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Applying for a job in Germany

Die Bewerbung in Deutschland

A German application consists of a cover letter, a tabular CV and certificates in one PDF file. A photo and details of age or marital status are not needed.

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Overview

A job application in Germany differs from systems in many other countries: it is structured and precise and expects to be sent according to set conventions. Someone who understands these conventions is more likely to be invited to an interview, while someone who sends a random CV may be screened out automatically.

This guide covers where to find jobs, how to write the cover letter and the CV, which documents are required, how to deal with the recognition of your foreign qualifications and what to do after sending the application.

1

Where to look for a job

The main sources are the official job exchange of the Federal Employment Agency (Jobbörse), which is free, sites such as StepStone, Indeed, LinkedIn and XING, and the careers pages of companies themselves.

  • Chambers of commerce and trades publish training vacancies.
  • Many people find work through acquaintances and personal contacts, so tell friends and course colleagues that you are looking.
  • The employment agency and the job centre help with searching and sometimes cover application costs such as printing and travel.
  • You can also send a spontaneous application (Initiativbewerbung) to a company that has not advertised a job, which is accepted and common.
2

The cover letter

The cover letter (Anschreiben) is one page and begins by addressing a specific person if you can find their name: Sehr geehrte Frau Müller.

  • State the job you are applying for in the first line, and explain briefly why you are suitable with examples from your experience and why you want to work at this particular company.
  • Avoid exaggeration and generic phrases and speak realistically.
  • State the earliest date you can start and your level of German honestly.
  • End with a sentence expressing your wish for an interview.
  • Ask a friend who speaks German well to check the text, because spelling mistakes weaken the impression.
3

The CV and documents

The CV (Lebenslauf) is tabular and ordered in time from most recent to oldest, two pages at most, and includes your details, experience, education, languages and computer skills.

  • A photo is optional, and there is no need to state your age, marital status or religion, since the equal treatment law protects against discrimination.
  • Explain any gap in time honestly and briefly, such as study, family care or migration.
  • Attach certificates, work references (Arbeitszeugnisse) and certified translations where needed, and send everything in one PDF file of reasonable size named after you.
4

Recognition of foreign qualifications

In regulated professions such as medicine, nursing, teaching, engineering and law your qualification must be officially recognised before you can work in it. You find the information and the competent body on the government portal Recognition in Germany (Anerkennung in Deutschland), and free advice centres help you with the application.

  • In non-regulated professions recognition is not required but helps.
  • The process takes months and may require a certified translation and supplementary courses, so start early.
  • Meanwhile you can work in jobs related to your field and suited to your language level.
5

After sending the application

A confirmation may arrive within days, and you may wait two to six weeks for an invitation.

  • If you hear nothing after a reasonable time, ask politely by email.
  • If you are told of a rejection (Absage), do not take it personally, since competition is strong, and you may ask for brief feedback.
  • Record every application in a table with the date, company and status.
  • Accept that some employers do not reply.
  • Keep applying for several jobs at the same time.
  • When you are invited to an interview, read the guide about it and prepare well.

Step by step

  1. 1

    Decide your occupation and language level and start searching for suitable jobs.

  2. 2

    Prepare a two-page tabular CV and your certificates with certified translations.

  3. 3

    Write a cover letter for each job and adapt it to the advert.

  4. 4

    Send the application in one PDF named after you with a professional email address.

  5. 5

    Record each application in a table and follow up after two weeks.

  6. 6

    Start the recognition of your qualification if your profession is regulated.

Documents checklist

  • A cover letter and a tabular CV.
  • Study and training certificates with certified translations.
  • Work references from previous jobs.
  • Proof of your German level.
  • Proof of recognition of the qualification if you have it.

Key vocabulary

  • dieBewerbung
    application
  • dasAnschreiben
    cover letter
  • derLebenslauf
    CV
  • dasZeugnis
    certificate, reference
  • dieStellenanzeige
    job advert
  • dieBerufserfahrung
    work experience
  • dieAnerkennung
    recognition
  • dieInitiativbewerbung
    spontaneous application
  • dieAbsage
    rejection
  • dasVorstellungsgespräch
    job interview
  • dieArbeitsagentur
    employment agency

Useful phrases

  • Ich bewerbe mich um die Stelle als Verkäufer.I am applying for the position of sales assistant.
  • Ich habe drei Jahre Berufserfahrung.I have three years of work experience.
  • Ich spreche Deutsch auf dem Niveau B1.I speak German at level B1.
  • Ich freue mich auf eine Einladung zum Gespräch.I look forward to an invitation to an interview.
  • Ich könnte ab dem ersten Juni anfangen.I could start from the first of June.
  • Mit freundlichen GrüßenKind regards

Advice at the employment agency

  • Beraterin

    Guten Tag. Was suchen Sie für eine Arbeit?Good day. What kind of work are you looking for?

  • Sie

    Ich habe in meinem Heimatland als Buchhalter gearbeitet.I worked as an accountant in my home country.

  • Beraterin

    Haben Sie ein Zeugnis? Wir prüfen die Anerkennung.Do you have a certificate? We will check the recognition.

  • Sie

    Ja, ich habe meine Zeugnisse und eine Übersetzung dabei.Yes, I have my certificates and a translation with me.

  • Beraterin

    Sehr gut. Ich helfe Ihnen auch bei der Bewerbung.Very good. I will also help you with the application.

  • Sie

    Vielen Dank, das ist sehr freundlich.Thank you very much, that is very kind.

Common mistakes

  • Sending the same letter to every company without changes, which the recruiter can notice at once.
  • Attaching all documents in several large files, which get rejected for mail size or confuse the reader.
  • Lying about language level or experience, which is discovered in the interview or in the probation period.
  • Using an unprofessional email address or an unsuitable photo.

Cultural tips

  • Ask an advice centre about free courses for writing applications and reviewing your CV.
  • Create a professional profile on LinkedIn or XING so that recruiters can find you.
  • Talk to people who work at the company before applying, since inside information helps you.
  • Improving your German opens more jobs, so start a course even part-time.

Official links

Check yourself

Question 1 of 5

In what form is an application usually sent?