Top 10 Hacks to find a job in Germany | CV - Cover letter - Interview
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I have some helpful tips to help you beat the competition and get ahead of the game in the German job market!
As a European HR consultant, I worked in recruiting for a period of time and during my experience with hiring new employees I managed to gather some really useful tips and tricks to land your dream job in Germany! Plus I was lucky enough to get some valuable insight from other HR professionals from top companies all around Germany.
In this blogpost I will reveal Top 10 best kept secrets of working in Germany and a detailed step-by-step guide to finding a job in Germany. I will cover the most popular job application questions, such as:
Also included in the blog:
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Writing a good CV is winning half the game. So before you rush to apply for work in Germany, you need to make sure that your CV is competitive, up-to-date and communicates your value to the company well! Research shows that your CV can make or break your chances of getting a job in Germany so it’s very important that you invest a proper amount of time to polishing up your CV. It's imperative that you strike a healthy balance: don’t skimp on the important details but don’t turn it into your award-winning autobiographical novel!
Here are the answers to some FAQ’s about CV writing in Germany:
Those are just the very basics of CV writing. If you want your CV to be successful in Germany, it needs to be very high quality.
Luckily for you, I know some CV writing tips for German market!
Check out this useful checklist for German CV requirements:
Use this CV example used to apply for work in a German company showing the precise resume structure in Germany:
Download your FREE Resume Example and Resume Template at the bottom of the page.
I think this goes without saying: details are very important! Germans are very detail-oriented and will notice immediately if you haven’t put enough work into your job application. If you are smart, you will invest time into polishing the key details of your CV because they are what will separate you from other job applicants also looking for a job in Germany.
The best pro tip for a successful CV in Germany: get your photo done professionally!
Example of a professional photo: Example of an unprofessional photo:
Your CV picture should be located on the top of the first page, either on the left or right side. Get a professional CV photo, stay away from old photos or bad quality shots that your friends took – they just won’t do! You might want to invest in a high quality resume photo to help you shine and look your best - a person that German companies would want to employ! Head to your local photo center or try a photo booth.
Some important details in a good resume picture are:
These key details will help you achieve an overall well put-together look and put a confident face to the name on your resume.
Other important details when applying for a job in Germany are:
For practical CV Templates and more tips about the CV format in Germany, check out this article: Thelocal.do/jobs
We all want to look presentable and, most of all, employable to our future boss. While we may spend a lot of time improving our resumes and photos, few of us may think to clean up some social media disasters that may pop up when your employer decides to Google you or look you up on social media. This is a standard procedure to recruiting as it helps the company quickly discard some bad apples that may bring a bad image to the company.
Here is a handy-dandy cheat sheet to help you make a good impression on your German employer:
If you have followed all 3 previous steps - hurray! You are now ready to start looking for a job in Germany! But we have compiled a helpful list of German websites that list job vacancies for English speakers in Germany looking for work that doesn't require German language.
Here are the Top 10 best sources to find work in Germany:
There are many more sources of work in Germany out there! Try googling “work in Germany” or “jobs in Germany” for more results!
Your cover letter should be written with confidence and determination - it's your selling pitch to the employer! Present yourself in the best light possible, focus on your best qualities and skills and skip unnecessary details that don’t help you get the job. This point is key: reveal only the information that is relevant to the job you are applying to, including academic, professional, volunteering and extracurricular activities (like clubs you are a part of or conferences you attended)!
IMPORTANT: German cover letters are formal, they should not be written in a casual style!
Here are the answers to some FAQ’s about cover letters in Germany:
Here is a helpful guide to how to write the best motivational letter for work in Germany:
Top 5 worst mistakes to make in your cover letter:
Here is an example cover letter:
Download your FREE Cover Letter Example and Cover Letter Template at the bottom of the page.
Contacting the employer to submit your job application is a crucial step. You spent a lot of time preparing for this moment: your resume is superb, your cover letter is polished and you are feeling confident! Before you send off your application, it is wise to give it a second look!
