9 Things to know while looking for Work in Germany

There are not enough qualified professionals in Germany. The 'Make it in Germany' portal offers interested people from abroad information on life, work, and job offers.

Workers with the necessary skills are brought in from all over the world to support Germany's economy. Are you looking for a new job? How about one in Germany? Then the online resource provided by the German federal government titled "Make It In Germany" is the place to direct your inquiries. Every year, tens of millions of people from more than two hundred different nations use it to learn more about the immigration policies and job opportunities available in Germany.

Who is the slogan "Make it in Germany" directed toward?

I am interested in making Germany my place of employment and establishing a career there; however, I am not sure how to enter the country or look for work there. Make it in Germany is an internet platform that is available in multiple languages and serves as the entry point for qualified professionals, academics, start-up founders, and prospective students from other countries.

It combines a wealth of information and services both for individuals who want to study or work in Germany and for businesses that are interested in employing internationally qualified professionals. This information and these services can be found on the website.

The portal assists people who are interested in finding work in Germany through a series of five steps, beginning with the search for a job and continuing through the formalities of obtaining a visa, then moving to Germany, establishing themselves there, and finally relocating their families from their previous location.

What kinds of information might I look for there?

The portal provides a wealth of information on a variety of topics, including visa formalities, the recognition of professional qualifications, the labor market, applying for jobs, employment contracts, business etiquette, beginning a business, the dual training system, studying and research, language classes, and integration.

In addition, it provides advice and addresses on living in Germany on a day-to-day basis, such as how to register with the authorities, where to look for a kindergarten, and how to rent an apartment.

Who has a chance to get a job in Germany?

You are able to make an initial evaluation of your chances by using the quick check that is located on the home page. You will be questioned regarding your background, certificates, and qualifications using this online application. In the subsequent step, you will have the opportunity to learn the requirements that must be satisfied in order to obtain a residence and work permit in Germany, as well as the locations where you can obtain additional guidance.

Which fields are looking for qualified professionals to fill open positions?

Germany's status as a major manufacturing center ensures that the country will never be short of demand for engineers of all stripes, as well as information technology professionals and scientists of all stripes. Along with the increase in the proportion of elderly people in the population comes a corresponding increase in the need for medical professionals and nursing personnel. Because of this, immigrants who have degrees in fields related to medicine and the helping professions also have very good chances of finding work in their field.

9 Things to Know When looking for work in Germany

Germany has long been regarded as an alluring location for people in search of employment because it is regarded as having one of the strongest economies in Europe and is ranked among the top five economies in the entire world. The sixteen federal states that make up Germany each have their own unique industries, which range from more traditional ones like manufacturing and engineering to more cutting-edge ones like technology that push the limits of what's possible.

Due to the country's widespread appeal, the labor market in Germany features a particularly cutthroat level of competition. It all comes down to your approach and how well you understand the professional workings of Germany when it comes to figuring out how to find a job in Germany. These range from familiarity with the Germans' internal work culture to familiarity with the requirements necessary to apply for and obtain employment to familiarity with the pathways down which to proceed. In the course of this guide, we will do our best to provide answers to these questions and others like them, with the goal of making it easier for you to find work in the largest country in central Europe.

1). What are the requirements to work in Germany?

In order to start a new working life in Germany, you will first need to ensure that you are in compliance with all of the requirements that are necessary to work legally in the country. Obtaining the appropriate work permit, enrolling in a health insurance plan, and communicating with the Foreigners Authority are some of these requirements.

The first thing you are going to need to make sure you have is a visa to enter Germany with. There are two distinct categories of work visas that can be obtained in Germany: the Employment Visa and the Job-Seeker Visa. Which position you apply for will be determined entirely by whether or not you already have a job offer in hand. If you already have a job offer from a company that is based in Germany and you intend to get a work and residence permit in Germany, then you will be eligible to receive the Employment Visa.

