Finding a job in Germany from abroad

For a visa application, it has a positive effect on your credibility if you can present a job offer or an expression of interest from a German employer. (An expression of interest confirms interest in employing you after you receive your professional license, without being a final job offer). Even if you still are in the process of applying, it is a good idea to document your correspondences with potential German employers (e.g. printouts of relevant email histories) and to attach them to your visa application. Even if you do not receive positive replies, your inquiries with potential employers document your effort to find a job on your own.

Step 1

Prepare your application documents. You should compose them in German. Make sure that your documents are clearly structured and do not have any spelling mistakes. If your German language skills are not sufficient, you can ask friends or a translator to help you. The documents include:

  • Cover letter (explain why you are interested in the position and briefly state your experience and qualifications).
  • CV (see earlier on this page for hints and helpful information)
  • Attachments (translated university diploma and language certificates, if available; good quality scans without advertisement along the edges

 

Step 2

Look for advertised positions on online platforms or on clinic or practice websites that are particularly interesting for your career plans (e.g. due to specialist or research areas). You can also send an unsolicited application to employers who are particularly interesting to you if you cannot find any vacancies there.

In Germany, there is a shortage of skilled workers, especially in rural areas. Finding an employer interested in you is much more likely there than finding a job in a university hospital in a large city.

Below you will find a selection of general online platforms for job search:

Please note that you should only apply for a job in the German federal state in which you applied for or will apply for your professional license!

 

Step 3

Once you have found suitable jobs send your application to human resources by email or if requested upload your application to the website's job portal.

Do not wait for a response to your first application but rather apply for several jobs at the same time.

 

Step 4

If an employer is interested in you they will contact you and invite you for a job interview by phone or video call.