How to Get a Job in Germany Directly From India

Germany is an economic powerhouse in Europe with a wealth of job opportunities across a diverse range of industries. As a result, it is a desired destination for job seekers from all over the world. Sometimes, the process of finding a job in Germany directly from India can be a daunting task, but with the proper research, preparation and strategy, it is possible to get a job in Germany directly from India. 

In this blog post, we’ll outline some proven tips to use for how to apply for jobs in Germany from India:

 1. Understanding the German Job Market

Germany is actively looking for skilled workers in various fields and offers plenty of opportunities for foreigners. However, immigration laws and visa requirements are strictly enforced. So, to secure a job in Germany, you must familiarise yourself with the job market and visa requirements. 

Here are some helpful tips to understand the German Job Market:

• Research the job sectors and identify the areas that are in demand. 
• This will help you find the types of jobs that are available and the qualifications required to secure them.
• It is also significant to research your eligibility and any field-specific visa requirements as they can vary depending on the job areas and your qualifications.

As per deutschland.de Germany has a huge demand for skilled workers in:

• Engineering
• IT
• Finance
• Healthcare
• Marketing
• Education

How to search and apply for jobs in Germany from India:

There are many online job portals and websites that cater to the German job market. You can create a profile on these websites and browse through the available relevant job listings. This will give you a fair idea of the types of jobs that are available and the qualifications it requires. 

Some top places to look job opportunities in Germany for Indians:

A. Make it in Germany

If you are an Indian job seeker who is looking to find work in Germany directly from India, then Make it in Germany has valuable information and resources to help you find a job and pursue your career goals in Germany. It is an official website designed to provide information for foreign professionals willing to find a job in Germany. As a job seeker looking for job opportunities in Germany, this website can be an excellent starting point and could be your guiding star. This website helps you learn about the German job market, visa requirements, and work culture. Based on your skills and qualifications, you can search for job openings in Germany using its in-built job search engine. 

You can also find helpful tips on tailoring your resume and cover letter suitable for the standard German job market, as well as tips on how to prepare for the job interview process. 

B. LinkedIn outreach

LinkedIn could be another great platform to find a job in Germany directly from India. With its advanced searchable functionalities, you can use keywords to look for a job relevant to your skills and in the area of your expertise. 

For example, if you’re a java developer you can search for “Java developer + Berlin”. Use the advanced filterable options to narrow down the search and soon you will have a list of recruiters and German companies hiring in India as well as in your industry. 

Tips to make the most out of your LinkedIn outreach : 

• Reach out to the recruiters in a non-spammy way.
• Use a professional tone in your messaging and personalise the message in your connection request.
• Introduce yourself. Write a few lines about your experience and why you’re reaching out to them. 
• Add resume and cover letter tailored to the specific job post in a standard german format. 
• Don’t hesitate to follow-up. 
• Nurture and widen your LinkedIn network. Check your connections and who they have in their network, to see if any of them could help open some doors for you.

C. More places to apply for jobs in Germany from India

• The Federal Employment Agency website lists out information on a wide range of opportunities and roles for international job seekers. 
• Indeed
• Stepstone 
• Monster 
• Contact recruitment agencies offering job opportunities in Germany for Indians.
• Hire Tech Talent (An excellent reverse-recruitment platform)

These are some ways you can connect to employers and German companies hiring in India.

Watch how to find IT jobs in Germany from India.

Work visa requirements for Germany from India

There are several types of visas available for those who want to work in Germany, including the Job Seeker Visa, which allows you to stay in the country for six months while you search for a job. Watch more about Job Seeker Visa here. 

The timeline for securing a job in Germany can vary from person to person. Working with advisors to organise your search and utilising notice boards and online portals strategically can help you find work within a couple of months.

2. Preparing for the Job Search

Once you’ve done your research and verified your qualifications, it’s time to get started with your job search. Networking for job opportunities is a crucial part of finding a job in any country, with Germany being no exception. Networking for job opportunities in Germany from India will help you make connections with German professionals and businesses who can offer valuable insights about job opportunities, the labour market, and potential job referrals. 

Tips for networking for job opportunities in Germany from India :

• Attend events and job fairs both online and offline that are targeted towards international students and job seekers. 
• You can also join professional associations and online groups related to your job area or field of interest. 
• This will provide you with networking opportunities as well as it will also demonstrate your commitment to your profession.
• Websites like LinkedIn and Xing are popular professional networking platforms in Germany.
• While doing all this, remember that German people tend to be more formal in their business communications. 
• It is important to use proper titles and etiquette when reaching out to potential employers or networking contacts for the higher chances of standing out. 
  

3. Applying for jobs in Germany from India

One of the most important things you can do is tailor your resume and cover letter to the German job market. It’s important to germanise your resume. This may involve making some adjustments to the formatting and content of your documents. Your resume doesn’t actually have to be in a German language but it surely needs to be in the standard format that is familiar to German employers. This is not the same format used in India, Australia, US & Canada, or UK. 

