Job Search in Germany: Where to Start and How to Prepare Your Bewerbung

When looking for a job in Germany, it’s best to start not by mass-sending out your resume, but by checking the basic requirements: whether your degree is recognized, what your profession is called in German, whether you need a work permit or Anerkennung, what job openings are actually available, and what kind of application package employers expect.

1. Check Your Degree and the Status of Your Profession

If you have a foreign university degree, check it through Anabin first. For many unregulated professions, formal recognition isn’t required, but for a skilled worker visa or an EU Blue Card, you often need to prove that your degree is comparable to a German one.

Two things are important in Anabin:

• the university’s status, such as H+;
• an evaluation of the degree itself: entspricht or gleichwertig, if it’s in the database.

If your profession is regulated—for example, a doctor, lawyer, teacher, or engineer in certain states and contexts—a simple Anabin check may not be sufficient. In that case, a separate recognition (Anerkennung) process through the relevant authority is required.

2. Find out what your profession is called in Germany

Job titles in Germany may differ from their usual translations. You can search for the same type of experience using several keywords: the German job title, the English title, the name of the technology, the industry, or the position level.

It’s helpful to check:

• BERUFENET from the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit) for job descriptions;
• job openings on company websites;
• Make it in Germany and the Federal Employment Agency’s job boards/portals;
• job boards like StepStone, Indeed, and LinkedIn.

Don’t limit yourself to just one platform. In Germany, some employers post job openings only on their own career pages.

3. Assess the job market and job requirements

Before applying, collect 20–30 similar job postings and list the recurring requirements. This will help you see what really matters: language skills, technology stack, driver’s license, certifications, experience with German standards, willingness to relocate, or work arrangement.

Be sure to note which job openings are suitable for candidates from abroad. Some employers explicitly state that they consider international applicants, assist with relocation, or accept English as the language of communication. Others expect you to already have a valid work permit and German language proficiency at the B2–C1 level.

4. Prepare your application: resume, cover letter, and supporting documents

To apply for a job in Germany, you usually need to submit a PDF application package or upload documents via a career portal. If the job posting specifies “Bewerbungsunterlagen,” employers typically expect not only a CV but also additional documents.

Basic package:

• A Lebenslauf/CV in German or English format, depending on the job opening;
• A cover letter, if requested or if it helps explain your motivation;
• diplomas and certificates;
• proof of experience, recommendations, or employment references (Arbeitszeugnisse), if available;
• translations of documents, if the employer cannot read the original.

5. How to Write a Lebenslauf

A Lebenslauf is a concise resume with a clear structure. German employers generally value chronological clarity: where you’ve worked, what you did, and which results and skills are relevant to the job opening.

What to include:

• contact information and city of residence, or willingness to relocate;
• a professional profile in 2–4 lines;
• work experience listed in reverse chronological order;
• education and continuing education;
• language proficiency at the CEFR level, for example, German B2 or English C1;
• key skills, tools, licenses, and certifications.

Photos on resumes are common in Germany, but they are not a universal requirement. Base your decision on the industry and the specific job opening.

6. How to Write a Cover Letter

A cover letter is not a summary of your resume. Its purpose is to show why you are a good fit for this specific company and this specific position. A good cover letter connects your experience to the job requirements and explains your motivation without resorting to clichés.

Workflow:

1. Briefly state which position you are applying for.
2. Highlight 2–3 strong matches between your experience and the job requirements.
3. Explain why you’re interested in the company or the field.
4. Conclude with a statement expressing your willingness to discuss the details during an interview.

A generic cover letter addressed to all employers almost always comes across as less compelling than a short, personalized one.

7. Where to Find Support

The Bundesagentur für Arbeit and local Agentur für Arbeit offices can provide guidance on the job market and help you find job openings. The Jobcenter typically focuses on supporting people who already live in Germany and are receiving or applying for social assistance, so its role depends on your status.

If you’re outside Germany, start with official online resources: Make it in Germany, Anabin, BERUFENET, Jobbörse, and employers’ websites. For regulated professions, find out in advance which agency is responsible for Anerkennung.

8. Responses, Interviews, and the Next Step

After sending out your applications, keep a spreadsheet tracking: company, position, date, contact, status, and next step. This helps you stay on top of deadlines and prepare quickly for interviews.

During an interview, they usually assess not only your experience but also your motivation, salary expectations, willingness to relocate, language skills, and understanding of the job requirements. If you receive an offer, the next steps involve sorting out your employment contract, visa or work permit, housing, and relocation. These steps depend on your citizenship, profession, salary, type of contract, and family situation.

Quick Checklist

• Verify your degree and status in Anabin or through the Anerkennung process.
• Find the German names of professions and related keywords.
• Compare job requirements across several platforms.
• Prepare your Lebenslauf, Anschreiben, and supporting documents.
• Have key certificates translated if the employer requires it.
• Set up your LinkedIn/Xing profile and accounts on job search portals.
• Keep track of your responses and prepare for each interview individually.

FAQ

Do you always need to have your degree recognized to work in Germany?

No. For non-regulated professions, recognition is often not required for the job itself, but it may be needed for a visa or to confirm your qualifications. For regulated professions, Anerkennung is usually mandatory.

Is it possible to look for a job from abroad?

Yes, many candidates start their job search before moving to Germany. But it’s important to understand in advance the visa requirements, the timeframes for processing documents, and whether an employer is willing to hire a candidate who does not yet have a valid German work permit.

Is it mandatory to write a cover letter?

If the job posting specifically asks for a cover letter or application materials, it’s best to include a cover letter. If the application form doesn’t require one, you can replace the letter with a brief, concise profile in your resume or a message in the application form.