Job Application in GermanyNovember 2016

ZAV - International Placement Services

Index

▬ Expectations of German employers to a good application

▬ Applying for a position: covering letter and CV

▬ Job interview

What do German employers expect from you?

▬ German language skills (level depending on position)

▬ English language skills

▬ Job experience and up to date knowledge

▬ Motivation to work in Germany

▬ Intercultural awareness

▬ Availability via phone, e-mail, Skype

Application in Germany

▬ What exactly would I like to do?

▬ Why do I want to live and work in Germany?

▬ Do I have a personal network in Germany? Do I have

experience with Germany / German people?

▬ Am I qualified enough / overqualified for the job?

▬ What are the requirements / must-haves of the position?

▬ Qualifications that I possess

▬ Qualifications that I do not possess

▬ What additional skills do I have to offer?

Preliminary considerations for your application:

▬ Cover letter

▬ CV (tabular form, anti-chronologic, photo)

▬ Annexes (on demand):

• University diplomas, professional training, copies of school

• If existing copies of work references

• Application via e-mail should not exceed 2 MB

Contents of an application

▬ Make any effort to create a convincing application!

▬ Be short and precise. Cover letter: 1 page, CV: 1-3 pages

▬ Target towards the employer and the position

▬ Some mistakes in grammar and spelling are accepted by

non-native speakers but let it be double-checked by an

expert of EURES Germany / ZAV

Your application – your business card!

▬ In Germany it is common to apply with a photo

▬ Professional, current photo – clothing depending on position

▬ Look friendly, showing a professional attitude

▬ Either colour photo or black and white

▬ Good contrast between face and background

▬ Recommendation: if possible go to a professional photographer

▬ No selfies or photos made during leisure time

Your photo – the first impression of you!

Photo

Leisure time photo Professional photo

Cover letter

▬ Address to individual contact person if named in the job

offer

▬ Explain what makes you best for the position

▬ Describe your interest in the company

▬ Conclusion words: request action to stay in touch

▬ Closing (Mit freundlichen Grüßen /Yours sincerely)

▬ Signature

▬ Your full name (typed)

▬ Enclosures

Cover letter: format example

https://europass.cedefop.europa.eu/editors/en/cl/compose

Example online:

Search for „europass + cl“

Curriculum Vitae – contents

▬ Name / address / date of birth/ nationality

▬ Work experience

▬ Practical training / internships

▬ Training / university

▬ Others (e.g. military service, voluntary work)

▬ Schooling – only for people without or little work experience

▬ Level of language skills (written/spoken/listening)

▬ Other skills (e.g. computer skills, driving licence, interests)

▬ Location, date, signature

Curriculum Vitae: general model

Curriculum Vitae: general model

Europass

▬ European format for a CV

▬ https://europass.cedefop.europa.eu/

▬ Use your searching engine - keyword „europass“

Job Interview in Germany

Job interview – Skype or personal conversation

▬ Arrive in time

▬ Clothes chosen for the occasion

▬ Small talk with the employer

▬ Business part

• Self –presentation (“Tell us about yourself”)

• Professional questions (“Describe your experience with…”)

• Character questions

• Prepare own questions regarding position and company

▬ If on-site: CV and testimonials as hand-outs (2 copies)

▬ If Skype: check technical equipment (headset, mic, connection)

Typical questions from your interview partner

▬ What are your strengths / weaknesses?

▬ How would other people describe yourself?

▬ Why do you want to work for our company / in Germany?

▬ Tell me about your most / least successful project

▬ Do you have any information concerning our company?

Telephone interview

▬ Fix the time

▬ Find a suitable location

▬ Ask prepared questions (also about accommodation)

▬ Your voice is your friend

▬ Smile!

International Placement Services (ZAV)

Thank you for

your attention!!