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Landing Your Next Job in Germany: Tips for Job Seekers



Looking for a job in Germany? I’ve been there.

After relocating here, I found myself navigating not just a new country and culture but also the challenge of finding a job in a whole new market. Add apartment hunting, bureaucracy, and learning the language into the mix… and well, it was a lot!


Before Germany, I worked in HR and recruitment at a tech startup, so I’ve been on the other side of the hiring table. But being on the candidate's side in a new country gave me a whole new perspective.

That’s why I wanted to put together this guide: to share what I learned along the way.

Of course, everyone’s job search journey is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all formula. But if this helps even one person, then it’s worth it.



Where to Find Jobs in Germany


One of the first questions you’ll ask yourself is:

Where do I even start looking? 

There are lots of options out there, depending on the kind of role (and company) you’re looking for.


Browse Job Boards

Just like in many other countries, LinkedIn is widely used in Germany, and it is definitely worth keeping your profile updated and active there. That said, there are also several local job portals to check out:


The good news: tech companies and startups tend to be more open to international candidates, and many hire in English. If that’s what you're after, here are some great places to look:



Connect Directly with Companies

Don’t just wait for job ads—be proactive! Do some research on companies that align with your values or industry interests. Here are a few ways to get started:


  • Google lists of startups in your city (see, for example, this website for Berlin)

  • Check which companies recently raised funding (they’re often hiring soon!)

  • Look up company pages on LinkedIn


Follow companies you're interested in and connect with their team members. Many recruiters share open roles on their personal LinkedIn profiles, and being connected helps you see these posts early!


Leverage LinkedIn 

If you haven’t already, make sure your LinkedIn profile is complete and up to date. 

Beyond your profile, LinkedIn is also a powerful networking tool. 

Use it to:

  • ✨Connect with recruiters, hiring managers, or even potential future teammates

  • 👍🏻Engage with their content (like, comment, or share your thoughts)

  • ☕️ Don’t be afraid to ask for a virtual coffee chat. Many people are happy to talk about their career path or give advice.

Worst case? They say no. Best case? You get valuable insights and build a real connection.

If being more active on LinkedIn feels overwhelming, start small:

  • Begin by commenting on posts from people in your industry

  • Once you’re more comfortable, try posting yourself—maybe a short reflection on a project you worked on, your job search journey, or a topic you're passionate about


Join Industry-Specific Groups and Meetups

Find online groups and communities in your field—whether you're in HR, IT, design, or another field, there's a Slack group, Facebook group, or Discord channel out there for you.

  • Ask around! If you connect with someone in your industry, don’t hesitate to ask what communities or groups they recommend.

  • Check out Meetup.com for in-person events in your area.

  • Explore city-specific newsletters, like Handpicked Berlin, or your local startup accelerators for networking opportunities and events.


You never know: your next opportunity might come from a message, a comment, or a conversation over coffee.


Application Documents 

There’s tons of advice out there on CVs, cover letters, and LinkedIn profiles—so let’s keep this short and practical.


LinkedIn: Your Digital CV

Make sure your LinkedIn profile is complete and working for you. Here are a few quick tips:

  • Headline: Use a job title that matches your goals—and it doesn’t have to be your current role. 

  • Bio / About section: Share what kind of roles you're looking for, the value you bring, and a bit of your personality.

  • Experience: Go beyond job titles—what were your main responsibilities? Any accomplishments or numbers you can highlight?


🌟Tip: Recruiters often use keywords to search for potential candidates on LinkedIn. To boost your chances of showing up, sprinkle relevant terms throughout your profile — in your headline, bio, and experience sections. Not sure which ones to use?

Take a look at job descriptions for your ideal roles and borrow some of the key phrases they use.


CV: Keep It Focused & Clear

Your CV should be tailored to each job. Think of it as your personal sales pitch—here’s what matters most:

  • Make it immediately clear why you’re a great match.

  • Leave out what’s irrelevant—space is limited!

