What to expect when seeking a job in Germany as an expat
Germany stands out as a European country with a surplus of job opportunities compared to its population. However, this labor shortage poses a threat to Germany's economic growth, with approximately 400,000 job positions remaining unfilled each year. Despite this demand for labor, securing employment in Germany as a foreigner residing abroad is not a straightforward endeavor due to various factors. If you are contemplating a move to Germany for work, here are some 5 valuable insights to consider.
1. Assessing Job Prospects in Germany
Germany's labor shortage predominantly affects specific job sectors. If your profession falls within IT, Engineering, Health Care, Elderly Care, or Hospitality, your chances of securing a job are significantly higher. Nevertheless, it's essential to recognize that even with the labor shortage, finding a job in Germany as a foreigner requires effort. Competition for positions remains fierce, especially among international applicants, and employers often uphold stringent skill requirements.
For instance, it's not uncommon to come across job postings seeking engineers proficient in both Mandarin and Japanese. Such specialized demands make it challenging for most candidates to meet the criteria. Moreover, in addition to technical skills, fitting into the team is crucial, and as a foreigner, integrating into a predominantly German-speaking team may require extra effort.
2. The Importance of German Language Skills
The level of German language proficiency required depends on the industry and specific job roles. Companies headquartered outside Germany, such as Google or IBM, tend to be more welcoming to foreigners and often conduct business in English. Start-up companies also tend to have a young, English-speaking staff. The IT sector typically operates in English, given the international nature of technology-related work.
Traditional German companies like BMW or Mercedes may primarily use German, but the language of operation can vary by department. Some departments work on an international scale and may be more English-friendly, while others remain predominantly German-speaking. Positions that involve customer communication or legal expertise, such as Sales, HR, or Accounting, are particularly challenging for non-German speakers.
In summary, IT and Engineering roles often offer English-speaking opportunities, with roughly 25% of job openings in Germany accessible to non-German speakers. Nevertheless, most employers appreciate candidates who demonstrate a willingness to learn German.
Health Care, Elderly Care, and Hospitality roles typically require basic German proficiency, as daily interactions with German clients are common. The language requirements can vary depending on the German state and the extent of customer interaction. For instance, a chef may require basic German skills (B1 or B2), while doctors and nurses will need a higher level of proficiency.
3. Applying for Jobs from Abroad
Applying for jobs in Germany from abroad can be more challenging than applying once you are already in the country. This is true for both foreigners and even Germans applying from outside Germany. Many companies are also hesitant to deal with the additional bureaucratic hurdles associated with hiring foreigners. Negative stories regarding visa processing times can be found online and in the media, but in our experience, office workers, especially in IT or engineering positions, typically receive their visas within 2-4 months. Delays in visa applications are often due to issues with the application process or document preparation, which are avoidable when done right. If you possess the necessary resources, you may want to explore the option of applying for a job-seeker visa. This visa allows you to relocate to Germany for a duration of 6 months and actively search for employment opportunities.
4. Evaluating Salary Expectations
Wages vary significantly depending on the industry and location in Germany. Before embarking on your job search, it's advisable to calculate the income you desire, as it's common in Germany for job seekers to state their preferred wage. The cost of living varies widely depending on the city, with Munich, Frankfurt, Dusseldorf, Berlin, and Stuttgart being among the most expensive.
Companies usually establish a salary range for positions, allowing room for negotiation. You can research salary information on websites like Glassdoor. If you have contacts who are already employed in Germany, it's beneficial to inquire about the potential salary range for specific positions. It's crucial not to undersell yourself to ensure a sustainable standard of living.
For comprehensive insights on this subject, we suggest referring to our article on salaries in Germany.
5. Approach Recruiting Companies
Some of the most renowned job portals include LinkedIn, Stepstone, and Indeed. While numerous smaller recruiting firms exist, it's wise to seek out companies that specialize in your field. Recruiters can assist not only in finding a job but also in providing guidance on aspects like crafting your resume, determining your desired salary, and addressing various questions that foreigners might not be familiar with.
An example of a company specializing in recruiting foreigners is CareerBee. They also offer tailored training for expatriates who may be uncertain about their job application approach in Germany.
Securing a job from abroad demands more perseverance and effort compared to when you are already in Germany. Understanding the essential steps required to land a job in Germany is crucial, as it not only improves your chances but also helps maintain your motivation.
Christine is a co-founder of Jetztpat. She was raised in the so-called Schwabenländle but fell in love with travelling to random places very early in life. After living in Japan and Taiwan for several years, she finally went back home to stay in the German beer capital (where she survives by drinking wine). If she is not watching her favorite Japanese Netflix show aggretsuko, you can find her Googling answers to the real questions in life.