💼 How to find a job in Germany

📋 Before you start

1. Know your salary

Check:

• Typical salaries for your role
• How much tax you will pay

This helps you negotiate better.

2. Check your right to work

You might need:

• A National Visa
• A residence permit

If you change jobs, you might need approval again. Processing can take months.

3. Language

You don't need German, but it helps a lot.

Most jobs prefer German speakers.

English jobs are mainly in:

• Tech and startups
• Delivery services
• Customer service
• Restaurants and cafés
• International companies

Teaching English is difficult and usually poorly paid.

🔍 Step 1: Look for jobs

Best general websites

• Indeed
• LinkedIn
• Berlin Startup Jobs
• ArbeitNow
• HeyJobs
• Agentur für Arbeit

English-speaking jobs

• Berlin Startup Jobs
• Englishjobs.de
• Germany Startup Jobs
• Facebook groups for English jobs

Tech jobs

• GermanTechJobs
• Berlin Startup Jobs
• Wellfound

Internships & temporary jobs

• Zenjob
• Adecco
• Randstad
• Agentur für Arbeit

Restaurant jobs

• Berlin Food Stories
• Huntler

Tip: Set job alerts so you don't miss new postings.

✍️ Step 2: Apply properly

Your CV

German CVs are different:

• Usually longer
• Often include date of birth and nationality
• Often include a professional photo

Keep it clear and structured.

Cover letter (Anschreiben)

Include a short cover letter.

Explain:

• Who you are
• Why you want the job
• Why you are a good fit

Do not send the same letter everywhere. Keep it short and tailored.

🤝 Step 3: The interview process

German hiring processes can take weeks or months.

1. Phone screen

Short call with recruiter. Basic questions about your background and motivation.

2. Technical interview (mostly tech roles)

Coding challenge or technical questions.

3. Team interview

You meet the team. Cultural fit matters.

🎉 Step 4: The job offer

Negotiate

After receiving the offer, you can negotiate:

• Salary
• Relocation bonus
• Vacation days

Read the contract carefully

Check that everything promised is written in the contract. Only sign if you agree with all terms.

📜 Step 5: Residence permit

If you are not from the EU, EEA or Switzerland:

• You need a residence permit
• You might need approval to change jobs
• Sometimes you must wait before starting

This can take weeks or months.

🚀 Step 6: Start working

Your employer needs:

• Bank account
• Tax ID
• Health insurance number
• Social insurance number

You can usually start working even if some documents are still pending.

📌 Important things to know

• You are usually paid once per month
• Your first salary comes after 30 to 45 days
• Taxes and social contributions are deducted automatically

Probation period

The first 6 months are usually probation (Probezeit). During this time:

• It's easier for the company to terminate you
• Landlords may see you as less stable

Your rights

You get:

• Paid vacation days
• Paid sick leave
• Paid public holidays

📊 Step 7: Make a tax declaration

You can deduct many job-related costs:

• Moving costs
• Resume photos
• Coaching
• Travel to interviews
• Printing and translation costs

If you started working mid-year, you probably paid too much tax. A tax declaration can get you money back.

✅ Summary

To find a job in Germany:

1. Check your work permission
2. Search on the right platforms
3. Prepare a proper German-style application
4. Go through interviews
5. Negotiate and sign
6. Sort out residence permit if needed
7. Start working and file your taxes

It takes time, but with preparation and persistence, it's manageable.