  • Focus on achievements, not just tasks. Ideally, use numbers. For example, instead of "Managed social media accounts”, try “Increased Instagram engagement by 40% in six months”.


Cover letter - Yes or No?

Not all companies require cover letters, but they can be a great tool, especially when:

  • You’re genuinely excited about the company or role

  • You want to explain something your CV doesn’t fully cover (a career change, relocation, personal motivation, etc.)

Keep it short, specific, and personal. No need to repeat your whole CV, rather use this space to explain why this role and why you.


Get a Second Opinion

It’s always worth having someone else review your application documents:

  • Ask a friend, a mentor, or a job coach (especially someone familiar with the local job market).

🌟The BBA Community can also be a great place to get peer feedback and support!

  • Use AI tools to make your writing clearer and more concise (Just don’t copy-paste an entire AI-generated cover letter—believe me, recruiters will notice!)



Interviews - What to Expect?

Every company runs things a bit differently, but here are the most common stages you might come across:

  • HR / Recruiter Screen

    Usually, it's a short introductory call where they want to understand your general fit, motivation, availability, and salary expectations. Use this chance to ask about the company, the culture, and what the full interview process looks like.

  • Hiring Manager Interview

    This round typically dives deeper into your skills and experience. You might also get some situation-based, behavioral, or technical questions here. Some companies may replace this with a case study, where you’ll be asked to prepare and present a task ahead of time. This helps evaluate your role-specific skills and how you approach real-world challenges.

  • Team Interview

    This could be a panel format or casual meetings with future teammates. The goal is to assess how you’d fit into the team dynamics. For more senior roles, you may also meet higher-level managers or department heads—think “your boss’s boss.”

  • Cultural Fit Interview

    Some companies include a separate round focused on values and working style. Others assess cultural fit throughout the process.


Watch Out for Illegal or Inappropriate Questions

In Germany, interviewers should not ask about topics like your age, nationality, religion, family planning, or marital status. If it feels too personal or unrelated to the job, it probably is!


Let’s Talk Salary

Before the interview, do some homework:

  • Check platforms like Kununu and Glassdoor to understand salary benchmarks for the role.

  • If the recruiter brings up salary expectations, you can give a range instead of a fixed number. That way, you leave room for negotiation.

  • If you’re unsure, ask whether the role has a set budget. It’s completely okay to bring this up early on!


What Else?


Track Your Applications 

Let’s face it—sometimes looking for a job already feels like a full-time job.

Staying organized can really ease the mental load. Use a tool like Notion, Teal, or even a simple spreadsheet to keep track of:

  • Which roles you applied for

  • The date you applied

  • What stage you’re at in the process

  • When to expect a reply or follow-up


Having an overview helps you stay organized and gives you a sense of progress, especially on days when things feel a bit slow. You can also use your spreadsheet to keep track of interesting companies you'd like to work for, even if they’re not hiring just yet. 


Find an Accountability Buddy (or Coach!)

Job searching can feel lonely. If you have a friend who’s also looking, make it a weekly check-in—share wins, ask questions, or just vent a little.

If you prefer more structured support, consider working with a job search coach.


🌟Tip: If you're registered as a job seeker with the Agentur für Arbeit, you can ask about the AVGS voucher, which might cover job coaching costs.


Protect Your Mental Health

Job searching—especially in a new country—is no small feat. From writing applications to staying hopeful through rejections, it can feel like a lot. That’s why it’s so important to build in rest and celebrate the small wins along the way.

Treat your job search like a job:

  • Keep learning what works for you 

  • Set boundaries

  • Take real breaks

  • Give yourself grace

  • Don’t be afraid to ask for help


Wishing you all the best in finding a role (and a team!) where you can truly thrive here in Germany!



About the author

Eeva is an HR professional with over 5 years of experience in global HR and talent acquisition within the tech industry. She has worked and lived in various international environments, including Finland, Spain, Chile, Brazil, and Germany.

Get to know more about Eeva here.

 





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