How to Apply for a Job in Germany

Moving to Germany can be an exciting adventure but finding a suitable job there can feel a bit overwhelming, especially if you're not familiar with the local job market. Whether you're fresh off the plane or have been in Germany for a while – it's important to understand how to apply for jobs. Getting the applications right can make a big difference in the success of your job search.

Stand out with your CV to get a job in Germany

A well-structured CV is your ticket to catching the eye of German employers. German CVs have a specific format and structure that you should follow to increase your chances of making a positive impression. They're usually 1-2 pages long and follow a reverse chronological order, meaning your most recent experience is listed first.

German CV format – what to include and what not

1. Personal information
Include your full name, address, phone number and email address and place this information prominently on your CV.

While it used to be common in Germany to include a photo, date of birth, gender, and nationality, these requirements are becoming increasingly rare in the wake of anti-discrimination legislation within German labor and employment laws. Check the company's preference or guidelines to be sure of what personal information to provide.

2. Professional summary

A summary of your career and professional goals. Adapt it to the job you're applying for, highlighting your most relevant experience and skills.

3. Work experience

List the positions you've worked for, from the most recent to the least. For each position include the job title, company name, location, and dates of employment. Provide a brief description of your responsibilities, achievements, and key tasks. Use bullet points for clarity.

4. Education

Just like your work experience, list your education in reverse chronological order. Include the name of the institution, location, degree obtained and dates attended. Specify the field of study and, if applicable, your thesis topic or major projects. Mention any honors or distinctions, relevant coursework or projects that are relevant to the position.

5. Skills

Emphasize both professional and social skills in your CV. Tailor them to match the job description, highlighting those most pertinent to the role. Be specific (e.g., "advanced in Microsoft Excel") and provide examples of how you have used these skills in past positions to add credibility (e.g. “project management: successfully led a cross-functional team to deliver a major software upgrade, completing the project on time and under budget”). Use clear, concise language and avoid jargon.

6. Languages

Use the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) to indicate your proficiency levels, such as A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2. Specify your abilities in speaking, reading, writing, and listening, and include any relevant certifications or tests, such as TestDaF, Goethe-Zertifikat, or TOEFL for English.

7. Certifications and professional development

Include any additional certifications, courses or training that are relevant to the position They might enhance your candidacy for the job. For certifications obtained outside Germany, provide context or the equivalent German qualification if relevant, to help employers understand their value.

8. Interests and hobbies

This section is optional but can help you stand out. If you choose stating interests and hobbies in a German CV, be selective and relevant. Pick activities that showcase valuable skills or qualities related to the job, such as teamwork, leadership, or creativity. Be specific rather than general (e.g. sate "member of a local soccer team" instead of just "sports").

Tips on formatting

Clarity: Use clear headings and bullet points to organize information.

Font choice: Use professional fonts such as Arial, Times New Roman or Calibri.

Consistency: Ensure consistent formatting, including font size, margins and spacing throughout the resume.

There are many online resources for European or German CV templates. Websites like Europass offer templates that are widely recognized and accepted. Canva has customizable CV and cover letter templates as well.

How to create a CV to apply for a job seeker visa for Germany?

When you apply for your visa, the format is very similar to the job application CV. Thus, it makes sense to write both at the same time. Here's what you need to know:

• The visa application CV should be just one page long. It doesn't need to be as detailed as a resume for a regular job application.
• Write about the length of your stay, the type of work you are looking for and your professional qualifications.
• Consider having a native speaker or professional review your CV to check for spelling and grammatical errors.
  

How to write the cover letter when you apply for a job in Germany

A cover letter is your chance to make a great first impression and to show why you're the perfect fit for the job. In Germany cover letters are a big part of the job application process, so make sure you tailor them to each position you apply for.

• Introduce yourself and explain your motivation for applying.
• Highlight your most important skills and experience.
• Show your enthusiasm for the position and the company.
• Make a connection between your CV and the position you are applying for.
  
  

German cover letter format

1. Header

• Contact information at the top: name, address, phone number and email
• Below: date of writing
• Recipient's contact information: name, position, company and address

2. Salutation

If possible, address the recipient by name (e. g. “Dear Ms. Müller”). If you can't find a specific name, use a general form such as “Dear Sir/Madam”.

3. Introduction

Start with a strong, attention-grabbing opening. Mention the job you’re applying for and where you found the job listing. Then, briefly introduce yourself and explain why you’re interested in the position and the company.

4. Body

Paragraph 1: Highlight your relevant experiences and skills. Focus on why you're a strong candidate for this role.

Paragraph 2: Provide examples of your achievements and how they align with the job requirements. Use this space to expand on key points from your CV.

Paragraph 3: Explain why you're interested in this company. Demonstrate that you've researched the company and understand its values, culture and goals.

5. Conclusion

Let them know you're excited about the role and that you'd love to chat more about your application during an interview. Mention any additional documents you've attached like your CV and certificates. Then, politely suggest that you'd like to set up a time for an interview when it's convenient for them.

6. Signature

Finish with a professional closing such as "Sincerely". If you're sending a hard copy, add your handwritten signature and write your name underneath.

Each cover letter should be tailored to the specific job and company. Don't use a generic template, personalize each letter to show how your skills and experiences make you the ideal candidate for that particular role.

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Got an answer on your application? Well done! Now prepare for the job interview

A job interview can be a make-or-break experience when it comes to getting a job in Germany. With thorough preparation, cultural awareness and confidence, you'll nail your interview.

Research the company

Learn about the company’s products, services, mission and values. Check out their website and recent news articles. Make sure you understand the job description and how your skills match the role. Be ready to explain why you’re a good fit.

Prepare your answers

Be ready to answer questions about your experience, strengths, weaknesses and why you want to work there. Practice answering questions such as:

• Tell me about yourself.
• Why do you want this job?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• Describe a challenge you’ve faced and how you dealt with it.

Also be ready for behavioral questions that start with “Tell me about a time when…” These are to see how you’ve handled situations in the past.

Read on here to find out what to consider when it comes to negotiating your salary.

Have questions ready to ask

Think of some good questions to ask about the company and the role.

• Can you describe a typical day in this role?
• What are the biggest challenges facing the team?
• What opportunities are there for professional development?
• Plan your arrival

Make sure you plan your route to the interview location. Aim to be there about 10 to 15 minutes early, just to show that you're punctual. As you may have heard, this is a very German virtue.

Common Mistakes when applying for a job in Germany

Avoid these common mistakes and you’ll be well on your way to creating a polished and professional job application that stands out to German employers. Watch out for these pitfalls:

• Keep It Short and Sweet: Your CV should be one or two pages and your cover letter should be one page.
• Be Selective: Focus on the most relevant experiences and achievements.
• Proofread: Use tools like Grammarly or LanguageTool to catch mistakes.
• Get a second opinion: Ask a friend or professional to review your CV and cover letter. Fresh eyes can spot errors you might have missed.
• Personalize each application: Mention the company by name and explain why you're a good fit for the position.
• Consistent formatting: Use the same font style and size for headings and text.
• Submit all required documents: Include all requested materials such as cover letters, certificates and references.
• Avoid repetition: Don’t repeat information that’s already in your CV. Use the cover letter to provide additional context and detail.
• Punctuality: Show up on time for your interview. It's a sign of respect and reliability in Germany.

Tip: Previous employers can be a great way to show your credibility by providing references.