Applying for jobs in Germany: documents, recognition, process

Applying for jobs in Germany comes with its own conventions: a tabular CV, employment references, recognised qualifications. Here is how to prepare your documents.

MTR Consulting editorial team Updated Reading time: 4 min

Application documents

  • CV: tabular, usually one to two pages, most recent position first
  • Cover letter: short and specific – why this job, why you
  • Certificates: qualifications and, if available, references from previous employers
  • Proof: language certificates, further training

A photo is not required. Many companies accept applications by e-mail or via an online portal.

Translations and recognition

Certificates in other languages should be enclosed with a translation. For regulated professions – such as medicine, nursing or teaching – recognition of the foreign qualification is a prerequisite. The Recognition Finder on anerkennung-in-deutschland.de shows which office is responsible. For certified translations we recommend our partner company MTR Sprachendienst.

Finding jobs

  • Job exchange of the Federal Employment Agency
  • career pages of companies in Leipzig and the region
  • professional networks and recommendations

The job interview

Prepare for questions about your career, your strengths and your motivation. Punctuality and a clear, factual presentation count. At the end, ask your own questions – for example about onboarding or the team.

How we support you

We help with the job search, preparing application documents and getting ready for interviews – in your language if you wish.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need recognised qualifications for every job?

No. Recognition is mandatory for regulated professions. For other professions an assessment – such as the ZAB statement of comparability for university degrees – can still be helpful.

Does the cover letter have to be in German?

That depends on the job. For positions where German is the working language, the application should be in German; international teams often accept English.

Do you also help with translating my certificates?

For translations we work with our partner company MTR Sprachendienst.

Sources

This guide gives a general overview and is not legal or tax advice. Rules and fees can change – the information from the responsible authority is what counts.

Book a consultation

Contact us for a non-binding consultation – we look forward to accompanying you on your next steps.