Have you completed vocational training, a university degree or obtained a school-leaving certificate in your home country? If so, you need to have these certificates/documents translated and authenticated. Authenticated means that an official body checks that your documents are genuine. It’s best if this is done by an authority in your home country. Your qualification may not be valid in Germany. You can check this in your home country (recognition of foreign qualifications). For more information, go to the “Recognition in Germany” website. You can also take a look at our infographics.

Most job listings are advertised online. Popular job platforms include

You can usually receive new listings from online job portals via e-mail. Sometimes, you can also submit applications through the job portal. On platforms like Xing and LinkedIn, you create a profile that includes your CV. Employers can then see your CV. These platforms also enable you to connect with people who may be able to help you professionally. Job vacancies are sometimes posted on company profiles.

You can also contact companies directly. Company websites sometimes advertise job vacancies. Search for “Karriere” (careers) or “Stellenangebote” (vacancies). You can’t find anything? Another option is to submit an unsolicited application to a company. Not all job vacancies are advertised.

If you are searching for a job from your home country, you can contact the International Placement Services (ZAV). The ZAV helps skilled professionals abroad find work in Germany.

If you’re already in Germany, contact the Vocational Information Centre (BiZ) at the Federal Employment Agency. Here, you can access job advertisements and lots of information about careers and work. You can also create an online profile. A work placement with a company can also be useful. It enables you to gain practical experience and make contacts.

But there are also other options. You can find job adverts in newspapers or through the employment agency. Advertisements in newspapers are usually for local jobs.

In your home country, contact the International Placement Services (ZAV).

In Germany, there are lots of counselling centres for migrants. These services help you look for jobs and write applications (see Counselling services in Germany). The Youth Migration Services provides specialised support for young people up to the age of 27. Many towns and regions also have Welcome Centres, which offer guidance to German and foreign skilled workers but also to companies. At these centres, you can access local information, assistance with job searches and help with the recognition of foreign qualifications.

You don’t yet know what kind of work you can or want to do? The BiZ (Vocational Information Centre within the employment agency) offers a careers advice service. Some cities and regions also have youth employment agencies. They help young people make career choices. Many important advice centres in the different federal states are listed on the “Make it in Germany” website or on the “Important addresses” page.

Your application is the first step into the employment market. Your application documents are very important. You need a cover letter (a letter to the company), a CV (a photo is optional) and your certificates (in German). The Vocational Information Centre (BIZ) offers workshops on applying for jobs in Germany. You learn how to write an application and prepare for an interview. A growing number of employers want to receive applications in digital form, for example by e-mail or through an online job portal.

Find out in advance what the requirements are.