The German labour market is one of the strongest in Europe and is characterized by a shortage of labour in several sectors. There is a high demand of labour in certain segments, including the social and healthcare sectors, some skilled trades and IT. 

It is advisable to ascertain the specific entry requirements well in advance, as these may differ depending on your residential status and visa requirements. Depending on the level of qualification, there are different types of visas for taking up work. You can find an overview here: Federal government portal for skilled workers from abroad To the homepage

Start thinking about your career goal before you arrive in Germany and check which entry requirements you may need to fulfil. You can find an initial overview of these requirements at Federal government portal for skilled workers from abroad. It’s perfectly possible that the title, activities and requirements for a particular profession in Germany are completely different from those in the country where you did this job.

Explore the field of work by researching job portals and social media (especially LinkedIn) for employers and job advertisements that may be of interest to you. In this way, you can find out about current topics and trends and get an idea of the tasks and areas of responsibility associated with certain positions. 

If possible, attend (online) events or courses that bring you into contact with relevant stakeholders. This will give you an insight into the desired field of work and will allow you to expand your own network. As experience has shown that many returnees would like to continue working in an international context, the AGdD also regularly offers seminars on this topic. An overview of the job opportunities offered by NGOs in Germany can be found here.

There are a large number of job portals in the field of international cooperation. Overview of job portals.

If you are seeking employment in Germany, it is essential that your qualifications are officially recognised. This is because formal qualifications and certificates are of foremost importance in this context. Should you wish to have your educational and professional qualifications recognised as equivalent in Germany, you are invited to submit them to the relevant recognition office for assessment. Please refer to the official information portal of the German government for the recognition of foreign professional qualifications for details of the applicable recognition requirements and take the necessary steps. The following portal is used to recognise and assess foreign educational qualifications (such as school and university degrees): anabin - The information portal on foreign educational qualifications (in German language). 

Given the frequency with which queries arise regarding the recognition of qualifications, it is advisable to contact an advice centre of the information portal of the German government for the recognition of foreign professional qualifications. 

Should your certificates and qualifications be in a language other than German, it would be advisable to have them translated into German. In certain instances, the relevant authorities may require officially certified copies, which can also be obtained from an overseas source. Please refer to the list of authorised and sworn translators, which can be found here.

The application process in Germany differs from that in other countries in certain respects. Applications should comprise a cover letter of no more than one page, a CV in tabular form and copies of certificates or certificates of recognition (see above). It is not mandatory to provide the names of previous employers as references, unless specifically requested in the job advertisement.

Nevertheless, written job references remain a crucial element in the hiring process. In Germany, the previous employer is typically required to provide a written job reference upon the end of the employment contract. The document outlines your performance and behaviour in a professional setting, as well as your responsibilities and tasks. It would be beneficial to obtain comparable documents from previous employers abroad, if possible. In the event that written job references are not customary in the relevant country, this can be a reference letter confirming the times and activities in question. Should this not be feasible, you may wish to include an explanation in the relevant section of your CV.

Please list any recognised German language courses you have completed on your CV under language skills and include a copy of the certificate with your application. The same applies in the event that you have completed relevant further training.

In accordance with German legislation, applications for employment are no longer required to include a photograph. However, some employers still expect this to be included. Consider the employer's preferences when assessing their company's practice, as it is not standardised. If you include a photograph with your CV, it should be a professional headshot.

Tip: Please use the Europass service to create your CV. This website provides a consistent framework for showcasing your qualifications and skills, along with the option to evaluate digital proficiency in addition to language abilities: Website Europass 

It is often necessary to provide evidence of proficiency in the German language in order to apply for a visa. In any case, language skills are of vital importance in the application phase, at the very least. While many employers use English as their working language, a good knowledge of German is an advantage when looking for a job, and in some sectors and positions, an essential skill. Most jobs require a language level of at least B2 in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. An official table is provided for your convenience to allow you to self-assess your language skills and indicate accordingly: Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)

Additionally, there are sectors where proficiency in English is sufficient, particularly for NGOs with an international presence or companies with a global reach. Nevertheless, the more proficient you are in German, the greater your chances of integrating into everyday working life and achieving your career aspirations in the long term. 

Should your German language skills require further development, you are invited to participate in a language course in your home country or during your job search. There are a number of free or low-cost programmes available, and in some cases, employers will also provide support. You can find a list of German courses here.

It is vital to be aware of your expertise and soft skills  in order to succeed in a job search, whether you have acquired them on the job or in your private life, such as in care work or voluntary work.

Potential employers are interested in understanding how you approach and complete tasks, as well as how you solve problems. Consequently, it is essential to identify the practical experience, qualities and specialist knowledge that are crucial for the role for which you are applying. These should be clearly articulated in your cover letter or during the interview, with specific examples of how you have effectively applied these skills in the past. The employer will see that you are capable of successfully taking on the position based on your past experience and will get to know you and how you work.

It is difficult to showcase one's skills effectively and highlight what sets them apart. This can be achieved, for example, with the ProfilPASS, or in the consultation process with AGdD. 

Demonstrate your skills with confidence and illustrate how your intercultural experience will benefit the German job market.