Expats.de Icon
Expats.de
How to Find a Job in Germany (2026 Expat Guide)
Moving to Germany

How to Find a Job in Germany (2026 Expat Guide)

Oliver Frankfurth
Oliver Frankfurth
March 2026
4 min

11 Years Experience

Guiding expats since 2014.

Licensed Expertise

§34d certified broker.

200K+ Community

Verified by thousands.

Expert Verified

Fact-checked.

Quick Summary

Germany has a massive shortage of skilled workers, particularly in IT, engineering, and healthcare. However, the German hiring process is highly formalized. Submitting an American-style resume or ignoring the "Anschreiben" (Cover Letter) is a fast track to rejection. This guide explains how to format your application for a German HR department and what to expect during the interview stages.

Jump to Section↓

1. The German Application Portfolio (Bewerbungsmappe)

In Germany, you rarely just "upload a resume." You submit a complete application portfolio (Bewerbungsmappe). Even if it is submitted digitally as a single PDF, German HR managers expect it to contain specific documents in a specific order.

Your Application PDF should include:

  • Anschreiben (Cover Letter)
    Source: Yourself
    medium
  • Lebenslauf (CV)
    Source: Yourself
    medium
  • Arbeitszeugnisse (References)
    Source: Previous Employers
    hard
  • Degree Certificates (Diplomas)
    Source: University
    easy
  • Language Certificates (e.g. TestDaF)
    Source: Goethe Institute etc.
    easy

The German CV (Lebenslauf)

The German Lebenslauf differs significantly from a US/UK resume.

  • A Photo is Standard: While illegal to demand, a professional headshot (Bewerbungsfoto) in the top right corner is still the cultural norm. Do not use a selfie.
  • Personal Details: It is common to include your date and place of birth, nationality, and marital status.
  • Signature: A traditional German CV is signed and dated at the very bottom to legally swear the information is true.

The Arbeitszeugnis (Reference Letter)

In Germany, previous employers do not usually get called on the phone for references. Instead, when you leave a job, you receive an Arbeitszeugnis—a highly formalized, coded reference letter. You must attach your past Arbeitszeugnisse to your new job applications. If you worked outside Germany, ask your old boss for a written "Letter of Recommendation."

2. Where to look for English-speaking jobs

If you don't speak B2-level German, your best chances are in international hubs like Berlin, Munich, or Frankfurt, particularly in the tech and startup sectors.

  • LinkedIn & Xing: Xing is the German equivalent of LinkedIn. Create a profile on both.
  • StepStone & Indeed: The biggest general job boards in Germany.
  • English-focused boards: EnglishJobs.de, The Local DE, and specialized tech boards like Honeypot.io.

3. The Recruitment Process Step-by-Step

Once you submit your Bewerbungsmappe, the process is thorough and often slow.

1. The Screening (1-3 weeks)

required

HR will review your documents. If you meet the criteria, you will be invited to a brief screening call (often via phone or Zoom).

2. The First Interview (Fachgespräch)

required

A deeper dive into your skills with the hiring manager. In Germany, this is usually very formal and focused on hard skills rather than "culture fit" questions.

3. The Assessment / Case Study

optional

Common in tech, marketing, and consulting. You will be given a take-home task to complete within 48 hours to prove your practical abilities.

4. The Final Interview & Offer

required

A meeting with senior management or the team. Once they make a verbal offer, they will send a written contract (Arbeitsvertrag). Read it carefully regarding probation periods (Probezeit) and notice periods (Kündigungsfrist).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Oliver Frankfurth

About Oliver

Founder of expats.de, former cooperative bank advisor (Bankfachwirt IHK) with 12 years of banking experience, and a §34d licensed insurance broker. Since 2014, Oliver has helped over 10,000 expats navigate the German financial system. Read Oliver's full story →

11 Years Market Leadership34d Licensed

Educational Notice & General Advice

This content is educational and reflects analysis based on our 11 years of market experience, our 200,000+ community insights, and current regulatory knowledge.

As a 34d-licensed insurance broker and experienced financial advisor, I provide this guidance in good faith. However, for personalized advice especially regarding insurance, mortgages, or tax-specific decisions—please consult with a qualified financial advisor or tax professional in your specific situation. Past expat experiences and historical market data do not guarantee identical results for your unique circumstances.