5 Things You Need to Know To Work in Germany

Germany is the fourth-largest economy in the world and boasts some of the wealthiest companies as well as the best lifestyles in the world. However, Germany has a problem. The country's birth rate has been steadily declining over the past decades and while it remains a vibrant workforce, the demographics show that the aging and retiring population continues to grow. These two variables are a dangerous mix because it means there are not enough young people to replace the retiring generation. So in short: Germany needs people! But specifically well-trained people with a trade or transferable skills that can bring consistent value to the economy. Fortunately, for you, the German Government has a bill on the parliament floor right now which if passed, would make immigration from skilled workers a lot easier. If you are interested in taking advantage of this opportunity, read on about the 5 core things you need to know about work in Germany.

How to Study & Work in Germany ?

Because of its education system, Germany enjoys one of the lowest unemployment rates in the world (source). This is also due in part to the robust middle class in Germany; something that is slowly disappearing in countries like the UK and the United States.

If you only have a high school diploma but are determined to learn German and integrate, there are hundreds if not thousands of companies willing to offer you an apprenticeship or “Ausbildung”. The apprenticeships usually last 3 years and are still VERY popular in Germany in small and medium-sized companies (SMEs); however in some cases, you can land them at larger brands like Siemens, Bosch, Mercedes, etc. Ausbildungen is great for people who come from science and technology backgrounds and enjoy working with their hands.

If you have a bachelor’s degree, are willing to learn some German, and have transferable skills or experience, there are plenty of jobs in both international and domestic companies looking for talent. Most jobs at this level will speak some level of English but German may still be the lingua franca so it’s always advised to learn a bit so you feel socially included.

If you are looking for a job and have a master's degree and years of experience in your field, Germany will roll out the red carpet! While knowing German will never hurt and only help you, most jobs at this level will not really require German, though this depends on your field and city. That being said, Germany is so desperate for talent that as long as you have good intentions and a solid work ethic, most companies will happily adjust to welcome you!

Know How to Find a Job in Germany

The good news about doing an Ausbildung, is that most you just about always get offered a job from the company where you did it from. This is because they’ve already invested all this time and energy in you and it makes sense to them both economically and practically. However, finding that initial Ausbildung can be difficult. Moreover, most companies that offer them speak almost exclusively German so the first step in finding a job at this level is learning German. Once you’ve achieved at least a B2 level, then you can begin looking both online or even take a vacation in Germany and reach out to local companies. INSIDER TIP: Germany has regions of the country that specialize in certain areas more than others. Research which regions host the companies you want to work for and go there on your next vacation!

If you are looking for work with a University degree, LinkedIn is probably the best place to start. And while we are living in a post COVID world and much can be done online, nothing will ever beat in-person contacts. If you are serious about it, I would also strongly suggest doing some research and taking a vacation to the region where the companies you wish to work for reside. Bonus points if it’s in their HQ city, however sometimes there are new offices opening and they are looking to staff those! Do your research on the company websites and be creative wherever you look. 

What best describes the differences between a resume and a CV?

One of the major differences between job-searches in the US and Germany is the Resume and the CV. The CV or Curriculum Vitae (Latin) is usually the length and detail allocation. While the US American resume is typically a one-page summary of your education and experience and is custom-tailored to the job you’re trying to get. The CV is essentially a fully transparent timeline of your education, work experience, volunteering, and even time off. It should not contain any “holes” and it is better to be honest about time off than to disregard it and hope they don’t ask. For example, if like me you needed to take time off for health reasons before you finished your degree, it is best to just be honest about that. Germans are very serious about data privacy and they won’t ask further; but just be honest and frame it well. See our “Get the Job” Coaching Package for a complete step-by-step guide on how to put your best foot forward.

What are the German Visa options?

There are two main roads you can take: (1) the job-seeking visa; and (2) searching from home. If you choose to search from home, you will not need to worry about a visa until you have the letter of intent or job contract from the company. While this is still rare, it is slowly becoming more common in Germany as it slowly (too slowly) begins to catch up to the digital age. This might be the best route if your resources are limited but know that you want to move for sure. In that case, you can job search and interview from the comfort of your own home and must only provide the letter of intention or contract once you have it.

If, on the other hand, you have the resources and want to increase your chances of getting hired by being in the action, you will need a job-seeking visa. You can find the full details of the documents you will need on the website of the German embassy of your country, but in general you will need proof of your academic background as well as professional qualifications. Germany is a “protective” economy, which means that it seeks to have people working in the fields they studied or are otherwise qualified to practice in. For example, it would be very difficult to justify a job-seeking visa in digital marketing if you studied Classical Literature and have no other qualifications or certifications in the digital space. You may also be asked for a portfolio of your work if you’re a freelancer or have only worked with small brands.

5. Know the German Work Culture

Getting the know and integrating into the German work culture will differ in difficulty depending on where you are from but here are some insider tips to remember from experience:

1. Punctuality - while the trains are not always as punctual as stereotypically believed, Germans as people are rather serious about punctuality. Most workplaces function on a “trust” basis and trust that you will be in the building/work area within 5 minutes before and or after the start-end of the work day. But don’t worry, this goes both ways. Germans also clock out and leave work at work. You will rarely be expected to take work home with you.
2. Breaks - Germans are big believers in breaks and there are at least half a dozen colloquial phrases for it. It is also not strange for Germans to take lunch outside the workplace and even go home and return if they live close enough. However, the same rules apply and you are expected to be available again during work hours.
3. Attire - While this is slowly changing, your work attire is usually very industry-dependent. As expected your expected attire might vary depending on factors like your role in the company, whether you are client-facing or back of house, etc. Just look around and ask your colleagues. Don’t be afraid. They don’t bite (though it might seem so at times.)
4. Company events - While not compulsory, many companies host regular events and some even have clubs they or their employees belong to. Germans LOVE clubs. Almost all recreational activities exist in some club-format. This is partially because they love pooling resources together to do cool things; mostly outdoors but can also be playing board games. You are not expected to join all these clubs or events but they are always a great opportunity for you to build community with your new colleagues.

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