For example, German resumes tend to be more detailed than those used in other countries, including information about your hobbies and interests. 

Resume/CV tips for applying to jobs in Germany from India to better align with German hiring practices:

• Highlight your relevant skills, work experience, education, and language proficiency in a way that follows the German standards and requirements.
• Include a professional photo on your resume, as this is common practice in Germany.
• Your cover letter should also be tailored to the specific job and company you are applying to. 
• It should display your knowledge of the specific company and its values.
• Remember that many German companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) for screening resumes before they reach a recruiter. Therefore, it is highly important to ensure that your resume and application are optimised for ATS.
• To avoid ATS rejections, follow the Europass CV template and German business etiquette when writing your applications and emails.

Purchase 5 Professional Cover Letter templates in editable .docx format designed by me.

4. Finding your way through the job interview process

Once you have applied for jobs and have been shortlisted for an interview, it is advised to prepare thoroughly. This means researching the company and the job position, and practising your interview skills. German employers respect punctuality as well as professionalism, so it is important to make a good impression. 

Interview tips for getting a job in Germany from India:

• Research the company beforehand, you are applying to. Learn about its history, mission, values, and culture. 
• Try to incorporate the company’s values into your responses. This will not only help you answer interview questions but also show your interest and enthusiasm for the job.
• Understand the German work culture. Germans highly value punctuality, directness, and professionalism in the workplace. Dress appropriately and arrive on time for your interview.
• Prepare yourself for common interview questions. Think about your answers beforehand and practice with a friend or family member to refine your responses.
• Highlight your relevant experience, skills and achievements throughout the interview. Use specific examples to demonstrate your accomplishments and how they can benefit the company. 
• Practise your German. A strong command over the German language will surely leave a good impression on the interviewer. 
• After the interview, send a thank-you email to your interviewer. This shows your appreciation for their time and reinforces your interest in the job. If you haven’t heard back from the company after a week, you can follow up with a polite email to inquire about the status of your application.

5. Understanding German Work Culture

To succeed in the German workplace, it’s essential to understand and adapt to the country’s work culture. This includes being punctual, addressing colleagues and supervisors formally, and following workplace customs. 

Gaining proficiency in the German language is crucial in the job search process as it aids better communication and understanding of cultural nuances. Additionally, a number of job opportunities in Germany mandate German language requirements for working in Germany from India. Although it is possible to find English-speaking jobs in Germany, the majority of job opportunities ask for at least a basic understanding of the German language. This is specifically needed if you are looking  to work in sectors such as finance, healthcare, law, or government. 

It is advised that you acquire a basic level of proficiency in German before applying for jobs in Germany. It’s also important to understand that even though fluency in German isn’t always required for every job, it will significantly add +1 to your chances of landing your dream job in Germany from India. 

Tips to  improve your German language skills :

• Taking a language class from a recognised local institute 
• Or an online course
• Hiring a private tutor
• Using language learning apps like Duolingo or Babbel 
• Finding a language exchange partner online where you can practise speaking German with native language speakers

Pro tip: Try to gain at least A2 level of German language skills while you are still in India. When it comes to job search in Germany, knowledge and understanding of the German language is a big advantage.

6. Visa and Immigration Requirements

To work in Germany, obtaining the right visa and work permit is crucial. The type of visa you require is dependent on your qualifications and job role. 

While you’re still looking for a job in Germany, you can opt for The Job Seeker visa. The job seeker visa allows you to come to Germany for 6 months and search for a job.  This visa is not exactly a work permit. So you can’t work full-time on a job seeker visa until you receive a work visa. However, if you are successful in finding a job with a company of your choice, you are allowed to work up to 10 hours per week just as a trial. 

Requirements to apply for a Job Seeker Visa:

• You hold a university degree that is recognised in Germany or is comparable to a university degree in Germany. 
• 5 years of relevant work experience.
• You have sufficient financial resources to aid your stay in the country.
• Along with this, you will also need to show that you have a well-researched plan for your job hunt, including the fields and companies you plan to target.

Why you should apply for a Job Seeker Visa:

• The process of getting a Job Seeker visa is quick and straightforward.
• With a Job Seeker visa, you can search for job opportunities in Germany and attend interviews in person.
• If you receive a job offer, you can apply for an EU Blue Card without leaving Germany.
• Unlike many other immigration visas, a language test is not required for the Job Seeker visa application.
• If you can’t find a visa in the 6 months duration, you have to go back to India and reapply for the same visa, again. You can’t extend it!

Conclusion

To secure a job in Germany from India, you need to research the job market relevant to your skills and expertise. Along with that, learning German will definitely enhance your chances of getting a job in Germany directly from India. Other steps include tailoring your application, networking, applying for a job seeker visa, attending interviews, obtaining a work permit, and planning relocation. By following these steps and keeping the right approach, you can increase your chances of achieving your career goals and building a life in one of the most vibrant and exciting countries in Europe.