Germany has chronic skills shortages in IT, engineering, and healthcare — internationally qualified candidates are genuinely in demand. The challenge is knowing how the German application process works.
Where to Look
LinkedIn dominates professional roles. Indeed.de and StepStone.de cover all levels. Make.it-in-germany.com is the government’s portal for international skilled workers — job listings, visa info, and recognition guidance in one place. For tech startups, check EU-Startups.com and Berlin-based job boards.
German Application Documents
German employers want a Lebenslauf (CV), Anschreiben (cover letter), and your degree certificate with translation. The German CV traditionally includes a professional photo, date of birth, and nationality — standard here though unusual by UK/US norms. Keep it to one page. Cover letters must be specific and formal — generic templates get spotted immediately.
Interview Culture
German interviews are formal and structured. Be on time (5 minutes early is fine; 5 minutes late is noticed). Germans value directness — answer questions concisely and specifically. Do not oversell. Follow up with a thank-you email within 24 hours.
The EU Blue Card
With a relevant university degree and a job offer above €45,300/year gross (€41,041 for shortage occupations like IT/engineering in 2025), you qualify for the EU Blue Card. It grants residence and work rights, and after 21–33 months leads to permanent residence eligibility. Your employer typically helps process it at the Ausländerbehörde.
