'Companies can afford to be choosy': What you need to know to land a great job in Germany

For many foreigners, Germany represents a land of opportunity – renowned for its robust economy, high quality of life, and clear need for skilled workers. Yet, for those seeking to build a career here, the path can be riddled with bureaucratic hurdles, cultural nuances, and language barriers.

To help demystify the process, The Local spoke with Adithya Srinivasan, founder of Arbeitnow, a popular job platform for internationals, about what it really takes to find a good job in Germany – whether you’re already here or planning your move.

An employer’s market

Srinivasan, who moved to Germany in 2018 as a software engineer, has witnessed first-hand the recent evolution of the country's job market.

“Right now, it’s very much an employer’s market,” he told The Local. “A few years ago, especially during the pandemic, candidates had more leverage. But today, companies can afford to be choosy – they have a queue of applicants and can drop candidates for minor reasons, especially if there are delays with paperwork or visas.”

This shift means that jobseekers need to be especially well-prepared and responsive.

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“If you get a job offer, but your visa appointment is months away, many employers simply won’t wait. They’ll move on to the next candidate who can start sooner,” Srinivasan said.

Common mistakes

Despite Germany’s well-publicised need for skilled workers, many foreigners struggle to secure positions. Srinivasan believes this is sometimes due to misunderstandings about the process and avoidable mistakes in applications.

“One big misconception is around ‘visa sponsorship’,” he said.

Some skilled workers from other parts of the world search for “Germany” and “visa sponsorship” and then stop searching when nothing comes up.

“In Germany, the process is different from the UK or US. Employers don’t have to pay for a special sponsorship programme. If you have a job offer, you apply for your visa at the German consulate in your home country. There’s no need for the employer to jump through extra hoops, but many candidates don’t realise this and get discouraged.”

In Srinivasan’s opinion, the government should do more to promote the absence of visa sponsorship requirements as something which makes it “less of a hurdle to get here.”

“In my experience,” he added, “a lot of companies in Germany are happy to relocate strong candidates, even if they don't actively mention it in job postings.”

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CVs and interviews

Another frequent error is failing to tailor CVs and applications to German expectations.

"Including a photo on your CV is still common here, even though it’s not the norm in many other countries," Srinivasan said. "Some people get better responses with a photo, others without – it’s a bit of a grey area. But the key is to make your CV as close as possible to what German employers expect. There are plenty of examples online, as well as subreddits where people share and critique CVs for the German market.”

"Find what's worked for someone else. There's always going to be someone who is applying for a job right now and will also look at your CV."

The language barrier

The German government is open about the need for skilled foreign workers, without ever quite seeming to acknowledge that very few people in other parts of the world grow up speaking or learning German.

The question of language is perhaps the biggest hurdle for many foreign jobseekers.

"It really depends on the sector and the role," Srinivasan explained. "In tech, for example, you can get by with English in many companies, especially if you’re a strong candidate. But if you’re competing with someone who has similar experience and also speaks German, they’ll usually get the job."

For roles in healthcare, construction, or manufacturing, German is often non-negotiable. "When Germany says it needs skilled workers, it means skilled workers who can also speak German. The government can’t force companies to hire people who don’t speak the language."

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Srinivasan also emphasised the importance of being honest about your skills.

"Don’t list German as a language if you can’t actually speak it. And don’t submit your CV in German if you’re not comfortable with the language. It might get you an interview, but you’ll be on the back foot if the recruiter starts the conversation in German and you can’t keep up."

"Just apply in English if that’s what you’re comfortable with," he added, "and make it clear on your CV.

"If you’re already in Germany, put your local address at the top of your CV to show you’re ready to start quickly. And if you’re learning German, mention your current level but don’t oversell it.”

Navigating German bureaucracy

While Germany’s digitalisation efforts are improving, especially in cities like Berlin, there’s still a long way to go.

"Things don’t change overnight," Srinivasan said, adding that the country still has room for improvement in ensuring faster visa appointments, clearer information and more support for people trying to integrate.

Even after securing a job offer, foreign applicants often find themselves entangled in Germany’s notorious bureaucracy.

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Srinivasan sees a clear need for more availability of appointments at German embassies and consulates around the world. He's also critical of the widespread use of intermediaries which slow the process down still further.

"Imagine you’re offered a work contract in October. The company wants you to start in January but it’s often impossible to get an appointment for a visa that quickly. In most countries, in my experience, embassies don’t deal with candidates directly. You have to apply for an appointment and file your documents with an intermediary..."

"The government could do much more to streamline the process," he added. "For example, if you qualify for a Blue Card, why not handle that at the consulate, rather than requiring another appointment after you arrive?"

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Final words of advice

For those determined to build a career in Germany, Srinivasan’s advice is pragmatic: “Do your research. Tailor your application to the German market. Be honest about your skills and language abilities. And be prepared for some bureaucracy along the way.”

Adithya Srinivasan regularly shares his experiences and advice for jobseekers on his blog, helping others navigate the challenges of moving to and working in Germany. For more resources and tips on finding work in Germany, visit The Local’s job section.