Applying for a job in Germany: 7 Smart Tips to Get Hired!

Germany has been Europe's economic powerhouse for over a decade. With high-paying jobs, an excellent work-life balance, and a great work culture, the “Land of Poets and Thinkers” offers much to aspiring immigrants looking to work there.

So, how can you find a job in Germany? Whether you’re a student in Germany seeking a part-time job or internship, have just completed your studies and are now searching for a full-time position, or are a professional who meets the Germany Opportunity Card requirements and is looking for the right job – this article is for you!

7 Essential Tips for Finding a Job in Germany

1. Use Online Job Portals

Using online job portals is one of the most common methods to find a job in Germany, and it's effective. However, be aware that the rejection rate can be quite high on these platforms. You can explore company-specific job portals where vacancies are posted directly on their websites or popular job sites like Stepstone.de and Monster.

2. Leverage Social Media

Social media platforms such as LinkedIn and Xing can be powerful tools in your job search. They allow you to connect with companies and professionals working in Germany. Additionally, you can often apply for jobs directly through these platforms. Make sure your profile is polished and professional to make a strong impression!

3. Send Unsolicited Applications

Sending unsolicited applications involves reaching out to companies even if they haven't advertised any open positions. To stand out, you need to clearly demonstrate how you can bring value to the company. Since they are not actively hiring, your application needs to be particularly compelling!

4. Update Your Resume/CV

Your resume or CV is your first opportunity to make a great impression on employers. Customize your resume and cover letter to meet the specific needs of each employer. Be sure to align your application with German standards to increase your chances of success.

5. Gain Experience Through Internships

If you’re studying in Germany, consider reaching out to companies that have partnerships with your university. You’ll likely have better chances of securing an internship with these companies compared to those that aren’t affiliated. Use this internship experience to help you land a permanent job in Germany.

6. Learn German

This is crucial. Using German keywords in your job search and being fluent in German will significantly boost your chances of finding a job and succeeding in interviews. Consider taking courses to improve your German language skills.

See how you measure up before you apply! Use our free points calculator for the Germany Opportunity Card and find out where you stand in the competitive hiring process.

Finding a job in Germany can be challenging, especially when it comes to meeting the Germany Job Seeker visa requirements.

Companies in Germany typically follow three common steps to hire new employees:

STEP 1: They first look for referrals from their current employees.

STEP 2: They check their internal resources, which include positions like Werkstudent (working student), interns, unsolicited applications (Initiativbewerbung), and opportunities in the Hidden Job Market.

STEP 3: They then post job openings on their own website and other popular job portals.

Since 85% of job seekers apply only at this third stage, you may encounter more competition when the job vacancy is listed on job portals.

With high competition from native job seekers within the EU, it can be tough to stand out when reaching this final stage.

Therefore, aiming to get noticed in the first or second step can increase your chances of success.

Rest assured, companies in Germany are always on the lookout for talented employees.

Just like the streamlined process for applying for a Germany Opportunity Card , finding a job in Germany can be straightforward if you know where to focus your efforts.

Boost your job search success! Our free profile evaluation for the Germany Opportunity Card can help you make an impression before jobs hit the major job portals.