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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!!