Working in the region

Before you start putting together your application, check carefully to make sure your profile fits the job offer – not the other way around. Many applicants start by highlighting their experience and abilities, without relating them to the specific position. However, employers want to know: Is this person suited to the tasks, the team, and the values of the organization?

So read the job offer carefully and consider in concrete terms which of your experiences, skills, and values match the job description – and how you can emphasize this in your covering letter.

Submitting an application in Germany is a formal process. The goal is to make your documents convincing in professional and personal terms. So please make sure that the structure is clear, the spelling correct, and the overall impression serious.

As a rule, a complete application includes the following documents:

• covering letter (letter of motivation)
• curriculum vitae (CV)
• attached documents like certificates, reference letters

The covering letter – short, precise, and convincing

In the covering letter, you explain why you’re interested in the position and what makes you particularly well qualified for it. Touch on the requirements stated in the advertisement and make reference to the organization. Try to keep the length of your letter to one A4 page.

The curriculum vitae – well-structured and up to date

A curriculum vitae in Germany is usually structured in tabular form and begins with the latest stages of your professional development. List your work experience, training and continuing education, and additional qualifications. The relevant content for the position should be easy to find. Unnecessary or outdated information can be left out.

Tips:

• Your curriculum vitae should be clearly organized, objective, and easy to read.
• Make sure the information you provide can be verified.
• Keep your curriculum vitae up to date and adjust it to match the particular job profile.

Attachments – qualifications and certificates

Include evidence to support the information in your curriculum vitae:

• certificates and diplomas (school, vocational training, university, further training)
• reference letters or certificates of completion from internships
• For certificates earned abroad, we recommend including certified translations into German. If the certificates have already been recognized in Germany, the employer should be notified of the result.

If your application is convincing, you might be invited to take further steps. Depending on the employer and the position, this can include the following:

• interview: The goal is to meet you in person and determine your suitability for the position.
• assessment centre: customary primarily in the case of leadership positions; includes group tasks, presentations, and role playing.

Tip: Make sure to be well-informed about the company before the interview and prepare for typical questions. Decent clothing, a concrete reference to your qualifications, and a friendly appearance make a good impression. At the end of the meeting, you will usually have the opportunity to ask your own questions.

After the selection process, you will receive a job offer or a rejection letter. In the case of an offer, the company will send you an employment contract. Check the conditions carefully. If you are in agreement with them, sign the contract and send it back.

If you are new in Freiburg or in the Upper Rhine region, various consultation and support services are available to you – from orientation concerning the job market and advice on preparing applications to issues concerning your arrival. Read the next section for tips and contact information.