Finding a job in Germany: job boards and applications

Start with the right job title

Job titles can be named differently in Germany than in your home country. With the right German search term you will find suitable positions more easily.

• •If you do not know the German job title, look up your occupation in BERUFENET first.

Job search of the Federal Employment Agency

The job search of the Federal Employment Agency contains vacancies from all over Germany.

• •Search with your German job title and your preferred place or radius.

Jobs for international applicants

In the Make it in Germany job board you find vacancies from the Federal Employment Agency where employers expressly welcome applications from abroad.

Also look directly at companies

Not every vacancy appears on the same job board. Many companies publish jobs directly on their own careers page.

• •Look for employers that interest you.
• •Open their careers or jobs page.
• •Try similar job titles as well.

Are you still searching from abroad?

You can search for positions in Germany and apply even before you move.

• •The state International and Specialised Placement Services (ZAV) advise people abroad free of charge on questions about job search and working in Germany.

Does the position suit you?

Read the job advertisement carefully before you apply.

• •Which tasks are mentioned?
• •Which qualification is required?
• •Which skills are mandatory and which are only desirable?
• •Where is the place of work?
• •Full-time or part-time?
• •Fixed-term or permanent?
• •Is there shift, night or weekend work?
• •How should the application be submitted?
• •Not every advertisement contains all information. Do not skip an application only because you do not meet every “desirable” requirement. What matters is whether your profile fits the position overall.

Prepare your application

The job advertisement usually states which documents the employer wants and how you should send them.

• •Your CV.
• •Relevant certificates and references.
• •A cover letter, if required.
• •Further proof requested in the advertisement.
• •Only send documents that are relevant for the position. Scope and application route depend on the individual job.

Your CV

The CV shows your education, work experience and relevant skills briefly and clearly.

• •Keep it structured and easy to read.
• •Most recent stages first.
• •Focus on the specific position.
• •Keep your contact details up to date.

Have you found a suitable position?

• •Check the tasks and requirements.
• •Adapt your CV and, if needed, your cover letter to the position.
• •Send the application in the way the advertisement asks for.
• •Save the advertisement and the application date for your records.
• •With several applications a simple list helps you remember when and where you applied.

Have you received a job offer?

Before you sign, check the contract, the salary, the working hours and the most important conditions.

• •MeaNext has the step “Check your employment contract” for that.

What you should do now

• •Find the matching German job title.
• •Search for suitable positions in the BA job search and at Make it in Germany.
• •Also check the careers pages of interesting employers.
• •Prepare your CV and relevant documents.
• •Apply in the way the job advertisement asks for.