If you aim to be a working expat, you'll quickly discover that there's more to getting a job than just having the right skill set.
From making sure your paperwork is in order so companies don't have a reason to say no, to making sure your CV looks the part, there are a lot of seemingly peripheral things that can influence how successful your job hunt is.
Below, we’ll discuss the steps you should take to ensure you can work legally, present yourself well to German employers, and establish a professional network. Everyone’s circumstances are different, so use this information as a springboard or checklist to do your own research.
Make sure you’re allowed to work
Not all visas and residence permits allow you to work while in Germany, so it's important to apply for the right one if you plan to work.
Some countries, including Canada, the US and Australia, are considered visa-exempt. If this applies to you, you can travel to Germany without a visa and then apply for a residence permit after you arrive. If you’re a citizen of the European Union (EU), you don’t need a visa or work permit; however, you must register your residence within 14 days of moving in.
Passport holders from most other countries will need to apply for one of the following at the German embassy or consulate in their home country:
- Job-seeker visa: For those who want to look for a job after moving. You’ll need to prove you hold a degree or other qualifications and have funds to support yourself until you find a job.
- Freelance or self-employment visa: If you want to work for yourself or start a business, you’ll need to demonstrate demand for your service, financial resources and potential for clients.
- Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) or research visa: For researchers or employees of multinational companies transferring to Germany. This type of visa is typically processed by the employer.
- General employment visa: For those who already have a job offer.
- EU blue card: For highly skilled workers in fields like medicine, engineering, information technology and mathematics, who hold a recognised university degree and already have a job offer.
Whichever route you choose, you’ll need to submit documents such as your passport and proof of health insurance. When you arrive, register your address and receive a residence permit from the Ausländerbehörde (Foreigners' Office).
Create your German resume
To apply for jobs in Germany, you’ll need a German resume. In Germany, the terms CV or Lebenslauf are preferred over resume. The formatting of a CV is quite unusual in Germany, so make sure you adapt yours to fit the local style. You can easily navigate proper formatting if you use an online CV builder for Germany.
It's not only the formatting that will need to be adjusted; in most cases, you will need to submit your whole resume in German (the exception might be for international companies seeking English speakers). Hopefully, you have a basic understanding of the German language; you’ll likely need that to get through the workday. A B1-B2 level of German proficiency can open doors, especially in customer-facing roles.
For the trickier phrases, you can also use a translation tool to help you translate your CV, but you may not be skilled in the finer points of German grammar. You can use a German grammar checker, such as LanguageTool, to catch any mistakes. It is also advisable to have a native German speaker read it over to catch errors and make suggestions.
Remember, it's Germany - you will probably need to provide proof of your credentials. Make sure to mention language classes you’ve taken from institutes like Volkshochschule (VHS) or the Goethe-Institut. Professional credentials earned in other countries may require recognition by Anerkennung in Deutschland, the government body for the recognition of foreign professional qualifications, before you can practise.
Create the best German CV in minutes and get hired fast!
Networking
Networking in Germany is a lot like anywhere else, with much of it taking place online. German employers readily use LinkedIn, but you should also check out Xing. Like LinkedIn, it’s a business networking portal, but with a focus on German-speaking job opportunities.
When meeting employers in person, consider cultural factors. In Germany, punctuality, preparation and directness are valued traits. Use professional or respectful titles, such as Doktor, Herr or Frau to address others. Bring printed copies of any documents, not just digital ones.
Sell yourself the German way
In order to give yourself the best chance of securing a job in Germany, make sure you take these two steps before applying anywhere:
- Do your research, so you’ll know what visas and permits you’ll need.
- Create a German-style CV to explain your credentials, giving special attention to language skills and foreign-acquired credentials.
Once these are in place, you can jump in and network. Use the online professional networks that potential employers will use, and pay attention to cultural expectations that may differ from what you grew up with.
When you do these things, you’ll soon find yourself embarking on your new career in Germany.