How to find a job in Germany in 2024

In order to work in Germany, a foreigner who does not have an EU passport must obtain a work permit. Germany has been experiencing a shortage of highly skilled workers for many years, so the German authorities have made it much easier for highly skilled workers to immigrate to Germany.

Foreigners with higher education have the best chances to move. If such a foreigner receives an employment contract with a salary of at least 58,400 € (data for 2023), then he can apply for a Blue Card. The main advantage of the Blue Card is that you do not need to obtain permission from the Federal Employment Agency. If the salary is less than the specified amount, your application will be reviewed by the Federal Employment Agency.

There is a special allowance for workers in the field of information technology. They do not need to have a higher education, but it is enough to have at least three years of experience in the IT field.

There are also special work permits for scientists, researchers, artists, performers, coaches, and religious figures.

If you are a sought-after professional, such as a software developer, QA engineer, product manager, or UX designer, it is not difficult to find a job. Many IT companies are moving to English as the main language in the company. Therefore, knowledge of German is not required for such positions.

For more traditional jobs, German language skills at level B1 and above are likely to be required. There are also a number of professions where knowledge of German is mandatory: doctors, teachers, lawyers, architects, etc.

The most effective way is to try searching on Google. A few years ago, Google launched its own job aggregator and shows a special job service for queries in the format "job title + city/country", for example "java developer münchen".

We also recommend that you search for jobs on the following services:

• https://www.stepstone.de/
• https://de.indeed.com/
• https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/

If you have a specific company that you would like to work for, you can check for open positions in the Careers or Jobs section of the company's website.

When you apply for a job in Germany, there are certain documents that you usually need to submit. However, there are differences depending on the company and industry. Below is a list of the most commonly required documents:

1. CV: A resume is the most important document you should submit with your application. It should include all relevant information about your education, work experience and skills. In Germany, it is common to write a CV in tabular form.
2. Certificates: Certificates are an important part of your application because they document your qualifications and skills. Typically, these are certificates of your education and training. In Germany, it is common to ask for a reference after leaving a company. German employers also expect references from previous employers in the application documents.
3. Cover Letter: The cover letter used to be an integral part of every application in Germany. It was used to give the employer a first impression of you and to clarify your motivation for the position. However, many companies have eliminated the cover letter in order to attract more applicants and simplify the application process.
4. References: In some industries, such as scientific or academic fields, it may be beneficial to include references. References are letters of recommendation from people you know who can attest to your skills and qualifications.

Overall, it is important that you carefully compile all of your documents and verify that they are complete before submitting your application. In many cases, you can submit your application online on the employer's website or by e-mail. Make sure your documents are in a neat and professional format, such as a PDF file, and are of good quality. Avoid spelling and grammatical errors. Make sure that the file takes up as little space as possible, otherwise it may not be possible to receive it by email. Never send the documents as a .zip or .rar archive, otherwise the antivirus software may classify your email as suspicious and move it to the spam folder. A carefully prepared application will increase your chances of being invited for an interview and getting the job you want.

When writing a CV for Germany, it is important to consider the following points:

1. Two page rule: The CV must fit on two A4 pages.
2. Start your CV with a photo: In Germany, it is customary to start your CV with a photo, so be sure to include your photo.
3. Include personal information: Your CV must include your first name, last name, date of birth, city of residence, and contact information.
4. Describe your work experience: In the work experience section, you should list the companies you worked for, the positions you held, the dates you worked, and your accomplishments.
5. List your education: In the education section, you should list all educational institutions from which you have graduated, including the name of the institution, the field of study, and the period of study.
6. List additional skills: In the additional skills section, you should list any professional courses, training, and certifications you have received.
7. Use keywords: When writing your CV, it is important to use keywords that are relevant to the job you are applying for. This will help your CV catch the attention of the employer and increase your chances of getting a job.
8. Write your CV in German: If you want to work in Germany, your CV must be written in German. If you are unsure of your language skills, it is best to hire a professional translator or native speaker.

A well-written CV will greatly increase your chances of being invited for an interview.