You will need to submit an application for the Job-Seeker Visa in order to go job hunting in Germany if you do not already have an offer of employment from a German business. The validity period of the Job-Seeker Visa is for six months. During this six-month period, you will be required to make a concerted effort to find employment, and once you have established yourself in a position of employment, you will be able to submit an application for a work and residence permit.

Those who are not citizens of a member state of the European Union may be eligible for a document known as a Blue Card, or Blaue Karte in German. The Blue Card can be issued in place of a traditional work permit, but it is only obtainable under certain conditions. This was done with the intention of bringing highly educated and economically beneficial professionals into the country, and it is only possible to obtain the Blue Card under certain circumstances.

The first requirement is that you must hold a higher education degree from either a university located in Germany or from a university located in another country that is acknowledged in Germany. The second requirement is that you must have a work contract that proves you have been offered a job by a German company. This work contract must be submitted along with your application for a Blue Card.

Thirdly, the salary you receive from this job needs to be 1.5 times the average salary for all jobs in Germany. This is the minimum requirement. Given this information, the base salary you need to earn before taxes in order to be eligible for the Blue Card in 2022 is at least €56,400. If, on the other hand, you work in an industry that is experiencing a shortage of professionals due to a lack of workers, such as the fields of science, medicine, engineering, or information technology, you may be eligible if your pretax income is at least €44,304.

You are going to be required to find a way to pay for your own health insurance if you are going to be working in Germany. You will be able to become eligible for the mandatory health insurance in Germany once you have obtained your work permit; however, in order to acquire your work permit in the first place, you will be required to have insurance. The most effective strategy for satisfying this prerequisite is to choose a private health insurance plan during the application process.

2). Is it not difficult to find work in Germany?

Finding work in Germany is not as challenging as it may be in other countries around the world due to the vast number of professional opportunities and roles that are available all over the country. Given that this is the case, the potential employee's level of readiness and their willingness to take the necessary steps that will put them in good stead will determine the ease with which they can find a job. Among these are having a working knowledge of German as well as a personal understanding of German culture, brushing up on your German language skills, and being prepared for an interview.

Even though the question "is it easy to get a job in Germany?" can be answered quickly and easily in passing, the reality is that the answer depends entirely on the kind of work and industry in which the individual wishes to find employment. There is a huge variety of different industries in Germany, some of which are more competitive than others. Germany has much lower rates of unemployment compared to many other European countries, and the country has not been significantly impacted by a shortage of skilled workers. Having said that, there is a high demand for skill sets in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, along with a demand for employees working in health-related fields across a significant portion of southern and eastern Germany.

3). Should I write my curriculum vitae (CV) in German?

Your curriculum vitae (CV) or resume will be reviewed by a German-speaking employer, despite the fact that you are not a German employee and do not speak German. This is to be expected. Considering this, you will need to make sure that your application is written in German in order to be considered. In many cases, such as when you are applying for an international position, an English-speaking role, or a position in the world of technology and digital departments, there are certain expectations regarding this rule.

If you want to increase your chances of getting hired for a job in Germany, it would be to your advantage to write your curriculum vitae (CV) and resume in German. You could make use of a free translation tool; however, it is strongly recommended that you look for a company that offers English to German translation services and employs certified native translators who are registered in Justiz Uebersetzer, Germany's official interpreter and translator database. Your chances of getting hired for the position that you are applying for will be significantly increased if your resume is written in German.

It is imperative that you adhere to the structure of a German CV or resume, regardless of whether your application is submitted with a CV written in German or in English. In contrast to many western countries, including the United States, curriculum vitae (CV) and resumes are two entirely distinct documents. In Germany, a curriculum vitae (CV) or resume is considered to be an interactable name and should be handled accordingly. You should limit your resume or curriculum vitae to no more than two pages and include succinct information about yourself, your education, your qualifications, and your experience.

4). I don't speak German, but I'd like to work in Germany. Is that possible?

It is possible to find work in Germany even if you do not speak the language, but your chances of success will vary greatly depending on the industry in which you seek employment. If you are joining a role with a digital department, tech company, or start-up, then you have a much better chance of finding success without having to learn the local German language. The chances of finding success increase dramatically. The majority of large German businesses will have a digital department, and it is in these fields that you will have the best chance of finding work even if you are unable to speak German.

