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How do I apply for a job vacancy in Germany?

Have you decided to look for a job or training position in Germany and now face the daunting task of applying to employers?

This is not always easy from abroad, because requirements for application letters may vary. In addition, your application should stand out in a particularly positive way, so that as a foreign applicant you have a chance of being invited to an interview. In our series on the application process in Germany, we would like to give you some tips to make your application a success.

Please keep in mind that in Germany, it is quite common for employers to take time to respond to applications, as application documents are often reviewed carefully. Unfortunately, sometimes you might not receive a reply or any feedback at all.
Take your time preparing your application documents and only send them once your application is complete.

Good German language skills are an advantage, especially for applicants from abroad. It is recommended to apply only once you have reached the required language level (B1/B2). Otherwise, your applications might unfortunately be rejected.

A successful application also includes the appropriate job search, a cover letter to the employer, the application process, and the interview. In the last part of our series, we discuss the first steps in working life in Germany once your application process has been successful.

A good curriculum vitae is the key to success

Your curriculum vitae (CV) provides an overview of your personal and professional background and serves as your calling card in the application process.
The curriculum vitae should not be longer than two pages and ought to be divided into meaningful sections. Within each section, list your experience and qualifications in descending order, starting with the most recent event.

At the beginning of your resume, include your full contact details as well as your name, date of birth, place of birth, and address. When applying from abroad, make sure you use the correct country code and provide contact details where you can be easily reached.
A photo is not mandatory, but is still expected by most employers. The photo should be placed at the top of the curriculum vitae or on the cover sheet. Make sure the photo is professional because you want your application photo to leave a welcoming and friendly impression.

In the first section of your curriculum vitae, list your professional experience, starting with your most recent job. If you are just starting your career and do not yet have any real experience, you can list internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer work.
For each section, always list the start and end dates; the month and year are sufficient. Name your employer, your position, and briefly describe your specific tasks in a few bullet points (about three to five bullet points).

In the next section, list your educational background. Stating your most recent or highest professional or educational qualification, is sufficient in this regard. Don’t forget to specify the start and end dates.
In the “Education” section or in a separate section entitled “Further training,” you can list any certificates you have obtained, provided they are relevant to the advertised position. The period, location, and company or training institute should be specified here too. Here you can list your language certificates, although stating the highest qualification for each individual language is sufficient.

In the last section, you can briefly describe your hobbies or interests. However, these are only important if they are relevant to your work. Please mind those hobbies such as traveling, meeting friends, or playing computer games are rather irrelevant for a curriculum vitae. In contrast, information about volunteer work or membership in associations is very welcome.
Soft skills such as teamwork, resilience, or customer focus do not need to be listed in your resume and are better mentioned in your cover letter.

Conclude your resume with the date and your signature. This ensures that your resume is up to date and accurate.

Further tips in brief

• Marital status and religious affiliation are not required in a curriculum vitae – unless the employer supports a particular religious affiliation.
• Do not provide false information and only list references and professional experience that you can verify.
• Your resume should be clearly laid out and appealing – you can find numerous templates online for this purpose. Ensure consistent formatting. The ‘Europass’ template provides a solid basis, but many employers prefer a more individual approach to a curriculum vitae.
• Have your curriculum vitae proofread by a native German speaker.
• If you have gaps in your resume, proactively explain them in your cover letter or during the interview, e.g. if you were traveling or caring for family members.
• A clear structure and good legibility so that the text can be read quickly are important. Thus, avoid playful fonts, color changes, or unnecessary information.

The ZAV will be happy to assist you in compiling your application documents.
For new clients, the ZAV also offers exclusive applicant workshops, in which your curriculum vitae is discussed.

Please feel free to contact the ZAV.