What do you need to include in your job application?
5 important things to consider before you send your job application:
Having trouble writing a job application? No worries!
Here is a sample job application text you are welcome to use:
Dear Sir/Madam (name of HR manager),
I am writing to you in regards to the job application for the (position) at your company (company) in (location).You will find my CV and cover letter attached. I have also included some relevant documents for you: (name documents).Please feel free to contact me if you are any questions regarding my application or experience. I would be very happy to provide you with all the necessary additional information and documents.
I look forward to hearing from you in the near future.
Kind regards,
(Your name and last name)
(Address)
(Phone number)
This catchy introduction is sure to save your job application from the trash!
Interviews can be stressful and nerve-wrecking, but if you landed one, you can be sure that your resume and cover letter impressed the company. So there is definitely something to be confident about!
Whether it’s a real live interview or an online interview over skype, there are some key things to remember:
Top 3 things that are crucial for a live interview:
P.S. if you are doing an interview through Skype – remember to look at the camera, not yourself and don't forget to wear pants!
Here are the smart steps to take after completing your job interview:
If you have secured a job – congratulations! But before you jump into working, you need to learn the intricacies of German business communication in order to be able to communicate effectively within the company and build lasting relationships with your boss and collegues. Every culture is different and the German business culture has specific phrases, body language and norms that make their communication unique. Master them and you will avoid many uncomfortable situations!
Here are my Top 10 tips for effective business communication in a German company:
While working in Germany with only English knowledge is possible, it will only get you so far. Most German companies expect their foreign employees to learn German eventually. Research shows that not knowing the local language can drastically limit your work opportunities within the company, such as:
Luckily for you, learning German is not as far-fetched and difficult as it may seem!
coLanguage offers you the amazing opportunity to improve your chances of working permanently in Germany. We will guide you each step of the way during the job application process and help you make the most of our resources in order to boost your attractiveness to your future boss! Best of all - we will customize your German lessons to fit YOUR learning needs and YOUR profession for the best learning results!
Here is what coLanguage is ready to help you with:
coLanguage is a well-established multinational company with offices in Munich, Germany. We have close knowledge of the German work environment and we would love to coach you! We guarantee success in conquering the German labour market through our innovative teaching methods, such as:
Learn how to get noticed and get a raise: Start learning German with coLanguage!
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Micaela is an excellent teacher, prepared and above all organized and awake. My lerning experience has been more than positive!
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Hello!
Are you worried that you can't tackle the big journey of learning Russian or English? I would be really happy to help you and do my best to be your guide on that path!
I have a bachelor's degree with honors in teaching foreign languages and linguistics and I have been working as a tutor for 3 years.
With me it doesn't matter, where you are coming from, what your language level is and why you decided to pick up a language. Be sure that at every lesson I will create a very friendly and supportive a friendly environment with individual materials for your needs.
Your goals will be my goals. If you have any doubts, feel free to book a trial lesson (it's free anyway) and I will be happy to answer to all your questions.
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Katya is a Russian/English teacher who's had experience with beginners in the past. So if you're looking to start learning Russian this is a good option to do so. She has a large variety of learning materials including games and grammar practice and seems to know how to communicate online.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Katsiaryna S.Thank you so much!
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Highly-experienced TEFL certified business English teacher and interview coach specializing in one-to-one tailored classes to your level. With over 7 years of English teaching and coaching experience in leading companies in Spain such as PWC, Deloitte, Telefonica, Vodafone, Ogilvy & Mather as well as the Spanish Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Development.
Level-up your business English or prepare for that interview with customised 60-hour Zoom or Skype sessions.
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Lisa is a very professional and experienced teacher. She can help you with Business English and prepare you for interviews, work meetings and so much more. Highly recommended!!
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I am a 29 year old female, native English speaker from Cape Town, South Africa.
I am a fun, enthusiastic and creative individual who has over 10 years of experience in teaching .I have taught in various parts of the world, South Africa, Thailand, Columbia, Peru, Europe and UK just to name a few. I have taught both children and adults. I am passionate about teaching and find inspiration in witnessing the growth students experience within my online classes.