On the other hand, if you are looking for work in a more specialized field, such as human resources, medical professions, accounting, or any other profession that requires you to deal with German laws, legislation, and technical language, it may be difficult for you to find employment.

Even though many people in Germany can speak more than one language, especially those living in the country's larger cities, it is still beneficial to have a fundamental understanding of German if you plan on working in virtually any field. Even a basic understanding of German is sufficient to open doors to more entry-level employment opportunities, such as working as a waiter, in the kitchen, or behind the bar. If you are interested in working in the field of German business, you will need to have a level of German language proficiency equivalent to B2 in order to be able to function effectively in such an environment.

5). How many hours does a typical work week in Germany consist of?

In much the same way as in other parts of the world, the length of the working week in Germany will vary depending on whether you are a student, work part-time, or full-time. Between 36 and 40 hours is what a full-time worker in Germany can expect to put in during a typical workweek. The work week consists of five days, each of which is comprised of either a seven or an eight hour shift. According to the laws, the maximum allowable number of working hours is eight hours per day, or 48 hours per week, averaged out over a period of six months. The majority of jobs allot a rest period of thirty minutes during lunchtime, which can be broken up into two breaks. However, workers who put in more than nine hours per day are legally entitled to a lunch break of forty-five minutes.

There must be at least 11 hours of rest between the working days, beginning at the end of one working day and continuing on with the next. In a manner analogous to that of the standard minimum wage, certain businesses and employers will implement a longer work week. However, this is counterbalanced by higher wages or a significantly increased number of annual leave holidays. In most cases, it is against the rules to put in any hours of work on Sundays or public holidays; however, this is not always the case. There are some fields, such as the service industry, which may require workers on Sundays and holidays; however, employers typically make up for this by providing additional vacation time in the subsequent six to eight weeks.

6). What is the work culture in Germany?

The German work ethic is one of the main cultural exports from Germany that much of the world still expects. Germany's work culture is well-known in many industries, and it is no surprise that this has given the country an advantage when it comes to business and company success.

Productivity is one of the most important pillars of German work culture. Despite the fact that the fewer German work hours are more in line with liberal and modern approaches, far more work is accomplished during those hours. The German work culture's emphasis on efficiency and productivity has resulted in the German national economy becoming one of the world's largest.

A growing balance exists between this hardworking occupational-based way of life and striking a more modern work-life balance. There are certain points of etiquette in the workplace that, while not unique to German work culture, are definitely a strong component of it.

The strong hierarchical setup is one of the most important aspects of German work culture. This well-defined and respected hierarchy is essential in German business. There are clearly defined roles and responsibilities that produce results when they are carried out in close coordination. Other aspects of German work culture revolve around people's manners and social interactions, particularly when they are first introduced to each other. If you're greeting someone in German, make sure to use the formal version of 'you' (Sie) unless you're invited to use the informal 'Du'.

These social interactions and etiquettes also influence how German employees interact with one another. In Germany, the way of speaking and communicating is extremely direct, which can be perceived as brash by more English-speaking cultures. Another reason for the efficacy of a German workforce is its direct, no-frills style of communication.

7). What is the German minimum wage?

The German minimum wage will be increased from 9.82 Euros per hour to 10.45 Euros per hour beginning in July 2022. Any contract or work agreement that falls below this threshold may become null and void. Having said that, many industries and sectors in Germany have their own set minimum wage based on a collective agreement within that industry.

According to the German Minimum Wage Act, employees may file a claim for the difference between the minimum wage and the wage they are paid. Companies that do not comply with the laws may be fined up to €500,000 under the same act. The legal minimum wage applies to people over the age of 18, but interns may also be eligible under certain conditions. The German government reviews the minimum wage twice a year in accordance with German labor laws. It is therefore critical to stay current on new minimum wage legislation.

8). Freelance in Germany?

