Work in Germany: a ready-made guide.

Let’s start with the good news: since March 2020, the law on labor migration has come into force in Germany, which cancels the previous one “on composing competition for local specialists”. What does it mean? When looking for an employee, the employer should not give preference to a local specialist, emigrants have the same opportunities. In addition, if previously only people with higher education could stay in Germany for six months in order to find a job, now also everyone with a diploma from a secondary educational institution. But the diploma must be recognized in Germany. You will also need to pass a language exam at least level B1.

And here are examples of average salaries (after taxes):

• Construction — €2100-€3100
• Electrician, welder, locksmith — €3000-€4000
• Engineers — €4100-€5600
• Medical specialists — €4000-€8000
• Work in logistics — €2000-€3000
• IT specialists — €4000-€5000
• Catering — €2000-€3300
• Finance and Accounting — €3000-€4000
• Education and pedagogy — €3300-€4500

What is necessary?

Language
According to the requirements of the updated law on labor migration, a candidate must speak German at least B1 — the language is not required for online search. Of course, you can find a job for which English will be enough, however, the language will be needed in any case — to obtain a residence permit and for a comfortable stay in the country.

Recognition of qualifications
In Germany, all professions are divided into three groups: unskilled (cleaners, janitors), qualified (diploma of secondary special education — at least 2 years of study), highly qualified (higher education). Most diplomas need to be confirmed (compliance with the standards of education in Germany), but some specialties do not need this (for example, IT specialists) – they are called unregulated. So, the German Government has created a convenient and useful service for foreign specialists that will help determine the level of qualification and tell all the details of the process of its recognition in each specific situation. But remember that the recognition of qualifications in Germany takes at least 1-2 months.

CV
A couple of sentences with an attached CV file — such a letter won’t even be considered. It is necessary to compile a “biography” with basic information about work experience, education, hobbies. A photo is also important, but not a strict passport photo, but your high-quality image with a smile. Next, we write a letter, in it we write where and when you found the job ad, why you are applying for it and why you need this job at all. And finally, a CV file — Germans really appreciate when this document is drawn up unconventionally and in an original way. 

Total three main points:

• biography
• explanatory letter
• CV.

What else?

Then there are formal documents: diplomas, certificates, letters of recommendation from previous employers, portfolios. And also a school certificate — in Germany it is important how the candidate studied as a child. The diploma and certificate must be translated into German and notarized.
Another tip: print out all of the above papers and send them not only by e-mail, but also by regular mail. This is how a serious approach to business looks in Germany. 

Where to look?

• Official government sources. For example, the labor exchange, Federal Employment Service
• Specialized websites and job databases
• Direct appeals

If we take the Germans themselves as an example, there are no secrets or life hacks “for locals”: 70% of people are looking for work on exchanges and databases with vacancies, 35% write letters directly, and only about 20% are looking for work “by acquaintance”.

Finding a job in Germany with the new laws has become much easier. So you only need perseverance and patience.