I feel that my experience as an au-pair, home school teacher as well as home-room teacher at various schools and online has taught me the value of improvising, taking initiative and empowering young individuals to enable each child within my care to feel inspired and to know their own unique and individual strengths. I feel that my training in psychology is truly something that has helped with every individual I have worked with. My biggest commitment as a teacher is to teach children and adults to know their worth and to instill confidence within each individual, so that they are able to realize their potential and feel encouraged to learn more.
I have found myself wishing to broaden my experience in teaching and I am currently in the position where I’m looking for new challenges in the field, and ultimately self-development. I feel that teaching online is the perfect position that will allow me to contribute to the lives of students I teach and something that will bring a great amount of reward in my life as well as that of the individuals I teach.
I am patient and make sure each student understands the concepts before moving forward.My lessons are fun and engaging and allow students opportunity to practice what they have learnt. Zoom or Skype is used and customized lessons can be planned based on the individuals level and needs. I am passionate about educating and ensuring students reach their full potential. I look forward to meeting you soon.
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Sherri is a South African English teacher who is ready to meet your objectives. She has a fun set up with a lot of learning materials especially fun ones for kids! She's had experience with different age groups so she can really adapt to different students.
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What about Fiorina ..... person available, prepared and always sunny ... for those who want to learn German I recommend studying with her.
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I have a degree in English and I have been teaching English for 6 consecutive years.
I find teaching English gratifying and thoroughly enjoyable, and it gives me immense joy to see people I teach improve in their written and spoken English.
My specialties are phonics, grammar, vocabulary, public speaking, conversational English and writing. But I can teach other aspects of English too.
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This teacher had learning materials and experience, however there were a few problems with the connection.
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I’m from France but I’m living in Brazil for 3 years.
I love my job which is to teach french as a professional language for people to use in business, at university or for an immigration project.
I can also prepare you for french certifications ( DELF, DALF, TCF , TEF etc. ).
Please, enter in contact for any questions :)
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Marine is an amazing teacher, she is direct and focused at all times. She has a strong teaching background and it shows. I have been taking lessons for half a year with her and can't recommend her highly enough.
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Hello!
My name is Tahereh and I'm a resident of Spain. I have a degree in Hispanic Philology and I am also accredited in DELE C2. I have a Master's degree in Latin American Studies and I am currently finishing a PhD in Cultural Studies at the University of Santiago de Compostela.
I am an accredited DELE examiner at levels A1 and A2; B1 and B2; C1 and C2 by the Instituto Cervantes. I have taken teacher training courses in ELE (Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language) given by the Instituto Cervantes and other Spanish academic institutions and I hold the title of certified teacher of Spanish as a Foreign Language.
I specialise in EFE (Teaching Spanish for Specific Purposes) and I am a certified teacher by the Instituto Cervantes as well as other Spanish universities.
I have more than 7 years of experience as a Spanish teacher both at university and in language schools.
I use modern learning methodologies based on a previous analysis of my students' needs. I make use of all kinds of interactive, didactic materials with a cultural component, making the class dynamic as well as fun and above all adapted to the interests and needs of the student.
My mother tongue is Persian (Farsi) and I also speak English (B2), Portuguese (A2), Galician (B1) and Arabic (A1).
I invite you to a free 30-minute trial lesson.
I hope to meet you soon and to help you improve your language skills.
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Tahereh is a Spanish teacher who is ready to take you to the next level. She has good quality learning materials, great certifications and lots of experience with all kinds of audiences.
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Always a sheer pleasure to learn from Fiorina: full of positive energy, well prepared, full of resources... and with a smile!
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My interest in learning foreign languages has arisen since I was a young girl. At 13 I made up my mind to attend the foreign language high school where I graduaded with proficiency. After a few years I got my University degree.