Freelancing in Germany is possible, but you must apply through the right channels and have the right visa and paperwork. First, get a visa for Germany. Freelance Entry Visa is the first.

Freelance Entry Visas, also called National D Visas, must be applied for at the German Embassy in your home country. This visa is only valid for a few months, but it shows German immigration that you're working there. Once in, exchange your Freelance Entry Visa for a Freelancer Residence Permit. The Freelancer Residence Permit allows freelancers to work in Germany long-term. To apply for a Freelancer Residence Permit, visit Germany's Ausländerbehörde. You won't need an entry visa once you have a residence permit.

There are two Freelancer Residence Permits: the Freiberufler and the Selbständiger. Those whose work will benefit Germany or promote culture can get a freelancer visa. You must be the company founder, sole proprietor, or legal representative to qualify for a self-employment visa.

Along with job descriptions, you need certain criteria for a Freelancer Residence Permit. First, your profession must be in demand where you settle. You must also show that clients are willing to hire you – this doesn't need to be a binding contract, just a letter of interest.

You must also prove legal residency in Germany by finding housing and registering your address at the Bürgeramt, the local city office. You must have a pension plan if you're over 45 and a freelancer in Germany. You must arrange and register your tax information before trading, just like in most countries. To do so, register at Germany's Finanzamt. Here, you'll declare your freelance work and get a Steuer Nummer.

9). What websites should I use to find a job in Germany?

Germany's job search can be done online, streamlining the process. Numerous websites help Germans and ex-pats find jobs in the country. These sites are divided by type of work. You can find general work in Germany, internships, graduate jobs, or start-up jobs. Let's look at Germany's top job-searching websites.

- General Work Websites

StepStone is one of several long-established job-finding companies in Germany with great websites. Stepstone, founded in the mid-1990s, lets you search for German jobs. Your search can include German cities. This site is popular among German job seekers and includes most professions.

Other well-known international job-seeking sites are also good for finding work in Germany, if only on their German site. Monster and Indeed are examples. These two US-based job-seeking websites have Germany-based sites to help you find German jobs.

- Websites for Students, Graduates, and Interns

If you're looking for student or graduate jobs or an internship, use a website designed for this. Students, graduates, and young professionals created Absolventa. The site will take you directly to these jobs and filter out roles that don't apply. Creating an Absolventa profile helps companies find you internships and jobs.

JobTeaser is another internship-searching website. JobTeaser, a French company, has a database of German jobs. Use university portals if you're a German student looking for work. Numerous German universities have a free job portal where local companies can post jobs directly to students.

- Websites for Startup Jobs

In a boom for startups, you may want to join one. Go straight to the source and filter out other employees to find such roles. There are German websites for start-up jobs. Gruenderszene is a popular site for startup jobs. Angel and Arbeitnow are startup-job-specific websites.

- Websites for English-Speaking Jobs

Englisjobs.de helps people looking for English-speaking jobs in Germany. Here, you can search for English-speaking jobs in all 16 German states. With English-language job posts aimed at a foreign English-speaking workforce, you can bypass German-language job posts.

Official Related Links You Need

You have the best Guide on Immigration, Education, and Employment details for you to Get more out of what you need to know, and it is all free of charge: 

Get More Guide - https://bit.ly/ABROAD-IMMIGRATION-CENTER

Immigration - https://bit.ly/IMMIGRATION-CENTER

Education - https://bit.ly/EDUCATION-CENTER

Employment - https://bit.ly/EMPLOYMENT-CENTER

US Immigration - https://bit.ly/US-IMMIGRATION

Conclusion

As we have seen, going to Germany in search of work is a very good choice to make. Germany is a country that has a robust work ethic, a varied work culture, and a system that is set up to make the change a permanent one. All of these factors have contributed to the country's booming economy. It might look like a complex web of red tape is waiting for you, but as soon as you figure out the appropriate paths to take and where your specific situation fits into the larger scheme of things, everything will become abundantly clear. All of these factors combine to make the process of finding a job in Germany a well-oiled machine, allowing you to begin an entirely new working life in the center of Europe.