Job search in Germany

In this article, we have decided to discuss the current job market, job requirements, and work permits in Germany, so if you are interested in immigrating to Germany and working here, this article is for you.

If you are looking for a job in Germany as a non-German, it seems very difficult to find a job, especially since there are very limited English-speaking jobs in Germany. However, you have a good university or technical degree. In that case, you have work experience, and you can speak some German, you have a good chance of finding a job, especially now that Germany is facing a shortage of workers in some sectors.

Germany has the most powerful economy in Europe, so there are many jobs in Germany for non-Germans with specific skills, and it is also possible to find English-speaking jobs in Germany. However, you still need to know a little German.

German labor market

Germany is one of the countries with the lowest unemployment rate in the European Union, and in 2017 this record reached 5.8%. Of course, in some states, such as Bavaria (where Munich is located), the unemployment rate is significantly higher.  A study by the German Federal Institute showed that one-third of non-EU immigrants in Germany found a job within 12 months in 2010. However, this situation changed significantly after the influx of German refugees in 2015. But you are qualified, such as having a university degree or a professional degree such as an internship, work experience, and basic knowledge of the German language. In that case, you have a much higher chance of finding a job in Germany.

Lack of skilled workers in Germany

There is a shortage of skilled workers in some professions in Germany, including qualified engineers (mechanical, automotive, electrical, and construction), IT specialists, health and social workers, and manufacturing positions. Due to the elderly population, professional employees in the health and nursing of the elderly are also needed. Also, teaching English and part-time and hospital jobs are available.

However, the presence of small and medium-sized businesses is a fundamental economic feature in Germany, with more than 90% of German companies being small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and two-thirds of businesses being self-employed.

Work management environment and culture in Germany

The average working week in Germany is about 38 hours, and the minimum annual vacation is 18 days. Business and work culture in Germany is traditionally hierarchical and has strong management. Germans work on detailed and planned tasks. Meetings are regular and efficient and follow a strict agenda and schedule, in which discussions are held to reach an agreement and a final decision. Time is a defined concept in German business culture; people are punctual, and you should be in any professional environment. The German national minimum wage was increased to 10.45 euros per hour in 2021 and 12 euros per hour in 2022, revised every two years.

Work and residence visa in Germany

A person from the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland does not need to obtain a work and residence permit with a valid passport or ID card. Citizens of Australia, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, South Korea, and the United States can also come to Germany without a visa. Still, they must refer to the Department of Foreign Nationals to obtain a residence permit and a work permit. Other people must obtain a German visa and residence to work in Germany. Whether you can obtain a license to work and reside in Germany depends on your conditions and the department you are applying for work. Getting a residence permit to work in Germany may be difficult, but it is worth working in Germany.

Language skills to work in Germany

You may find English-speaking jobs in Germany, but to get a job (even teaching English), you need to know a minimum level of German, and with it, you will be able to work at a professional level. There are German language schools in Germany where you can improve your German language skills.

Certification of qualifications

If you want to work in professional jobs such as engineering in Germany, you must be sure of the eligibility of your degree in Germany. To qualify for a non-German university degree, you must contact the Central Office for Foreign Education (Zentrale Stelle für die Bewertung ausländischer Qualifikationen, ZAB).

Want to work in Germany?

When you find a job in Germany and want to apply, you must prepare your application according to German expectations. In Germany, this often means putting together your resume or CV file, including copies of your academic qualifications, certificates from employers, and even examples of your work. You must also write a letter to prepare your request. In addition, if you enter the interview, you should know what they expect in a job interview and what you should or not do in the interview session. We will discuss this topic in future articles.