I have been teaching for a few years privately via Skype Italian mainly to German adult students. My method is based to consolidate the grammar knowledge if previuosly done or to base it by catching their attention on interesting topics. I provide my students all material needed to plan a valuable lesson and for this reason I have gathered fulfilling reviews on other teaching platforms
About Italian students studying German with me, most of them are interested in deeping topics dealt at school or being prepared to get a certification.
I look forward to hearing from you
Maria Grazia
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Very interesting and useful lessons. Maria Grazia always punctual and precise, we worked very well and she was always very kind
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Hi, I am teaching English and German, all levels. online and at home
I am very experienced
Meet you soon!
German is my native language and English is my passion. I am a Sworn Translator EN<>DED and can also translate your documents. I have a seal and what I translate in this language pair can be presented to all authorities all over the world.
Let's get started!
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Very happy with the first lesson! This teacher has good understanding of what is needed by student, she is nice and friendly, uses time and material effectively.
Uta H.Thank you very much for your excellent rating. See you on Monday :)
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Hi! Welcome to my page! I'm Milton a certified English teacher with experience as an instructor in different fields.
I'm passionate about language learning and as a multilingual speaker I'm aware of the challenges related to learning a second language.
My teaching method is based on the Communicative language teaching approach, which is student centered and focused on the functional aspects of the language. In this approach the student is encouraged to use English since day one, no matter what his level is!
I'm able to help the student to improve his vocabulary, his grammar knowledge and pronunciation.Given my work experience in different fields, I'm confident that I can help the student with business English and preparing fo job interviews as well.
I will use both original and published materials and I will adapt them to the student's level, goals and interests. The lessons will be prepared ahead and I'll give the student some homework to do between the sessions if he wishes.
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Milton is a very friendly teacher. He makes his lesson interesting for his students and helps them learn the language with customized lesson materials.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
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I’m Rebecca, originally from the UK but have been living in Germany for many years. I love making learning fun and have successfully helped my students improve their English in a pleasant atmosphere. I have experience helping my learners prepare for exams, job interviews, presentations etc. Whether business English, general conversational English or to help you prepare for a particular situation, feel free to book a trial lesson and we can discuss your needs and how I can help you! I am CELTA and TESOL qualified and have many years of experience. I’m looking forward to meeting you!
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Great teacher and very nice person. She helped me for my PhD interview, making me feeling confident with english. Highly recommended!
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Hello,
my name is Veronika and I am a student in Florence at the academy of fine arts. I have been in Italy for three years and I really like the Italian language. In school i learned english and during journeys i used to speak a lot of english so i'm also able to teach in english.
I am from Germany so I am a German native speaker. I have already taught German to some of my friends and would love to teach my language to more people as well. At the beginning I would like to do grammar lessons and the most used words to deepen the basic knowledge of the language. Then I will continue to have conversations in German to increase vocabulary and to give confidence in dialogue and in any case in speaking the language in real scenarios. The most important thing by learning a new language is to learn it through hearing and speaking. Being difficult at first to formulate sentences will then become easier and easier and thus you arrive at a fluent and confident way to speak the new language.
For myself I learned Italian three years ago with this method so I also know what it is like to learn a language and I can help you with my teaching to learn German that way.
I can not wait to start!
greetings Veronika
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Veronika is a very good language teacher. She was on time and she gave me helpfull advices to improve my german speaking, during interesting conversations.
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I am a native German speaker and am teaching English and German as foreign languages. I have got a teaching degree and have been teaching English and German for more than two years to all levels and age groups.
I personally prefer to speak in the learning language as much as possible and to focus on all four skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Moreover, I like to cover practical topics that can be used in your everyday life and make classes as diverse and dynamic as possible. Nevertheless, I am always open-minded to suggestions coming from students.
Concerning materials I like to use a course book and in addition worksheets, audios, videos, etc.
In case you have got any further questions, don't hesitate to contact me :)
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Anna is a very well prepared and good teacher. She is a good teacher, dedicated to teach you. Would recommend her for everyone who would like to learn German.
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