will face immediate rejection.
Not explaining gaps in your CV
You must be able to explain gaps in your CV of longer than two months. There are various reasons for gaps in employment, such as a stay abroad, further training or retraining, an application phase, preparing for self-employment, and starting a family.
Mailshot instead of targeted covering letter
Only a personal cover letter aimed at the respective company offers a good chance of success.
Missing documents or certificates
Most job advertisements state precisely which documents you must submit with your application. Wordings like “übliche Bewerbungsunterlagen” (usual application documents) or “aussagekräftige Bewerbung” (informative application) mean covering letter, CV, and certificates/testimonials.
Unprofessional application photograph
Anonymous application procedures without an applicant’s photograph, name, and age have not yet become the norm in Germany. An application photo is no longer mandatory but still widely used. Because it contributes to first impressions, it must be a professional photo. Do not use holiday snaps or portraits from a photo booth.
Forgetting to sign
The applicant must sign not only the cover letter but also the CV. A missing signature is interpreted as a lack of attention to detail. If you’re applying for an office job, this can lead to immediate rejection.
